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

Quick Answer

Charging a 2026 Tesla Model S at home in Arkansas costs approximately $36/month — that's $0.036/mile and saves $978/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

$0.036

home charging

Monthly Cost

$36

1,000 miles/month

Annual Savings

$978

vs. 28 MPG gas car

About the 2026 Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S is the original long-range luxury EV that proved electric cars could be aspirational. The Plaid trim produces 1,020 horsepower and runs 0–60 in 1.99 seconds — the fastest production sedan ever made. The standard Long Range offers 405+ miles per charge.

Advantages

✓405+ miles of range (Long Range) — best range of any EV in its class

✓Plaid trim is the fastest production car ever made at 1.99 seconds 0–60

✓Premium interior with 17" portrait touchscreen and 12.3" driver display

✓Supercharger network access

Considerations

✗$74,990+ starting price makes it a luxury purchase

✗Yoke steering wheel (optional) is controversial — takes adjustment

✗Large size makes parking in urban environments challenging

✗Older design interior compared to newer EV competitors

Ideal Buyer

Performance enthusiasts, frequent long-distance drivers who need 400+ miles of real-world range, and buyers who want a status symbol that happens to be the best-driving car they've ever owned.

vs. Gas Equivalent

Directly competes with Mercedes-Benz EQS, BMW i7, and Porsche Taycan. Gas equivalent is a BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class — but the Model S is faster than any of them.

Tesla Model S 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 S's 95 kWh battery costs $11.40 for a full charge — a meaningful savings versus gas at current prices.

Charging Method

$/kWh

$/month

$/year

🏠 Home (Level 2)

$0.12

$36

$436

🔌 Public Level 2

$0.22

$65

$785

⚡ DC Fast Charger

$0.49

$148

$1,782

⛽ 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 SSpecs & Charging Data

250 kW DC fast charging adds approximately 200 miles in 15 minutes at a V3 Supercharger. The 95 kWh battery charges fully at home in 8–10 hours on a 48A Level 2 circuit.

Battery

95 kWh

EPA Range

405 miles

Efficiency

3.3 mi/kWh

kWh/100 miles

30.3 kWh

DC Fast Charge

250 kW max

10–80% Time

~23 min

Body Type

Sedan

MSRP

$74,990

Full Charge Cost

$11.40

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 S's 95 kWh battery provides up to 405 miles of EPA-rated range. Real-world range may vary by 10–30% depending on temperature, speed, and terrain.

Annual EV Cost (home)

$436

Tesla Model S @ $0.12/kWh

Annual Gas Cost (28 MPG)

$1,414

@ $3.30/gallon in Arkansas

You save every year by driving electric in Arkansas

$978/year

That's $81/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 S:

🏠 Home L2

$36

$36/mo

🔌 Public L2

$65

$65/mo

⚡ DC Fast

$148

$148/mo

⛽ Gasoline

$118

$118/mo

Tips for Charging Your Tesla Model S in Arkansas

Arkansas's moderate climate and charging infrastructure have specific implications for Tesla Model S 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 S at home in Arkansas?

At Arkansas's average residential rate of $0.12/kWh, charging a 2026 Tesla Model S at home costs approximately $36/month based on 1,000 miles of driving. A full charge costs $11.40.

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

A full charge of the Tesla Model S's 95 kWh battery costs $11.40 at Arkansas's rate of $0.12/kWh. At a public DC fast charger ($0.49/kWh), that's about $46.55.

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

Home charging the Tesla Model S in Arkansas costs $0.036/mile. A comparable 28 MPG gas car costs $0.12/mile at Arkansas's gas price of $3.30/gallon. EVs save approximately $978/year.

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

The Tesla Model S supports up to 250 kW DC fast charging. A 10–80% charge takes approximately 23 minutes at peak speed. Actual time varies by charger capacity, battery temperature, and current state of charge.

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

Driving 1,000 miles/month in a Tesla Model S adds about $36 to your monthly electric bill in Arkansas. That's 30.3 kWh per 100 miles × $0.12/kWh.