Charging a Tesla Model Y still costs far less than fueling a Silverado in 2025

Charging a Tesla vs. fueling a Silverado

Charging a Tesla Model Y Long Range costs significantly less per mile than filling a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 truck with gasoline. The immediate comparison of energy costs shows that an electric vehicle owner saves money compared to a gasoline vehicle owner.

The national average residential electricity rate in the United States was approximately 16.07 cents per kilowatt-hour in October 2025, confirmed by national energy data. In the same month, the national average price for one gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the United States was approximately $3.07.

Annual energy cost comparison

The yearly cost for the electricity needed to charge a Tesla Model Y is significantly lower than the annual cost of gasoline for a Silverado truck. Electric vehicle owners who charge their vehicles mostly at home can spend an estimated $500 to $800 annually on electricity for driving, based on the typical average annual mileage.

Gasoline vehicle owners driving a comparable number of miles spend more on fuel, with estimated annual costs ranging from $2,000 to $2,220 for the truck. This data shows a yearly energy savings of between $1,200 and $1,720 for the electric vehicle owner over the gasoline vehicle owner.

Energy efficiency difference (MPGe vs. MPG)

A Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive model has an estimated energy efficiency rating of 125 MPGe for city driving, as rated by the Environmental Protection Agency. The MPGe unit stands for miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent, showing the electric vehicle’s high efficiency.

In contrast, a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 truck with the 2.7-liter TurboMax engine and two-wheel drive has an estimated city rating of only 18 MPG. This energy efficiency difference means the Tesla can travel much farther on the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline.

Cost of home charging

Most electric vehicle charging occurs at home, where electricity rates are typically the lowest for EV owners. The national average residential electricity rate in the United States was 16.07 cents per kilowatt-hour as of October 2025, which is an increase from the previous year.

Using this national average rate, a full charge for a Tesla Model Y, with an estimated battery pack size of 75 to 82 kWh, would cost approximately $12.05 to $13.19. This low home charging cost offers the most cost-effective cost per mile for the electric vehicle’s driving range.

Cost of public charging (supercharger)

When a Tesla owner uses a public fast charger, such as a Supercharger, the cost per kilowatt-hour is higher than the cost of electricity at home. Public DC fast-charging prices vary by network, state, and time of day and are generally higher than home electricity rates; always check the station’s posted price in the app before charging.

This public charging rate is still lower than the energy cost equivalent of fueling the Silverado at the average gasoline price of $3.07 per gallon. Even at the public charging rate, Tesla still maintains a cost-per-mile advantage for its energy use.

Long-term maintenance savings

Electric vehicles, such as the Tesla Model Y, have fewer mechanical parts than gasoline-powered trucks, resulting in lower long-term maintenance costs. Over a 15-year ownership period and 180,000 driven miles, electric vehicle owners spend an estimated $5,400 on total maintenance and repairs.

Owners of gasoline vehicles, such as the Silverado, spend almost double that amount on maintenance over the same period, with estimated costs totaling $10,800. This difference results in a total maintenance savings of $5,400 for the electric car driver over the full 15 years.

Savings from oil changes and brake wear

The maintenance cost difference is mainly due to the electric vehicle not needing engine oil changes, which are required for the Silverado truck. The total number of oil changes avoided over 15 years for a Tesla driving 180,000 miles is around 30.

Tesla vehicles utilize regenerative braking, which uses the motor to slow the car, causing traditional brake pads and rotors to wear down much more slowly. This regenerative braking system reduces the frequency and cost of brake replacement, with the pads lasting over 100,000 miles.

Tax credits and purchase incentives

New clean vehicles, including specific Tesla models, were eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 in the United States. This credit was designed to make electric vehicles more competitive with gasoline vehicles in terms of initial purchase price.

The federal tax credit could be transferred to the dealership, which allowed the consumer to receive the full $7,500 benefit immediately as a discount at the point of sale. To qualify for the credit, a truck or van, such as the electric Silverado EV, had to have a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of less than $80,000.

Range and driving capability

The 2025 Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive has an estimated driving range of 526 kilometers on a full charge, which is approximately 327 miles according to the official EPA estimate. This range is sufficient for the majority of daily driving and commuting activities.

