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Is a Tesla Supercharger Subscription Worth It for Your Non-Tesla EV?

Is a Tesla Supercharger Subscription Worth It for Your Non-Tesla EV?
Photo by Andreas Rasmussen / Unsplash

Hey there, fellow EV enthusiasts! As Tesla opens up its Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs, you might be wondering whether it's worth subscribing to their $12.99 per month plan to avoid the 30% premium on charging costs. Well, wonder no more! We've created an interactive calculator to help you determine your break-even point based on your EV's specific stats and your expected monthly miles driven.

< EV Charging Usage Calculator

EV Charging Usage Calculator

Select your vehicle type or manually adjust the sliders to match your EV's specs.





 

Note: The average cost varies between $0.25 - $0.50 per kWh.



Note: We assume here that you charge your EV battery from 20 % to 80%

How to Use the Calculator:

  1. Select your vehicle type from the dropdown menu or manually adjust the sliders to match your EV's battery capacity and range per full charge.
  2. Input the average Tesla Supercharger cost per kWh in your area (note that the average cost varies between $0.25 - $0.50 per kWh).
  3. Estimate the number of times you expect to charge your EV per month using Superchargers, assuming you charge your battery from 20% to 80% each time.
  4. Click "Calculate" and voila! You'll know whether the subscription makes sense for you.

Example Calculation:

Let's try an example using the popular Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD with a standard-range 72 kWh battery and a range of 250 miles. According to an article by John Voelcker, the average Tesla Supercharger cost in the United States is around $0.25-0.5/kWh (say 0.375 $/kWh). Plugging these values into the calculator, along with an estimated 5 charging sessions per month, we find that the break-even point is approximately 4 charging sessions per month. Since our estimate of 5 charging sessions exceeds this threshold, the subscription would be the more cost-effective choice in this scenario.

Understanding the Calculator:

The calculator uses a simple mathematical expression to determine the break-even point:

(Subscription Cost + (Charging Sessions × Subscription Cost per Session)) ≤ (Charging Sessions × Premium Cost per Session)

The subscription cost is fixed at $12.99 per month, while the subscription cost per session and premium cost per session are calculated using your EV's specific stats and the average Supercharger cost in your area.

Subscription Cost per Session = (Average Supercharger Cost/kWh × Battery Capacity × 0.6)
Premium Cost per Session = (Average Supercharger Cost/kWh × 1.3 × Battery Capacity × 0.6)

Making an Informed Decision:

As more non-Tesla EVs gain access to the Supercharger network, this interactive calculator can be an invaluable tool in helping you make an informed decision about whether to subscribe or pay the premium. Whether you're a garage orphan who depends on public charging or someone planning a road trip and anticipating the need for Superchargers, simply select your EV type or input your EV's stats, estimate your monthly charging sessions, and let the calculator do the rest!

Keep in mind that your break-even point may vary depending on factors such as your location, driving habits, and the ever-evolving landscape of EV charging costs. Nonetheless, this calculator provides a solid foundation for understanding how the Tesla Supercharger subscription might impact your wallet.

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to our interactive calculator and find out if the Tesla Supercharger subscription is right for you. Happy charging, and may the savings be with you!

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