Here’s What It Costs To Charge a Tesla Monthly vs. Using Gas for a Jeep Wrangler

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Electric vehicles promise lower fueling costs, but how do they actually stack up against gas-powered SUVs? A Tesla’s monthly charging bill can look very different from what it costs to keep a Jeep Wrangler fueled.

Comparing the two side by side shows just how much drivers could save — or spend — depending on the choice.

Monthly Electric Charge for a Tesla

The cost to fully charge a Tesla vehicle at home depends on which state you live in and which Tesla model you own. An average cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour in the U.S. is around 17.22 cents, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. There are some states, such as Massachusetts, Hawaii and California, that have higher electric rates and others that have lower ones. 

Other factors that need to be considered are driving habits, whether the air conditioner or the heated seats will be used and the climate, terrain, and type of roads the Tesla will be driven on, per SolarReviews. Colder climates will cause problems for the Tesla’s battery to be able to hold a full charge, and uphill driving and stop-and-go traffic will have a faster drain on the battery. All of these factors will cause the Tesla to need to be charged more often. 

Also, Tesla models have different size batteries and therefore will cost differently when fully charged. One of Tesla’s most popular models, Tesla Y, averages $10.98 for a full charge at home with a standard small 75 kWh battery, according to SolarReviews. Tesla’s Cybertruck will average $18 for a full charge at home with a standard larger 123 kWh battery. 

A monthly charge at home for a Tesla vehicle depending on the model will run between $39 and $57. The Cybertruck monthly charge is a little higher in cost ranging from $65 to $73. 

Monthly Fuel Cost for a Jeep Wrangler

The cost of fuel for the Wrangler for one month will depend on which state you live in, the fuel cost per state and your driving habits. Regular unleaded fuel costs are different in each state. 

According to the most recent data from the Federal Highway Administration, the average mileage for U.S. drivers is 13,476, which is 1,123 miles per month. 

As of Sept. 8, the national average gas price is around $3.20, according to AAA. At that price, if you drove 1,000 miles per month the total cost would be around $312.50, but could be a different amount depending on how much you drove a month and the terrain. For 1,500 miles per month the total cost would be about $468.75, depending on how many miles driven and the terrain.

Tesla vs. Jeep Wrangler: Which Is Cheaper to Drive? 

Overall, the battery-powered Tesla is cheaper to drive than the Jeep Wrangler. The monthly costs to charge a Tesla will range from $39 to $73, while the fuel for a Jeep Wrangler will range between $175 and $375.

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