A 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a 24-gallon fuel tank and a combined city/highway rating of 19 MPG can travel an estimated 456 miles on a single full tank of gasoline. This data shows the gasoline truck offers a longer distance capability of 129 miles between stops.

State-to-state electricity cost variation

The residential electricity rates that determine the cost of charging a Tesla vary significantly across different states in the US. In 2025, Hawaii averaged 41.6¢/kWh (the highest) and North Dakota approximately 11.5¢/kWh (among the lowest), illustrating significant swings in savings by state.

In contrast, North Dakota residents enjoy the lowest average residential electricity rate in the US, paying only 11.69 cents per kilowatt-hour. The 30.58-cent difference per kilowatt-hour between the highest and lowest states directly impacts the savings an EV owner will experience.

Gasoline price fluctuation

Gasoline prices are subject to significant and fast changes, which directly impact the fueling cost of a Silverado truck. The national average price for one gallon of regular unleaded gasoline reached a peak of $4.11 in July 2008, setting a high benchmark for fuel expense.

More recently, the national average price of gasoline was about $3.06 to $3.07 per gallon in October 2025. This indicates that the price of gas has decreased by $1.04 from its 2008 peak, but it remains a cost that fluctuates widely in response to global events.

Historical electricity price increase

The average cost of residential electricity in the US has increased over a period of 15 years, affecting the cost of charging a Tesla. In 2010, the US average residential electricity price was a significantly lower 11.5 cents per kilowatt-hour.

By August 2025, the US average residential electricity price had risen to 17.62 cents per kilowatt-hour, representing a 6.1% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. This specific monthly increase in the national average indicates that the cost of charging a Tesla is also rising over time.

Time to refuel vs. recharge

Filling a Chevrolet Silverado’s 24-gallon fuel tank with gasoline typically takes less than five minutes at a gas station. This speed offers a significant operational advantage for gasoline vehicle owners, particularly for drivers embarking on extended road trips.

Using a Tesla Supercharger to add about 200 miles of driving range can take as little as 15 minutes, which is three times longer than a gasoline stop. However, over 80% of all electric charging typically happens at home overnight while the owner is inactive.

Battery replacement and lifespan

The high-voltage battery pack in a Tesla Model Y Long Range is covered by a warranty of eight years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. This manufacturer’s coverage protects the owner from unexpected early battery failures.

Actual battery life varies depending on usage, climate, and fast-charging; Tesla provides 8-year/120,000-mile battery coverage on the Model Y LR, along with capacity retention terms. However, factors such as frequent use of DC fast charging and exposure to high temperatures can accelerate degradation by an average of 1.8% per year.

Infrastructure growth

The number of public charging ports for electric vehicles across the United States has increased significantly, although they are still fewer in number than the number of gasoline stations. As of 2025, the U.S. had approximately 219,000 public charging ports (Level 2 and DC fast), with the total number continuing to grow.

Of these total public ports, around 49,916 are DC fast chargers, which are the fastest Level 3 type chargers for quick stops. The remaining 145,446 ports are the slower Level 2 (AC) chargers, accounting for approximately 74% of the total public charging infrastructure.

Want to make every drop of gas count in your hybrid? Check out how to improve fuel efficiency in hybrid cars.

Environmental impact fact

The shift from the gasoline-powered Silverado to the electric Tesla Model Y eliminates the consumption of engine oil and other petroleum products. The United States consumed over 20.3 million barrels per day of liquid fuels, including gasoline and diesel, in 2023.

Forecasts for 2025 indicate that the United States is expected to consume approximately 20.5 million barrels per day of liquid fuels. This immense consumption level indicates the significant reduction in petroleum products that electric vehicles help achieve over time.

Heard mixed opinions about cleaning your injectors? See what the experts really say in what mechanics say about using fuel injector cleaner.

Surprised by the cost gap? Share your thoughts below.

Read More From This Brand:

• Ford recalls 850,000 vehicles over fuel pump defect
• Carmakers just dodged years of penalties over fuel economy rules
• Tips to maximize fuel efficiency and save money while driving

Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN

If you liked this story, you’ll LOVE our FREE emails. Join today and be the first to get stories like this one

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.