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How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Tesla Model 3 in Arkansas?

Quick Answer

Charging a 2026 Tesla Model 3 at home in Arkansas costs approximately $32/month — that's $0.032/mile and saves $1,035/year compared to a 28 MPG gas car at Arkansas's gas price of $3.30/gallon.

Sedans offer excellent aerodynamics and some of the highest efficiency ratings in the EV market, making them among the most cost-effective EVs to run daily. 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

$0.032

home charging

Monthly Cost

$32

1,000 miles/month

Annual Savings

$1,035

vs. 28 MPG gas car

About the 2026 Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is the world's best-selling EV and the benchmark for electric sedans. Its minimalist interior, over-the-air updates, and access to Tesla's Supercharger network make it the default EV recommendation for most buyers entering the market.

Advantages

✓Access to Tesla's 50,000+ Supercharger network — the most reliable fast-charging infrastructure in the US

✓Industry-leading software and over-the-air updates that add new features regularly

✓Strong resale value compared to most EVs

✓Rear-wheel drive RWD Long Range offers 340+ miles of range

Considerations

✗No physical controls for HVAC or mirrors — everything goes through the touchscreen

✗Rear seat headroom is tight for passengers over 6'1"

✗No frunk (front trunk) in standard configurations

✗Autopilot hardware issues prompted recalls that affected earlier models

Ideal Buyer

The Model 3 is ideal for daily commuters, tech-forward buyers, and anyone who values software sophistication, charging network access, and long-term cost of ownership over luxury finishes or cargo space.

vs. Gas Equivalent

The closest gas equivalent is a BMW 3 Series or Toyota Camry — the Model 3 competes in the near-luxury compact sedan space but typically costs $250–$400/month less to fuel and maintain.

Tesla Model 3 Charging Cost Breakdown in Arkansas

Arkansas's electricity rate of $0.12/kWh is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. At this rate, the Tesla Model 3's 57 kWh battery costs $6.84 for a full charge — a meaningful savings versus gas at current prices.

Charging Method

$/kWh

$/month

$/year

🏠 Home (Level 2)

$0.12

$32

$379

🔌 Public Level 2

$0.22

$57

$682

⚡ DC Fast Charger

$0.49

$129

$1,547

⛽ 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 Tesla Model 3Specs & Charging Data

170 kW DC fast charging delivers a 10–80% charge in roughly 25–30 minutes at a V3 Supercharger. At home, a Level 2 NEMA 14-50 outlet or Wall Connector adds 30–35 miles per hour overnight.

Battery

57 kWh

EPA Range

310 miles

Efficiency

3.8 mi/kWh

kWh/100 miles

26.3 kWh

DC Fast Charge

170 kW max

10–80% Time

~20 min

Body Type

Sedan

MSRP

$38,990

Full Charge Cost

$6.84

EV Ownership in Arkansas

Arkansas has one of the lower EV adoption rates nationally, but the low electricity rates at $0.12/kWh make it one of the cheapest states to charge an EV. Little Rock and Fayetteville lead adoption, with university towns showing growing interest.

Incentives & Programs

Arkansas has no state EV tax credit. Federal incentives apply. Entergy Arkansas and Ozarks Electric offer time-of-use rates that can reduce overnight charging costs. The low base electricity rate is already a strong financial incentive.

Charging Infrastructure

Major corridors (I-30, I-40, I-49) have DCFC coverage, primarily through Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America. Urban areas like Little Rock and Fayetteville have growing Level 2 networks. Rural coverage is limited.

Grid & Energy Source

Arkansas generates power primarily from natural gas (~45%) and nuclear (around 35% via Arkansas Nuclear One). Hydro adds another 10%. The grid has a moderate carbon footprint for EV charging.

ArkansasElectricity Rates & EV Savings

The average residential electricity rate in Arkansas is $0.12/kWh, which is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. With a gas price of $3.30/gallon, Arkansas 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 Tesla Model 3's 57 kWh battery provides up to 310 miles of EPA-rated range. Real-world range may vary by 10–30% depending on temperature, speed, and terrain.

Annual EV Cost (home)

$379

Tesla Model 3 @ $0.12/kWh

Annual Gas Cost (28 MPG)

$1,414

@ $3.30/gallon in Arkansas

You save every year by driving electric in Arkansas

$1,035/year

That's $86/month saved vs. a 28 MPG gas car

Home vs. DC Fast Charging in Arkansas

Monthly cost comparison for 1,000 miles in a Tesla Model 3:

🏠 Home L2

$32

$32/mo

🔌 Public L2

$57

$57/mo

⚡ DC Fast

$129

$129/mo

⛽ Gasoline

$118

$118/mo

Tips for Charging Your Tesla Model 3 in Arkansas

Arkansas's moderate climate and charging infrastructure have specific implications for Tesla Model 3 owners. Here are practical tips to maximize range and minimize charging costs in this state:

At $0.12/kWh, Arkansas has among the lowest home charging costs in the US — take advantage of it.

Summer humidity can make the cabin feel hotter than the thermometer suggests — pre-condition from the grid, not the battery.

I-40 between Little Rock and Fort Smith has adequate DCFC stops; map them before heading west into Oklahoma.

Ozarks Electric members can access special EV rates — check eligibility before signing up for charging infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model 3 at home in Arkansas?

At Arkansas's average residential rate of $0.12/kWh, charging a 2026 Tesla Model 3 at home costs approximately $32/month based on 1,000 miles of driving. A full charge costs $6.84.

How much does it cost to fully charge a Tesla Model 3?

A full charge of the Tesla Model 3's 57 kWh battery costs $6.84 at Arkansas's rate of $0.12/kWh. At a public DC fast charger ($0.49/kWh), that's about $27.93.

Is it cheaper to charge a Tesla Model 3 or drive a gas car in Arkansas?

Home charging the Tesla Model 3 in Arkansas costs $0.032/mile. A comparable 28 MPG gas car costs $0.12/mile at Arkansas's gas price of $3.30/gallon. EVs save approximately $1,035/year.

How long does it take to charge a Tesla Model 3 with DC fast charging?

The Tesla Model 3 supports up to 170 kW DC fast charging. A 10–80% charge takes approximately 20 minutes at peak speed. Actual time varies by charger capacity, battery temperature, and current state of charge.

How much does a Tesla Model 3 add to your electric bill in Arkansas?

Driving 1,000 miles/month in a Tesla Model 3 adds about $32 to your monthly electric bill in Arkansas. That's 26.3 kWh per 100 miles × $0.12/kWh.