How much does a Tesla cost in 2024?

Tesla is constantly innovating and releasing new electric car tech to the market. Today, it boasts four commercially available car models: the Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, the Tesla Model 3, and the Tesla Model Y. 

We'll break down the car prices for each of the different Tesla EV models and explain how you should compare them.

Tesla's current car lineup (Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Modely Y) ranges in price from $40,380 to $94,380–that's for a new vehicle before any tax incentives or local rebates. On the more affordable end is the Model 3, which Tesla first released in 2018. It's a whopping $77,000 less than the company's most expensive option, the Model X Plaid.

Tesla cost by model 

Keep in mind that the prices above don't include any customization. Extras like paint changes, interior upgrades, and full self-driving capability can add anywhere from $2,000 to $19,000 to your costs, depending on your preferences.

Tesla's Model 3 is the cheapest Tesla car available. With the base model retailing for $40,380 , this car is Tesla's first attempt at a mass-market electric car to appeal to automobile shoppers of a wide range of budgets. It's working: The Model 3 has quickly become one of the most talked-about and popular electric cars thanks to its unique combination of performance and affordability. In 2023, the Model 3 was the 12th best-selling car in the U.S.–that's including traditional gasoline-fueled cars!

The Model 3 comes in three different versions ( Performance, Long Range, and "standard") that offer driving ranges between 272 and 341  miles. This car can go 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds.

Tesla Model 3 product line:

Known as one of the leading EVs available, the Model S is a popular sports car with top-end ranges and speeds to match. In terms of acceleration, the Model S can go 0-60 mph in as little as 1.99 seconds.

 Similar to the Model 3, buying a Model S will cost more or less depending on the model you buy and the tax credits available. Model S pricing starts at $74,630, and the company offers two car variations that you can choose from: the Model S and the Model S Plaid. The more expensive of the two–the Model S Plaid–has tri-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) and has a top speed of 200 miles per hour.

Tesla Model S product line

For most Tesla fanatics, their primary interest has long been around the company's Model S sedan. That changed at the end of 2015 when Tesla released its highly anticipated SUV offering, the Model X. Though the Model X is often marketed as an electric SUV, its size more closely resembles a compact crossover like a Subaru Forrester or Toyota Corolla. The Model X is the fastest sport utility vehicle in the automobile industry – the Plaid model can reach 60 mph in a mere 2.5 seconds!

A new Model X starts at a base price of $79,380 and comes in two versions: Model X and the Model X Plaid.

Tesla Model X product line

Tesla released its newest electric car model–the Tesla Model Y–back in 2020. According to Elon Musk himself, the car shares about 75% of its components with its more affordable sibling, the Model 3. 

The main difference between the two is that the Tesla Y is a mid-size SUV rather than a sedan. Even as a larger car, the Model Y can go from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds. Its extra space also comes at an additional cost: Aa new Model Y has a base price between $44,380  and $54,130, depending on whether you go with the Model Y Long Range or the Model Y Performance.

Tesla Model Y product line: Drivetrain, price, range and top speed

Tesla Cybertruck: Tesla's newest addition

You may have seen the futuristic Cybertruck driving around since its release in late 2023. It has an impressive range of 500 miles and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 2.9 seconds. 

Just keep in mind that the Cybertruck has experienced multiple recalls and starts at a whopping $80,000. 

Tesla Roadster: Coming soon

Despite releasing the original Roadster as its first vehicle, Tesla hasn't produced a new version of the Roadster since 2012. Tesla has promised that the new Roadster will be its fastest vehicle yet, with 0-60 mph acceleration times of 1.9 seconds and a top speed of more than 250 mph. 

Reservation prices for this vehicle start at $50,000 and some sites predict it could cost $200,000.

As with any other car purchase, paying for a car involves more than the prices we listed above or the prices a manufacturer lists online. Additional fees–both ongoing and one-time payments–will increase the overall cost of buying a Tesla. When evaluating a Tesla purchase against other options, consider:

• Taxes and fees: Depends on the model car you buy, as well as the sales tax rate in your area.

• Order fee: The nonrefundable fee Tesla charges to place your car order ($250).

• Destination & doc fee: The fee Tesla charges to transport your car from the Tesla factory to your delivery location ($1,400).

• Charging costs: Varies based on your driving style, average mileage, the cost of electricity in your area, the car you drive, and more. Importantly, electric cars like Teslas typically offer significant fuel savings over gas-powered vehicles.

• Service & maintenance costs: Depends on your area, the car you drive, how often you drive, and more. Fun fact: according to Consumer Reports, EV and plug-in hybrid car drivers pay about half as much on car repairs and maintenance compared to drivers of cars with internal combustion engines.

• Insurance: Varies depending on your area, the cost of your car, your driving history, and more.

How much does it cost to replace a Tesla battery?

In comparison to batteries for combustion engine vehicles, most signs point to electric vehicle batteries lasting a significantly long time. On average, EV batteries can last 12-15 years in moderate climates. However, if you find yourself in the position of having to pay for a battery replacement, it could be quite expensive. Batteries cost between $10,000-$12,000, not including installation.

Given how much you can save with EV incentives, it's important to understand your eligibility for any tax credits prior to purchasing an electric car. The country's most advantageous EV incentive – the Clean Vehicle Credit – offers a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 on your electric vehicle purchase. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, Tesla vehicles are once again eligible for the federal EV tax credit as long as the vehicle owner meets the income and price requirements.

Your Tesla purchase may be eligible for other state or local incentives depending on where you live. For example, states like California, Maryland, and Colorado offer cash incentives or credits for electric car owners. Others offer non-cash incentives like indefinite carpool access and free tolls. Regardless, there's a good chance that the price tag for your Tesla car will look a lot better once you factor in credits and incentives.

Using EnergySage's EV showroom, you can explore all of the electric vehicle incentives in your area by car make and model, tax filing status, and household income. Simply click the "Personalize Incentives" button and enter your zip code to get started.

Buying a Tesla will cost more than most cars upfront.; Despite the release of the more affordable Model Y, Tesla's still regarded as a luxury vehicle and has the price tag to match. 

Whether or not you should buy a Tesla depends on your preferences and personal finances. Tesla owners typically experience low maintenance costs and fuel savings relative to comparable luxury vehicles with gas-powered engines. And, electric cars like Teslas help reduce pollution. So if environmental stewardship is important to you, an electric car–a Tesla model or otherwise–is the way to go.