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

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If you’re shopping for a new car, at first glance, a Tesla, an electric car, versus a Nissan Armada, a full-size SUV, might sound like they’re on opposite extremes of the spectrum for fuel efficiency.

But how do the numbers really stack up for monthly costs to charge a Tesla versus using gas for a Nissan Armada? The answer depends on several factors.

The Tesla Model 

It costs anywhere from $12 to $43 to fully charge a Tesla at home, according to EnergySage, which works out to 4 to 13 cents per mile — significantly less than the 10 to 27 cents per mile you’d spend fueling a comparable gas vehicle.

However, at 40 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), public charging costs more than at-home charging — but remains competitive with gas prices. For comparison, a Tesla Model 3 cost 4.4 cents per mile, a Model S Plaid cost 6.1 cents per mile, and a Cybertruck AWD cost 13.3 cents per mile. 

How Often You Drive and When

Driving a Tesla during off-peak hours can save you even more, and if you’re not driving long and far distances, the flexibility of being able to charge at home compounds the financial benefits. Meanwhile, an hour-long, gas-fueled daily commute in a Nissan Armada quickly adds up. 

Cost of Gas in Your Area

How much does gas cost wherever you are in the country? Calculate the cost per mile of gas in your area or state. For instance, California sees the highest average gas prices in the country at $4.85 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Mississippi sees the lowest prices at $2.69. The U.S. average is $3.17. 

Initial Cost of Purchase 

Consider how long you plan to keep the car as the initial cost of purchasing an electric vehicle is typically higher, but the generally lower costs of charging an EV can mean a more financially sound choice in the long run.

A new, 2026 Nissan Armada starts at $58,840 while a comparable Tesla Model X starts at $99,990. 

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