Tesla Model Y: cost to run
Electric (EV) · SUV · Rear-Wheel Drive · EPA model year 2026
The Tesla Model Y (2026) is rated at 138 MPGe by the EPA and costs about $550 a year in electricity (EPA estimate, 15,000 mi/yr). That is roughly 4¢ per mile at June 2026 EIA prices, or $43 to drive 1,000 miles. It has an EPA range of 321 miles and no tailpipe emissions. OwnRate's transparent 5-year cost-to-own estimate is about $34,670. It ranks #2 of 70 models for lowest running cost.
Source: EPA / DOE FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data. Data as of June 2026.
Tesla Model Y key figures
| Metric | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric (EV) |
| Model year (latest EPA data) | 2026 |
| Body / class | SUV (Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD) |
| Combined efficiency (EPA MPGe) | 138 MPGe |
| Electricity use | 24.3 kWh / 100 mi |
| EPA electric range | 321 miles |
| EPA estimated annual fuel cost | $550 / year |
| Estimated 5-year fuel cost (EPA basis) | $2,750 |
| Cost to drive 1,000 miles (at EIA prices) | $43 |
| Cost per mile (at EIA prices) | 4¢ |
| Tailpipe CO2 | 0 g/mi (no tailpipe) |
| Cheapest-to-run rank (1 = lowest of 70) | #2 |
Source: EPA / DOE FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data (2023–2027 model years); EIA prices (June 2026). Data as of June 2026.
Sources: EPA/DOE FuelEconomy.gov · EIA gasoline · EIA electricity. EPA fuel cost assumes 15,000 mi/yr. Verify before relying on it.
What it costs to run the Tesla Model Y
The EPA's estimated annual fuel cost for the Tesla Model Y is $550, which is what appears on the window sticker. Using June 2026 EIA national-average prices ($3.40/gal for gasoline and $0.18/kWh for electricity) and 15,000 miles a year, OwnRate estimates about $642 a year, or roughly 4¢ per mile. Because it runs on electricity, the cost depends heavily on your local kWh price — cheap overnight rates can cut it sharply, while public DC fast-charging can cost much more.
Estimated 5-year cost to own the Tesla Model Y
Running cost is only part of ownership. Below is OwnRate's transparent 5-year estimate. The fuel/energy line uses the EPA's published annual fuel cost ($550 × 5). The maintenance, insurance and depreciation lines are documented assumptions by body type and powertrain — not model-specific quotes — so treat the total as a ballpark, not a price. See the methodology for the exact assumptions.
| Cost line (5 years) | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Fuel / energy (EPA 5-yr) | $2,750 |
| Maintenance & repairs (est.) | $3,120 |
| Insurance (est.) | $8,800 |
| Depreciation (est.) | $20,000 |
| Estimated 5-year cost to own | $34,670 |
Source: EPA fuel cost + OwnRate documented ownership assumptions. Data as of June 2026.
Estimate only. Depreciation, insurance and maintenance vary widely by trim, location, driver and market. Use the cost-to-own calculator to adjust the inputs.
Similar vehicles by running cost
The Tesla Model Y compared with peers in the same category, nearest on EPA annual fuel cost:
| Vehicle | Type | Efficiency | EPA fuel / yr | ¢/mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y (this vehicle) | Electric (EV) | 138 MPGe | $550 | 4¢ |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | Electric (EV) | 113 MPGe | $650 | 5¢ |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | Electric (EV) | 110 MPGe | $700 | 5¢ |
| Kia EV6 | Electric (EV) | 106 MPGe | $700 | 6¢ |
| Kia Niro EV | Electric (EV) | 113 MPGe | $700 | 5¢ |
| Tesla Model X | Electric (EV) | 105 MPGe | $700 | 6¢ |
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Tesla Model Y cost to run per year?
The EPA estimates the Tesla Model Y (2026) costs about $550 per year in electricity, based on 15,000 miles a year at the EPA's reference prices. At June 2026 EIA prices, OwnRate's own estimate is roughly $642 per year, or about 4¢ per mile. It ranks #2 of 70 models tracked for lowest running cost. Estimate — verify on FuelEconomy.gov.
What is the Tesla Model Y's range and efficiency?
The Tesla Model Y has an EPA combined rating of 138 MPGe, uses about 24.3 kWh per 100 miles, and has an EPA all-electric range of 321 miles. That makes it #1 of 19 by MPGe among EVs.
How much does it cost to drive the Tesla Model Y 1,000 miles?
At June 2026 EIA average prices ($3.40/gal gasoline, $0.18/kWh electricity), driving the Tesla Model Y 1,000 miles costs about $43 in electricity — roughly 4¢ per mile. Use the fuel-cost calculator to plug in your own price and mileage.
What is the 5-year cost to own a Tesla Model Y?
OwnRate estimates the Tesla Model Y at about $34,670 over 5 years: $2,750 fuel/energy (EPA basis), plus illustrative $3,120 maintenance, $8,800 insurance and $20,000 depreciation. Only the fuel figure is EPA data; the rest are documented assumptions, not model-specific quotes — see the methodology.
Keep exploring
Sources & accuracy
Fuel economy, EPA annual fuel cost, electric range and CO2: EPA/DOE FuelEconomy.gov (US public domain, 2023–2027 model years). Fuel prices: EIA (June 2026). The 5-year cost-to-own combines the EPA fuel cost with OwnRate's documented ownership assumptions (see methodology) and is an estimate only — not financial advice. Verify with the primary sources and a dealer before buying.
Last updated: 2026-06-20