The Model S is the most expensive electric sedan by Tesla, and it competes with the BMW iX and Mercedes EQS in terms of range and speed. While the Model S is ideal for those who like their ride to be comfortable and don't want to sweat about charging too often, it comes at a premium price tag. Before purchasing the Model S, it is worth understanding the average cost of charging the EV.

Tesla currently lists the regular Model S at $99,900. The dual-motor EV offers seating space for up to five people, has a top speed of 155 mph, and can reach 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds. For those who want a faster ride, the Model S Plaid is available at $135,990. The tri-motor vehicle can achieve a top speed of 200 mph and accelerates from 0-60 mph in less than two seconds. In terms of distance, both EVs are equipped with the same battery and offer a similar range.

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Before focusing on the average cost of charging a Tesla Model S or Model S Plaid, it is important to understand the difference between residential charging setups and Tesla's Superchargers. Plugging a Tesla Model S into a mobile connector or a wall connector is more economical as the average residential electricity rate in the United States is 13.72 cents per kilowatt-hour (via the EIA). However, EV batteries have to convert the alternating current and lose energy in the process, bringing down the battery efficiency to between 80 to 90 percent. In contrast, charging a Tesla Model S at a Supercharger is slightly more expensive, but incredibly fast.

Average Cost Of Charging A Model S

Tesla Supercharger

The standard Tesla Model S comes with a 100 kWh battery that offers an estimated range of 405 miles. Charging the EV via a residential charger would cost $15.8 on average, resulting in a per-mile cost of around four cents. The figures are an estimated cost of a complete charge, from 0-100 percent at an assumed battery efficiency of 85 percent. When charging at Superchargers, one might have to pay around $25 for a complete charge, assuming a battery efficiency of 95 percent. Accordingly, the average cost per mile comes out to be $0.06. While these numbers will give a fair idea of what it costs to charge a Model S, the actual cost could be higher than this.

Although the Tesla Model S Plaid has a similar battery as the standard Model S, it covers a slightly lesser distance on a complete charge - about 396 miles. Based on this, owners will spend anywhere above $16 at a residential power setup. Accordingly, the average cost per mile comes out to be at least $0.04. Likewise, plugging the EV in a Supercharger is also likely to cost around $25, which translates to an average per-mile cost of $0.06. It is worth mentioning that weather conditions, battery percentage, and the median driving speed can also affect the average price of charging a Tesla Model S or Model S Plaid.

Next: Here's How Much It Costs To Charge A Tesla Model 3

Source: EIA, Tesla