Paid nearly $50 for electricity to power a 180-mile drive in a Rivian EV, causing doubts about the fuel cost savings commonly associated with electric vehicles.
Owning an electric vehicle (EV) might seem like a cost-effective choice, but the cost savings can vary significantly between different models and charging methods. A recent comparison between Tesla's Model Y and Rivian's R1S highlights these differences, particularly in regards to charging costs at home and public stations.
Home Charging Costs
For home charging, Tesla's 2025 Model Y long range consumes approximately 29 kWh of electricity per 100 miles, translating to a monthly cost of around $48.69 for a driver covering 1,000 miles a month, assuming an average residential electricity rate of 16.79 cents per kWh. In comparison, the Rivian R1S consumes 43 kWh per 100 miles, resulting in a monthly cost of approximately $72.19 under the same conditions.
Public Charging Costs
When relying solely on public charging stations, costs more than double due to higher commercial rates (~37 cents/kWh). Tesla’s monthly charging cost rises to about $107.30, while Rivian’s spikes to around $159.10 for the same mileage. Tesla benefits from its integrated, extensive Supercharger network, often cheaper especially with membership plans, whereas Rivian uses networks like Electrify America, which tend to have higher per-kWh prices and additional fees.
Additional Considerations
Additional factors that impact the cost of EV ownership include Rivian’s larger battery and truck size, which inherently consume more energy, further impacting cost during public fast charging. Tesla's efficient energy use and proprietary charging network provide cost advantages that are significant for drivers relying on public infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
In summary, Tesla offers lower operating costs for both home and public charging, with significant savings when charging at home. Rivian’s higher energy consumption and reliance on costlier public chargers increase charges notably. For many, especially first-time EV buyers, the realization about the financial side of owning an EV without home charging infrastructure might come a little too late.
| Aspect | Tesla Model Y (2025) | Rivian R1S (2025) | |------------------|---------------------|---------------------------| | Energy use | 29 kWh/100 miles | 43 kWh/100 miles | | Home charging cost/month | ~$49 | ~$72 | | Public charging cost/month | ~$107 | ~$159 | | Charging network | Tesla Superchargers (integrated, cheaper with membership) | Electrify America, higher cost, less integrated |
It's worth noting that Tesla's pricing, especially with the membership plan, tends to be more reasonable than Electrify America or similar providers. Owners relying exclusively on public charging may face sticker shock and frustration, especially in trucks with large battery packs. Rivian drivers may face less reliability when trying to access the same charging network compared to Tesla owners.
In conclusion, the cost-effectiveness of EV ownership relies heavily on having regular access to home charging. For those without home charging infrastructure, the real cost savings from EVs might not be as apparent, especially when relying on public fast charging. The answer to where EV savings actually come from is home charging, assuming you have a garage, a Level 2 charger, and the ability to plug in consistently.
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