Tesla has been churning out electric vehicles since 2012, and remains one of the most desired electric vehicle choices amongst consumers. While the Model S isn’t cheap—the base model starts at $99,900—this stylish electric roadster and its combination of speed, power, and luxury continues to get tongues wagging.
These range figures leave the Model S near the top of the EV range class—just the new Mercedes EQS (485 miles) and the Mercedes EQE (410 miles) best Tesla in this department. The average U.S. commute is just 16 miles—meaning in theory, you could go nearly a month before recharging your Model S if your daily drives are average in length.
Here’s the breakdown of the range of a Tesla Model S:
2022 Tesla Model S charging time and fuel economy
Range isn’t the only consideration when thinking about buying a Model S—you’re likely wondering how long it takes to charge a Model S. There are plenty of options to juice up your Tesla, though how long it takes will depend on the charging method you choose.
You can charge your Tesla Model S with a standard 120v outlet at home, but you’ll be waiting a while before your speed demon is fully juiced up and ready to go—20 to 40 hours, in fact. With a Level 2 charger—either a third party charger, a Tesla home charger, or a Tesla charger, you’ll be able to charge up your Model S in 8 to 12 hours, perfect for overnight. If you can get access to a Level 3 DCFC (Tesla Supercharger), you’ll be able to charge up a Model S in between 15 to 25 minutes.
In terms of fuel economy, the Model S is a beast—the base trim sports a fuel economy of 120 MPGe combined, while the Plaid boasts fuel economy of 101 MPGe combined. These figures exceed any other gas vehicle on the road today, and are close to the top in terms of electric vehicles.
How does the Tesla Model S compare to its competitors?
In many eyes, Tesla remains the king of electric vehicles, even if it doesn’t top every performance-related metric. Here’s how it compares to other popular EVs on the market, from least- to most-expensive:
So, if you need a budget-friendly electric vehicle with great range, you might consider the 2022Kia EV6, which offers 310 miles of range and is priced at $42,155—significantly less than a Tesla Model S. Of course, if money is less of an concern, the Model S will be a very satisfying buy. Both the Tesla Model S and Mercedes EQS are firmly in luxury territory, but they give you plenty of range along with all the luxury you could ever want in an everyday vehicle.
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The latest research shows that car insurance for electric vehicles is pricier on average than a gasoline-powered car. This is mostly due to EVs’ higher prices and the fact that parts are more expensive when repairs are needed.