Home›Cost to Charge›Tesla Model 3 in Delaware

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

Quick Answer

Charging a 2026 Tesla Model 3 at home in Delaware costs approximately $42/month — that's $0.042/mile and saves $995/year compared to a 28 MPG gas car at Delaware's gas price of $3.50/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

$0.042

home charging

Monthly Cost

$42

1,000 miles/month

Annual Savings

$995

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 Delaware

Delaware's electricity rate of $0.16/kWh is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. At this rate, the Tesla Model 3's 57 kWh battery costs $9.12 for a full charge — a meaningful savings versus gas at current prices.

Charging Method

$/kWh

$/month

$/year

🏠 Home (Level 2)

$0.16

$42

$505

🔌 Public Level 2

$0.29

$76

$909

⚡ DC Fast Charger

$0.49

$129

$1,547

⛽ Gasoline (28 MPG)

$3.50/gal

$125

$1,500

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

$9.12

EV Ownership in Delaware

Delaware has a growing EV market, aided by its proximity to the Philadelphia and DC metro areas, lack of sales tax (makes EVs cheaper to buy), and relatively affordable electricity rates.

Incentives & Programs

Delaware offers a $3,500 EV rebate through its Clean Vehicle Rebate program, plus potential utility rebates from Delmarva Power. The absence of sales tax adds $1,500–$4,000 in savings at purchase compared to neighboring states.

Charging Infrastructure

The I-95 corridor is well-served with DCFC. Dover and Wilmington have solid Level 2 networks. Given the state's small size, a single charge can cover the full length of Delaware.

Grid & Energy Source

Delaware draws power primarily from PJM's regional grid (mix of nuclear, natural gas, and renewables). Local generation leans toward natural gas. Net metering is available for solar customers.

DelawareElectricity Rates & EV Savings

The average residential electricity rate in Delaware is $0.16/kWh, which is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. With a gas price of $3.50/gallon, Delaware 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)

$505

Tesla Model 3 @ $0.16/kWh

Annual Gas Cost (28 MPG)

$1,500

@ $3.50/gallon in Delaware

You save every year by driving electric in Delaware

$995/year

That's $83/month saved vs. a 28 MPG gas car

Home vs. DC Fast Charging in Delaware

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

🏠 Home L2

$42

$42/mo

🔌 Public L2

$76

$76/mo

⚡ DC Fast

$129

$129/mo

⛽ Gasoline

$125

$125/mo

Tips for Charging Your Tesla Model 3 in Delaware

Delaware'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:

Delaware's compact size means range anxiety is rarely an issue — a single overnight charge covers most daily driving easily.

No sales tax on vehicles means buying an EV here is cheaper than in Pennsylvania or Maryland.

Delmarva Power's EV charging rates reward off-peak overnight charging — enroll in a TOU plan before your first bill arrives.

The I-95 Delaware Welcome Center has reliable fast chargers, useful for I-95 corridor travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

At Delaware's average residential rate of $0.16/kWh, charging a 2026 Tesla Model 3 at home costs approximately $42/month based on 1,000 miles of driving. A full charge costs $9.12.

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 $9.12 at Delaware's rate of $0.16/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 Delaware?

Home charging the Tesla Model 3 in Delaware costs $0.042/mile. A comparable 28 MPG gas car costs $0.13/mile at Delaware's gas price of $3.50/gallon. EVs save approximately $995/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 Delaware?

Driving 1,000 miles/month in a Tesla Model 3 adds about $42 to your monthly electric bill in Delaware. That's 26.3 kWh per 100 miles × $0.16/kWh.