Is Tesla’s Free Lifetime Supercharging Deal for the Model S Worth It?
Tesla has reintroduced free lifetime Supercharging for the Model S, but with a catch—it also raised the car’s price by $5,000, from $74,990 to $79,990. While the promotion sounds enticing, is it really as good as it seems? Let’s break it down.
The Model S is Tesla’s original luxury sedan, but with increasing competition in the EV luxury market, its sales have dipped by an estimated 30% or more. To regain momentum, Tesla is leveraging its most significant advantage: the Supercharging network. The free unlimited Supercharging perk means buyers can charge their new Model S at no additional cost for as long as they own the car.
Efficiency and Usage Analysis
The 2024 Tesla Model S AWD has an EPA efficiency of 3.6 miles per kilowatt-hour, while the Plaid version with 21-inch wheels drops to 2.8 miles/kWh. The average U.S. driver clocks 13,476 miles per year, requiring about 3,743 kWh annually for the Model S.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), most EV owners (86%) have access to home chargers, and about 80% of their charging is done at home. For the remaining 20%—or 749 kWh of annual charging—Supercharging costs approximately $322, assuming an average rate of $0.43/kWh.
The Cost Equation
- For most drivers (80-20 split): It would take 15.5 years of average driving to offset the $5,000 price hike. The savings begin to add up after that point, especially if the vehicle’s odometer reaches 210,000 miles or more.
- For those without home charging (100% Supercharging): The $5,000 premium pays for itself in just 42,000 miles. Over 15.5 years, such drivers could save around $19,950 beyond the initial price hike.
Key Considerations
- The deal benefits those who rely heavily on Supercharging, particularly drivers without access to home charging.
- Free lifetime Supercharging is tied to the original owner and vehicle, meaning it doesn’t transfer if the car is sold.
- Idle and congestion fees are not included, and Tesla reserves the right to revoke the perk for excessive charging.
Verdict
For drivers who plan to keep the Model S for the long term or rely heavily on Supercharging, the free lifetime Supercharging offer could be worth the added cost. However, for those who charge primarily at home, the benefits may take years to materialize. As always, the decision depends on your driving habits and charging needs.