You don’t buy a Ferrari SUV to renovate your kitchen, and apparently, you don’t buy an EV just to save money either. At least not in Boston, where one Tesla Model Y owner shared his jaw-dropping charging bill:
“$41 to charge my car at home. I only drove 282 miles.”
That’s nearly 33 cents per mile — a far cry from the EV promise of dirt-cheap, guilt-free driving. And for this driver, the cold New England weather and fixed utility rates turned his electric dream into an economic head-scratcher.
What’s the Highest Rate You’ve Paid to Charge Your Tesla? pic.twitter.com/Hy265Xa4hK
— Lordsparo (Tesla Lover) (@Lord_Sparo) June 5, 2025
When EV Dreams Meet Electric Reality
This isn’t a freak scenario. In Massachusetts, average residential electricity rates are 28.27¢ per kWh — well above the national average of 16.15¢. Combine that with fixed-rate plans, seasonal climate, and mandatory fees like the $10/month EV Program charge, and your charging bill can easily outpace gasoline.
Let’s break it down:
- $0.33 per kWh x 75 kWh battery = $24.75 for a full charge (best case)
- Add charging inefficiencies + fixed fees, and you’re hitting $35–$45
- Compare that to gas at $2.60/gal in Boston, and a Toyota Corolla at 35 MPG = $0.074/mile
In this case? Gas is over 3x cheaper.
Local EV Economics: It’s Not a National Story Anymore
Charging costs now depend on your zip code, utility company, and whether your garage has better insulation than your neighbor’s shed.
“In PA, I pay $0.18/kWh. Gas is $3.22. I’m saving a ton.” – another EV owner chimed in.
Meanwhile, California owners say they’re paying:
- $0.22 per kWh off-peak (9 pm to 4 pm)
- $0.65 per kWh during peak (4 pm to 9 pm)
- With gas over $5/gallon, EVs still win — but only if you time it right.
It’s becoming less about owning an EV and more about amateur energy arbitrage.
The Hidden Cost of Cold Weather
If you think $41 for 282 miles is steep, wait until winter kicks in.
EVs lose up to 30% of range in freezing temps due to:
- Battery heating
- Cabin pre-conditioning
- Thicker tire rolling resistance
That means more frequent charges, lower efficiency, and higher bills — just for staying warm.
Despite It All… He Still Loves It
Here’s the twist. That same Boston owner? He’s not mad. He traded in his 2024, drove the 2025 for under 300 miles, and now plans to buy a 2026.
“I love the experience. The tech. Never sniffing around a gas pump again.”
For him, EVs aren’t about ROI. They’re about routine joy, silent acceleration, and the feel of tech-forward freedom, even if the math doesn’t always add up.
2025 Model Y Juniper Specs: Power, Range & Pricing
While the costs vary, the Model Y still delivers:
| Trim | Range | 0–60 mph | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| RWD | ~260 mi | 6.0 sec | ~$42,990 |
| Long Range AWD | ~320 mi | 4.6 sec | ~$47,990 |
| Performance | ~285 mi | 3.5 sec | ~$52,490 |
All versions come with:
- 75 kWh battery
- 76.2 cubic feet cargo space
- Tesla’s latest infotainment & safety tech
So… Are EVs Still Worth It?
In places like Texas or Pennsylvania, yes — your EV might pay for itself. In Boston or other high-cost states? You’re likely subsidizing the grid with your clean conscience.
But here’s the truth: People aren’t just buying EVs to save money anymore.
They’re buying:
- A better ride experience
- Freedom from gas stations
- A piece of the future — even if it’s overpriced today
What’s the Highest Rate You’ve Paid to Charge?
Have you ever felt EV regret over your charging bill? Do off-peak programs work in your area? Or are you all in, numbers be damned?
Drop your thoughts in the comments — we’re ready to hear your real-world EV charging stories.