Tesla charging costs in the UK

Thinking of making the switch to a Tesla? Smart move. The luxury vehicle manufacturer continues to top the ‘best EV cars’ lists in the UK, thanks to its fast and reliable supercharger network and extended ranges between charges. However, this premium comes at a price.

Here, we outline all the costs involved in home and on-the-road charging for a Tesla, so you can confidently budget. We also share tips on how to find Tesla-certified charger installers.

How much does it cost to charge a Tesla at home?

The average cost to charge a Tesla at home is around £24.86. This figure represents a full charge on a Tesla Model S 100D (battery size 100 kWh) on a standard daytime tariff. Please note these costs are based on Ofgem’s Jan-March 2025 energy price cap.

However, there are savings to be had if you’re smart about it. Such as:

• Use off-peak tariffs – Take advantage of the Octopus Go tariff and charge your car overnight while you sleep. To part charge (100-mile range) your Tesla overnight at home using off-peak rates is £2.55. Please note these costs are based on Ofgem’s Jan-March 2025 energy price cap
• Use solar panels – Charge your Tesla using power generated by your home’s solar panels (if you’re lucky enough to have them!). Or consider installing new ones – it would be a worthwhile investment in the long run

So far, so good. But here’s the catch. When buying a Tesla, a mobile connector and NEMA 5-15 adaptor come as standard. This allows you to plug into your standard three-prong home electrical supply to charge your vehicle.

However, Tesla recommends installing a wall connector for the best home charging experience, which is an additional cost.

Tesla wall connector costs: Gen 2 vs. Gen 3 prices

As you can see from the table above, there are two types of Tesla wall connectors: Gen 3 and Gen 2. Both can be installed in your garage or driveway, but the cost to buy one varies.

A Gen 2 wall connector costs on average £300. Meanwhile, for a Gen 3 wall connector, the price jumps up to £475.

Why the hike in price? Here’s how they differ:

• Gen 2 Wall Connector – Mainly used for older installations and harder to come by. Though they are cheaper to buy and install, the design isn’t as sleek, and they aren’t wi-fi-enabled
• Gen 3 Wall Connector – known as a ‘smart charger’, it has wi-fi connectivity. This gives you more control over the charging process and power-sharing via a nifty app. You can also charge non-Tesla vehicles with an added adapter (for an additional cost)

There’s also the option of buying a wall connector pedestal, designed for mounting the Gen 2 or Gen 3 wall connector. This comes in at £367 and is ideal for Tesla owners who need a free-standing structure to support the charging equipment.

It’s important to note these costs are for supply only, and you must be a Tesla vehicle owner to purchase them. Also, the Government grant for electric vehicle chargers is not applicable to Tesla vehicles.

Tesla wall connector installation costs

Once you’ve brought your wall charger, you’ll need a Tesla-certified electrician to connect it. This will cost £700, on top of the charger price above.

This figure is a guide and depends on the property where the charger is being installed. Factors affecting the installation cost include:

• Property layout – If your electricity consumer unit is far from the installation site, more wiring and labour will be required, increasing costs
• Electrical requirements – You might need to replace an outdated fuse box with a consumer unit to make sure the charger system runs safely
• Added accessories – If you need a connector pedestal to support the charging equipment (as explored above), this will be an additional cost

To get an accurate cost for installing a wall charger on your property, request a quote from certified electricians in your area. You can also enter your postcode below to find an electrician to install your Tesla wall connector.

Tesla Powerwall cost

A Tesla Powerwall is a compact home battery storage system that you can use to charge your Tesla or power your home. This add-on accessory works alongside a Tesla wall connector to make your home charging more energy-efficient and cost-effective, although it’s not a necessity to buy.

A Tesla Powerwall costs £6,000, plus £900 for a gateway. However, this does not include delivery, installation, or other fees.

The cost to supply and install a Tesla Powerwall 2 + gateway sits at around £8,000 to £10,000.

Adding solar, multiple Powerwalls (the number you need will depend on your usage and requirements), and the complexity of the installation can increase this cost to around £20,000+.

Buying and installing a Tesla Powerwall is a big investment. But for many, the benefits are worth it. They include:

• Cost savings on electricity bills – You can store electricity from the main grid at off-peak times to power your car and home during peak times
• Stores solar energy – You can store any excess electricity generated from a home’s solar panels to help charge your Tesla
• Backup power – You’ll never be without electricity or use of your car, even when there’s a power outage
• Long-lasting – Should last around 20 years and comes with a warranty that ensures it’ll keep at least 80% of its rated storage capacity for a minimum of ten years
• Sleek design – Can be mounted to walls, so it’s space-saving too

You can always invest in it later down the line once you’ve paid for the initial outlay of the charger and installation.

