Tesla vs gas: what the savings look like
These worked examples use the calculator’s own assumptions (80% home charging, 20% fast charging at about 50¢/kWh in Canada and 45¢ in the US). Plug in your numbers above for your result.
| Driver | Gas car per year | Tesla per year | Fuel saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada: 20,000 km, 8.5 L/100 km, $1.50/L, 12¢/kWh | $2,550 | about $610 | about $1,940 |
| Ontario on Ultra-Low Overnight (3.9¢/kWh), same driving | $2,550 | about $410 | about $2,140 |
| US: 12,000 mi, 28 mpg, $3.50/gal, 16¢/kWh | $1,500 | about $650 | about $850 |
Add routine maintenance (no oil changes or spark plugs) and the yearly difference grows by roughly $500 to $570. The biggest levers are how far you drive and your overnight electricity rate: see what a Tesla costs to charge at home in each province.
What the calculator leaves out
It compares running costs only. The purchase price, sales tax, rebates and financing usually matter more to the total. For Canada, start with the out-the-door Tesla price by province, the Model 3 Canada price and trim guide and Model 3 vs Model Y in Canada. Winter drivers should also read the LFP winter range test.
Questions about Tesla fuel savings
How much do you save on gas with a Tesla?
For a typical Canadian driver (20,000 km a year in a car using 8.5 L/100 km at $1.50/L), gas costs about $2,550 a year. A Model 3 covering the same distance costs roughly $410 to $610 in electricity, depending on your rate and how often you fast-charge. That is about $1,900 to $2,100 a year in fuel savings, before maintenance. Your result depends on your own numbers, which is what the calculator is for.
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla compared with filling a gas tank?
At home, a full Model 3 charge uses roughly 55 to 65 kWh. At 12¢/kWh that is about $7 to $8; on Ontario's Ultra-Low Overnight rate (about 3.9¢) it is closer to $2.50. Superchargers cost much more per kWh, which is why the calculator assumes 20% fast charging.
Does the calculator include the purchase price or rebates?
No. It compares running costs only: fuel and routine maintenance. For the purchase side, see our out-the-door price by province guide and the rebate guide.
What efficiency does the calculator assume for a Tesla?
6.4 km/kWh (about 15.6 kWh/100 km) in Canada and 4.0 miles/kWh in the US, including some charging losses. Winter driving in Canada uses more energy, so cold-climate drivers should expect somewhat smaller savings in January.
Is the maintenance saving real?
Teslas have no oil changes, spark plugs, timing belts or transmission fluid, and regenerative braking reduces brake wear. You still pay for tires, cabin filters, wipers and brake fluid checks. The calculator uses $750 vs $180 a year in Canada and $650 vs $150 in the US as rough averages.