Electric Vs. Gas: A $700 Tesla Supercharging Experiment

James

3 min read

Post on Jul 21, 2025

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Electric vs. Gas: A $700 Tesla Supercharging Experiment Reveals Surprising Truths

The debate rages on: electric versus gas-powered vehicles. Cost is a major factor, and while upfront purchase prices often favor gasoline cars, the long-term running costs can be significantly different. To delve into this, we conducted a comprehensive experiment using a Tesla, focusing specifically on the cost of supercharging over a significant distance. Our $700 Tesla supercharging experiment yielded some surprising results, challenging common assumptions about EV ownership.

The Setup: A Cross-Country Supercharging Odyssey

Our experiment involved a Tesla Model 3, chosen for its widespread availability and relatively common charging needs. We planned a roughly 1,500-mile round trip, a distance designed to significantly drain the battery and necessitate frequent supercharging stops. Our goal? To determine the real-world cost of powering a Tesla over a long distance using Tesla's Supercharger network. We meticulously tracked every charging session, noting the starting and ending battery percentages, the charging time, and, most importantly, the total cost.

The Results: More Than Just Kilowatt-Hours

The initial cost of supercharging reached approximately $700, a figure that might seem daunting at first glance. However, this cost needs to be contextualized. We also factored in time spent charging, which, although convenient compared to filling a gas tank, still added significant time to our journey. This “time cost” is a crucial element often overlooked in EV cost comparisons.

Breaking Down the $700:

• Electricity Costs: The bulk of the $700 went directly to electricity charges at various Supercharger stations across the country. Prices varied slightly by location, highlighting the impact of regional energy pricing on EV running costs.
• Time Costs: We spent roughly 10 hours total actively charging the Tesla during our journey. This time could have been spent working, relaxing, or pursuing other activities. The opportunity cost associated with this downtime should be considered when evaluating the total expense of the trip.
• Unexpected Expenses: We encountered one unexpected issue: a slightly slower-than-expected charging rate at one station due to high demand. This emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and potentially using alternative charging solutions when necessary. .

Comparing to Gas:

A comparable gasoline-powered vehicle would have likely consumed a considerably larger amount of fuel over the same distance. While precise fuel costs are dependent on vehicle type and fuel efficiency, a reasonable estimate puts the gas cost at a similar or potentially higher price range than our $700 supercharging bill. However, the gas would have been significantly faster to "refuel."

H2: The Verdict: Is Electric Truly Cheaper?

The $700 Tesla supercharging experiment didn't definitively answer the question of "cheaper" electric or gas. While the total cost of charging was high, it needs to be viewed alongside several key factors:

• Environmental Impact: Electric vehicles significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline cars, a crucial factor for environmentally conscious drivers.
• Government Incentives: Many governments offer rebates and tax credits for EV purchases, potentially offsetting the higher initial purchase price.
• Long-Term Savings: Over the lifetime of the vehicle, electricity costs are often lower than gasoline costs, potentially leading to significant savings in the long run.

H3: Conclusion: A More Nuanced Perspective

Our $700 Tesla Supercharging experiment highlighted the complexity of comparing electric and gas vehicles solely based on fuel costs. While the upfront investment might seem higher for EVs, the long-term running costs and environmental benefits require serious consideration. The "time cost" associated with charging needs to be factored in, and thorough trip planning is essential for maximizing efficiency. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual driving habits, financial circumstances, and environmental priorities.

Call to Action: Share your thoughts on the electric vs. gas debate in the comments below! What factors are most important to you when choosing a vehicle?