Just bear in mind that Tesla only works with trained, certified installers to install its Powerwall. There’s more information about how to hire Tesla-approved electricians later.

Tesla supercharger prices in the UK

Tesla’s network of public charging stations is designed for high-speed, fast charging of your Tesla while on the go.

These distinctive red and white charging points can be seen everywhere now. More than 1,400 Superchargers are spread across 140 locations up and down the UK’s road network and in supermarkets and service stations.

While these are not available for home installation, knowing what Tesla supercharger costs is helpful.

On average, Tesla charging stations cost 53p/kWh for monthly members or 77p/kWh for non-members, but you may find some variance depending on location.

Ways to save on Tesla charging costs

If you ‘charge smart’, there are ways you can save money on your Tesla charging costs at home. Tips include:

• Make the most of EV-friendly tariffs – Like the Octopus Go tariff, which offers lower rates during off-peak hours while you sleep. Some UK energy providers also offer a discount for EV drivers, too
• Use renewable energy – Such as power generated by your home’s solar panels (if you’re lucky enough to have them!), or consider installing them
• Install a Tesla Powerwall – It stores electricity from the main grid during off-peak energy times
• Invest in a smart charger  – You can optimise charging by aligning it with the cheapest electricity rates
• Charge to 80% – Avoid charging to 100% unless necessary for long trips. Charging to 80% is better for your battery’s longevity and reduces unnecessary energy
• Maintenance – Make sure your tyre inflation is at its optimal best and keep on top of software updates to make sure your Tesla is running as efficiently as possible

Find a certified electrician for installation

Feeling more ‘in the know’ about the costs involved and ready to find an electrician to help with your charger install? Great.

However, it’s important to note that hiring a certified electrician is vital to ensure your Tesla home charger and other accessories are installed correctly. This will ensure that your home charging system is under Tesla’s warranty and operates efficiently.

To find certified electricians near you, follow these three simple steps:

• Use Checkatrade

We’re so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.

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• Read online reviews

A review from a previous customer is one of the best ways to check a tradesperson’s professionalism.

At Checkatrade, we check all online reviews to ensure they’re from real people and that trades meet our high standards.

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• Compare quotes

Get at least three quotes from experienced electricians local to you. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best tradesperson and price for the job. Search your postcode to get started.

Tesla charging costs: FAQs

How much does it cost to fully charge a Tesla in the UK?

The average cost to charge a Tesla at home is around £24.86. This figure represents a full charge on a Tesla Model S 100D (battery size 100 kWh) on a standard daytime tariff. Please note these costs are based on Ofgem’s Jan-March 2025 energy price cap.

Are Tesla superchargers free for all Teslas?

Tesla’s charging station network is only free for Teslas bought before 15 January 2017. For any Tesla ordered after this, you’ll have to pay for the supercharger when you’re out on the road.

Tesla charging stations cost 53p/kWh for monthly members or 77p/kWh for non-members, but you may find some variance depending on location.

What is the installation cost for a Tesla wall connector?

A Gen 2 wall connector costs on average £300. Meanwhile, for a Gen 3 wall connector, the price jumps up to £475.

Remember, a Tesla charger (mobile connector and NEMA 5-15 adaptor) is standard equipment for all new Tesla cars. However, Tesla recommends installing a wall connector for the best home charging experience.

Is it cheaper to charge a Tesla at home or at a supercharger

In most cases, it is cheaper to charge a Tesla at home, as superchargers charge a higher rate per kWh than your utility provider at home.

What’s the difference between Gen 2 and Gen 3 Tesla chargers?

Gen 3 chargers cost more, but they are Wi-Fi-enabled, which means you have greater control over the charging process and power-sharing. While Gen 2 chargers are cheaper, they are harder to source, are less streamlined than the newer model, and don’t have the smart, Wi-Fi-enabled settings.

How does the Tesla Powerwall reduce charging costs?

This home battery storage system allows you to store electricity from the main grid at off-peak times to power your car and home during peak times.

What are the best tariffs for charging a Tesla at home?

Take advantage of off-peak tariffs such as the Octopus Go tariff to charge your Tesla while you sleep! Some UK energy providers also offer a reduced rate for EV drivers, so it’s worth asking them directly.

Can you charge a Tesla with solar panels?

Absolutely. You can store energy generated by solar panels and use it to power up your Tesla and your home.

How long does it take to charge a Tesla at home?

That’s hard to say, as it all depends on the configuration of your charging setup. But as a general guide, you can expect it to take several hours to charge.

What is the lifespan of a Tesla battery?

According to Tesla, its batteries are designed to last the life of the vehicle. This works out as roughly 150,000 miles in the UK.

Is a Tesla wall connector worth it?

Although you can plug into your standard three-prong home electrical supply to charge your vehicle, Tesla recommends installing a wall connector for the best home charging experience.