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How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Subaru Solterra in Tennessee?

Quick Answer

Charging a 2026 Subaru Solterra at home in Tennessee costs approximately $42/month — that's $0.042/mile and saves $911/year compared to a 28 MPG gas car at Tennessee's gas price of $3.30/gallon.

SUVs balance cargo space with reasonable efficiency, making them the most popular EV body style in the U.S. — and this one handles that balance well. Moderate climates provide near-optimal EV performance year-round. Expect battery range close to EPA estimates and consistent charging costs across seasons.

Cost per Mile

$0.042

home charging

Monthly Cost

$42

1,000 miles/month

Annual Savings

$911

vs. 28 MPG gas car

About the 2026 Subaru Solterra

The Subaru Solterra is a joint development between Subaru and Toyota (where it's sold as the bZ4X), bringing Subaru's legendary symmetrical all-wheel drive and outdoor-focused engineering to the EV market. 227 miles of range is modest, but Subaru's 4WD capability is genuine.

Advantages

✓Subaru Symmetrical AWD — engineered specifically for off-road and winter conditions

✓Familiar Subaru-ness with EyeSight driver assistance standard

✓Subaru's outdoor-brand identity and loyal following

✓Shared Toyota platform ensures engineering stability

Considerations

✗100 kW DCFC is slow — 10–80% takes approximately 56 minutes

✗227-mile range is the lowest of any new EV SUV in 2025

✗3.1 mi/kWh efficiency is average; the low range amplifies the gap vs. competitors

✗No single-motor/RWD version — AWD standard

Ideal Buyer

Subaru Outback and Forester loyalists who want AWD in an EV. Winter-climate buyers for whom Subaru AWD is a cultural requirement. Rural buyers who need genuine all-weather capability.

vs. Gas Equivalent

Direct EV equivalent of a Subaru Forester or Outback. Gas equivalent is approximately 28–30 MPG for the Subaru Outback.

Subaru Solterra Charging Cost Breakdown in Tennessee

Tennessee's electricity rate of $0.13/kWh is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. At this rate, the Subaru Solterra's 72 kWh battery costs $9.36 for a full charge — a meaningful savings versus gas at current prices.

Charging Method

$/kWh

$/month

$/year

🏠 Home (Level 2)

$0.13

$42

$503

🔌 Public Level 2

$0.23

$75

$906

⚡ DC Fast Charger

$0.49

$158

$1,897

⛽ Gasoline (28 MPG)

$3.30/gal

$118

$1,414

Based on 1,000 miles/month. Public L2 estimated at 1.8× home rate. DC fast charging at national average of $0.49/kWh.

2026 Subaru SolterraSpecs & Charging Data

100 kW DCFC maximum. 72 kWh battery with 10–80% in approximately 56 minutes. Level 2 at home (6.6 kW onboard) fully charges in approximately 12 hours — a 7.2 kW Level 2 charger is recommended.

Battery

72 kWh

EPA Range

227 miles

Efficiency

3.1 mi/kWh

kWh/100 miles

32.3 kWh

DC Fast Charge

100 kW max

10–80% Time

~43 min

Body Type

SUV

MSRP

$44,995

Full Charge Cost

$9.36

EV Ownership in Tennessee

Tennessee is a fast-growing EV market, driven by Nashville and Knoxville. The state hosts Volkswagen's Chattanooga EV assembly plant and is a major hub for EV battery manufacturing (LG Energy Solutions in Holland). TVA's low electricity rates are a major advantage.

Incentives & Programs

Tennessee has no state EV tax credit. Federal incentives apply. TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) offers some of the lowest electricity rates in the US and partners with utilities on EV programs. Nissan's Smyrna plant (near Nashville) is transitioning to EV production.

Charging Infrastructure

I-40, I-24, and I-75 corridors are well-covered. Nashville and Knoxville have solid charging networks. Memphis is growing. Appalachian rural stretches are more limited.

Grid & Energy Source

TVA's grid is approximately 40% nuclear (with several plants), ~25% natural gas, and growing solar and wind. The nuclear base makes Tennessee EV charging relatively clean among Southern states.

TennesseeElectricity Rates & EV Savings

The average residential electricity rate in Tennessee is $0.13/kWh, which is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. With a gas price of $3.30/gallon, Tennessee ranks as a favorable state for EV ownership.

Moderate climates provide near-optimal EV performance year-round. Expect battery range close to EPA estimates and consistent charging costs across seasons. Your Subaru Solterra's 72 kWh battery provides up to 227 miles of EPA-rated range. Real-world range may vary by 10–30% depending on temperature, speed, and terrain.

Annual EV Cost (home)

$503

Subaru Solterra @ $0.13/kWh

Annual Gas Cost (28 MPG)

$1,414

@ $3.30/gallon in Tennessee

You save every year by driving electric in Tennessee

$911/year

That's $76/month saved vs. a 28 MPG gas car

Home vs. DC Fast Charging in Tennessee

Monthly cost comparison for 1,000 miles in a Subaru Solterra:

🏠 Home L2

$42

$42/mo

🔌 Public L2

$75

$75/mo

⚡ DC Fast

$158

$158/mo

⛽ Gasoline

$118

$118/mo

Tips for Charging Your Subaru Solterra in Tennessee

Tennessee's moderate climate and charging infrastructure have specific implications for Subaru Solterra owners. Here are practical tips to maximize range and minimize charging costs in this state:

TVA's electricity rates are among the lowest in the US — charging in Tennessee is genuinely cheap.

Nashville's growth has added many Level 2 chargers at newer apartment complexes and commercial developments.

Smoky Mountain terrain (US-441) significantly reduces range — plan for the Gatlinburg/Cades Cove routes with extra charge buffer.

VW Chattanooga staff knowledge of EV maintenance and charging is locally excellent — a good resource for ID.4 owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charge a Subaru Solterra at home in Tennessee?

At Tennessee's average residential rate of $0.13/kWh, charging a 2026 Subaru Solterra at home costs approximately $42/month based on 1,000 miles of driving. A full charge costs $9.36.

How much does it cost to fully charge a Subaru Solterra?

A full charge of the Subaru Solterra's 72 kWh battery costs $9.36 at Tennessee's rate of $0.13/kWh. At a public DC fast charger ($0.49/kWh), that's about $35.28.

Is it cheaper to charge a Subaru Solterra or drive a gas car in Tennessee?

Home charging the Subaru Solterra in Tennessee costs $0.042/mile. A comparable 28 MPG gas car costs $0.12/mile at Tennessee's gas price of $3.30/gallon. EVs save approximately $911/year.

How long does it take to charge a Subaru Solterra with DC fast charging?

The Subaru Solterra supports up to 100 kW DC fast charging. A 10–80% charge takes approximately 43 minutes at peak speed. Actual time varies by charger capacity, battery temperature, and current state of charge.

How much does a Subaru Solterra add to your electric bill in Tennessee?

Driving 1,000 miles/month in a Subaru Solterra adds about $42 to your monthly electric bill in Tennessee. That's 32.3 kWh per 100 miles × $0.13/kWh.

What is the best charging setup for a Subaru Solterra in Tennessee?

For a Subaru Solterra owner in Tennessee, a Level 2 home charger (at least 32A, preferably 48A) is the ideal setup. At Tennessee's rate of $0.13/kWh, overnight home charging costs $42/month for 1,000 miles — significantly less than gas. DC fast charging at $0.49/kWh is 4–5× more expensive and best reserved for road trips.