Charge your 2024 Tesla Model Y during off-peak hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. to get the lowest cost. Many time-of-use plans charge 40% less at night than during peak times from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Model Y Long Range battery stores about 75 kWh. Your cost depends on your utility rates. Take these common time-of-use prices as examples: peak at $0.24 per kWh, mid-peak at $0.19, and off-peak at $0.13.
A full charge from 0% to 100% uses 75 kWh. At peak rates, that costs 75 x $0.24 = $18. Off-peak, it costs 75 x $0.13 = $10.
A typical daily charge from 20% to 80% uses about 45 kWh. Peak cost: 45 x $0.24 = $10.80. Off-peak: 45 x $0.13 = $5.85.
Some utilities offer super off-peak rates from midnight to 5 a.m., sometimes as low as $0 to $0.10 per kWh. These plans save hundreds of dollars a year on home charging. Check your utility for exact times and prices.
| Time period | Typical hours | Sample rate | Example cost (75 kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. | $0.24/kWh | $18 |
| Mid-peak | Varies | $0.19/kWh | $14 |
| Off-peak | 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. | $0.13/kWh | $10 |
| Super off-peak | Midnight to 5 a.m. | $0.00 to $0.10/kWh | $0 to $8 |
Follow these tips to save even more:
- Check your utility bill or website for exact time-of-use hours and rates.
- Switch to an EV or time-of-use plan if available.
- In the Tesla app, set Scheduled Charging to start after off-peak begins, such as at midnight.
- Charge to 80% daily. Bump it higher only for long trips.
- If you have solar panels, charge from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to use cheap or extra solar power.
- Skip home charging during peak hours.
- Limit DC fast charging to when you must use it.
- Precondition your cabin and battery while plugged in during off-peak to save power.
Sidekick checks your local rates and suggests the cheapest times to charge at home or with solar.