Tesla · 2024
Estimated cost to charge a Tesla Model 3 RWD
The Tesla Model 3 RWD uses 13.8 kWh per 100 km in the official lab test, with a lab range of 520 km. That puts its estimated home charging cost between $0.62 and $5.73 per 100 km depending on your state and tariff.
Estimates only, based on the assumptions shown. Your actual cost will differ. Prices last reviewed: 11 October 2026.
Estimated cost by state
Estimated yearly cost uses an example of 250 km a week with 80% off-peak, 10% standard rate and 10% public DC.
| State | Estimated cost per 100 km, off-peak | Estimated cost per 100 km, standard | Estimated yearly cost | Estimated cost saved vs petrol, per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | est. $0.62 (4.5c) | est. $3.76 (27.24c) | est. $239 | est. $2,052 |
| New South Wales | est. $0.62 (4.5c) | est. $4.57 (33.13c) | est. $250 | est. $2,061 |
| Queensland | est. $0.62 (4.5c) | est. $3.85 (27.9c) | est. $240 | est. $2,072 |
| South Australia | est. $0.62 (4.5c) | est. $5.73 (41.5c) | est. $265 | est. $2,006 |
| Western Australia | est. $1.22 (8.852c) | est. $4.59 (33.2621c) | est. $312 | est. $1,958 |
| Tasmania | est. $2.35 (17.02c) | est. $3.97 (28.8c) | est. $422 | est. $1,957 |
| Australian Capital Territory | est. $2.43 (17.6c) | est. $4.43 (32.1c) | est. $436 | est. $1,952 |
| Northern Territory | est. $3.56 (25.8294c) | est. $4.37 (31.6788c) | est. $553 | est. $1,838 |
Work out your own estimate
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Head to head: estimated running cost
Estimated energy cost only, at 250 km a week (≈ 13,000 km a year)
Estimates, not actual costs. EV: Tesla Model 3 RWD official lab figure; charging 80% home off-peak, 10% home standard rate, 10% public DC fast (average 13.3c/kWh). Petrol: 7.5 L/100 km (your figure), at $2.35/L (Melbourne ULP weekly average, Australian Institute of Petroleum). Lab figures are usually lower than real-world use. Fuel and electricity only: excludes servicing, rego, insurance and supply charges.
Estimates only, based on the assumptions shown. Your actual cost will differ.
Estimated yearly cost if 100% charged at home off-peak: $81 (estimated cost saved $158 a year).
Petrol would only be cheaper if your average charging rate went above an estimated 128c/kWh.
Estimated cost breakdown
Estimated yearly charging cost by source · average 13.3c/kWh
Estimated cost: EV vs petrol
Estimated yearly cost · petrol car 7.5 L/100 km at $2.35/L
Estimated yearly cost if your off-peak rate changes
Home off-peak rate from 0 to 50c/kWh, everything else unchanged
Assumptions and disclaimer
- Vehicle energy use: Tesla Model 3 RWD, 13.8 kWh/100 km (Green Vehicle Guide (Australian Government), official lab test). Lab figures are measured at the wall, so charging losses are included.
- Electricity: home off-peak 4.5c, standard 27.24c, solar 3c, public AC 40c, public DC 70c per kWh.
- Petrol: 7.5 L/100 km at $2.35/L (Melbourne ULP weekly average, Australian Institute of Petroleum).
All figures are estimates, not quotes or actual costs. They exclude supply charges, membership or idle fees, and discounts. Your actual cost will depend on your electricity plan, when and where you charge, your driving, the weather and your vehicle. Prices change, so check them with your retailer or charging network before you decide. This is general information only, not financial advice. Prices last reviewed: 11 October 2026. Methodology & sources · Disclaimer
Plans with a cheap EV or off-peak window can cut your estimated charging cost a lot. Compare plans for your address.
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Specs used
- Energy use
- 13.8 kWh/100 km
- Lab range
- 520 km
- Battery
- Not yet verified
Source: Green Vehicle Guide (Australian Government), official lab test, accessed 2026-10-11. Lab test figure from the Green Vehicle Guide (ADR 81/02). Real-world use is often higher, especially at highway speeds and in cold weather.
Compare with similar cars
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD, 18" wheels 12.5 kWh/100 km
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD 16.7 kWh/100 km
- Tesla Model 3 Performance 16.5 kWh/100 km
- Tesla Model Y (2025) 15.9 kWh/100 km
- Tesla Model Y AWD 15.8 kWh/100 km
- Tesla Model Y Performance 16.2 kWh/100 km
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model 3 at home?
Using its official 13.8 kWh/100 km figure, the estimated cost is $0.62 per 100 km on Victoria's cheapest home window we list (4.5c/kWh) and up to an estimated $5.73 per 100 km on South Australia's average standard rate (41.5c/kWh).
How does that compare with petrol?
A petrol car using 7.5 L/100 km has an estimated fuel cost of $17.63 per 100 km at Melbourne's latest weekly average. At Melbourne example rates and 250 km a week, the estimated cost saved by this EV is about $2,052 a year with mostly off-peak home charging.
Is the official efficiency figure realistic?
Lab test figure from the Green Vehicle Guide (ADR 81/02). Real-world use is often higher, especially at highway speeds and in cold weather. You can add a real-world adjustment in the calculator.