Tesla · 2025
Estimated cost to charge a Tesla Model 3 Performance
The Tesla Model 3 Performance uses 16.5 kWh per 100 km in the official lab test, with a lab range of 571 km. That puts its estimated home charging cost between $0.74 and $6.85 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. $0.74 (4.5c) | est. $4.49 (27.24c) | est. $286 | est. $2,158 |
| New South Wales | est. $0.74 (4.5c) | est. $5.47 (33.13c) | est. $298 | est. $2,166 |
| Queensland | est. $0.74 (4.5c) | est. $4.60 (27.9c) | est. $287 | est. $2,179 |
| South Australia | est. $0.74 (4.5c) | est. $6.85 (41.5c) | est. $316 | est. $2,106 |
| Western Australia | est. $1.46 (8.852c) | est. $5.49 (33.2621c) | est. $373 | est. $2,048 |
| Tasmania | est. $2.81 (17.02c) | est. $4.75 (28.8c) | est. $504 | est. $2,034 |
| Australian Capital Territory | est. $2.90 (17.6c) | est. $5.30 (32.1c) | est. $521 | est. $2,026 |
| Northern Territory | est. $4.26 (25.8294c) | est. $5.23 (31.6788c) | est. $661 | est. $1,889 |
Work out your own estimate
Your estimate
Results update as you go. Saved on this device only.
Step 1: Your EV
Pick your electric car and state.
Uses 16.5 kWh per 100 km (official lab test) · source
About 13,000 km a year
Step 2: Compare with a petrol car
The one you drive now, or the one you’d otherwise buy.
A typical figure for a mid-size suv, rough guide only.
Set from your pick. Slide to adjust.
Step 3: How you charge
Tap the closest match, or slide to set your mix.
Fine-tune pricesPetrol $2.35/L · off-peak 4.5c · standard 27.24c · fast charger 70c
VIC average $2.35/L (Australian Institute of Petroleum). Use your diesel or premium price if that’s what you buy.
Electricity rates (cents per kWh)
- At home, cheap night/off-peak rate
- At home, normal rate
- From your solar panels
Charging from your panels is free out of pocket; this is the feed-in credit you give up by not exporting. Set to 0c if you get no feed-in tariff.
- Public charger (slow)
- Public fast charger
Prefilled for Victoria, incl. GST: off-peak is OVO The EV Plan (midnight–6am); standard is the state average. Public AC (40c) is a placeholder. Tap a rate to change it.
Lab figures are usually lower than real driving. Try +10 to +20 for lots of highway or cold weather.
Head to head: estimated running cost
Tesla Model 3 vs Mid-size SUV (rough guide) · 250 km a week (≈ 13,000 km a year)
Estimated cost saved per year vs a petrol car
Estimated $2,158 a year
Estimated 88% less than the petrol car · estimated cost saved over 5 years: $10,791
| Item | EVTesla Model 3Performance | PetrolMid-size SUV (rough guide)8.0 L/100 km |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated cost per year | $286 | $2,444 |
| Estimated cost per month | $24 | $204 |
| Estimated cost per week | $5.50 | $47.00 |
| Estimated cost per 100 km | $2.20 | $18.80 |
| Energy use | 16.5 kWh/100 km | 8.0 L/100 km |
| Energy per year | 2,145 kWh | 1,040 L |
| Energy price used | 13.3c/kWh avg | $2.35/L |
How we estimate
- Estimates, not actual costs. Fuel and electricity only: excludes servicing, rego, insurance and supply charges.
- EV: Tesla Model 3 Performance official lab figure; charging 80% home off-peak, 10% home standard rate, 10% public DC fast (average 13.3c/kWh).
- Petrol: Mid-size SUV, 8 L/100 km rough guide (not an official figure for any model), at $2.35/L (Melbourne ULP weekly average, Australian Institute of Petroleum).
- Lab figures are usually lower than real-world use.
Estimates only, based on the assumptions shown. Your actual cost will differ.
Estimated yearly cost if 100% charged at home off-peak: $97 (estimated cost saved $189 a year).
Petrol would only be cheaper if your average charging rate went above an estimated 114c/kWh.
Estimated cost breakdown
Estimated yearly charging cost by source · average 13.3c/kWh
Estimated cost: EV vs petrol
Estimated yearly cost · petrol car 8 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 Performance, 16.5 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: Mid-size SUV (typical), 8 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.
Independent government or retailer tool. We don’t earn a commission from this link. In Victoria, use Victorian Energy Compare instead. How we make money →
Specs used
- Energy use
- 16.5 kWh/100 km
- Lab range
- 571 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 RWD 13.8 kWh/100 km
- 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 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 16.5 kWh/100 km figure, the estimated cost is $0.74 per 100 km on Victoria's cheapest home window we list (4.5c/kWh) and up to an estimated $6.85 per 100 km on South Australia's average standard rate (41.5c/kWh).
How does that compare with petrol?
A petrol car using 8 L/100 km (mid-size SUV, rough guide) has an estimated fuel cost of $18.80 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 $2,158 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.