Switching from gas to electric sounds like a big commitment until you do some math. Once you break down the monthly cost of simply driving, the gap between electric vehicles (EV) and gas-powered rides becomes a lot easier to grasp.
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So that’s what GOBankingRates did for you. Using a mix of real-world usage data, government numbers and current energy prices, we compared how much it costs to drive 1,000 miles in a Tesla Model Y versus 1,000 miles in a gas-powered Cadillac XT5. The results speak for themselves.
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Monthly Cost To Charge a Tesla Model Y
According to EV analytics firm Recurrent Auto, real-world data from Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD owners shows that the vehicle typically pulls around 295 kilowatt-hours (kWh) from the wall to drive 1,000 miles.
It’s important to remember that EV efficiency ratings, like miles per kilowatt-hour, usually reflect the energy consumed by the motor and battery system and not the energy lost during charging.
Most Level 2 home chargers operate at 83% to 94% efficiency, according to Recurrent, which means 6% to 17% of electricity is lost as heat or powering the car’s internal systems. So while your utility bill reflects 295 kWh, the car itself may only be using about 250 to 270 kWh to actually move you down the road.
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At the average U.S. residential electricity rate of 17.45 cents per kWh (as of April 2025), pulling 295 kWh from your electric meter would cost about $51 per month, assuming you charge at home.
In short, even after accounting for energy loss during charging, powering a Model Y for 1,000 miles a month will likely cost you less than $55.
Fuel Cost for a Cadillac XT5
Cadillac reports a combined fuel efficiency of 24 miles per gallon for the 2025 XT5 AWD model. Official U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings may vary slightly, but this estimate is in line with third-party reviews from Edmunds and Car & Driver.
If you drive 1,000 miles per month, that means you’ll burn through about 42 gallons of gas. At the current national average of $3.15 per gallon (July 2025, according to AAA), you’re looking at a monthly fuel cost of around $132. That’s more than double the cost of charging a Tesla Model Y at home.
Real-World Factors That Affect Driving Costs
1. Charging Inefficiency
As mentioned earlier, EVs draw more power from the wall than what actually goes into the battery. This charging inefficiency (typically around 6% to 17%) is often overlooked but directly impacts your electric bill.
2. Weather and Driving Conditions
Cold weather hits electric vehicles harder than gas-powered ones. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that EVs can lose up to 40% of their range in cold temperatures, while gas vehicles like the XT5 typically see only a 5% to 15% drop in fuel efficiency.
Final Take
If you drive about 1,000 miles a month and have access to home charging, the Tesla Model Y is significantly cheaper to drive day-to-day. You’ll spend less than $55 to charge it compared to $132 or more to fill up a Cadillac XT5.
Of course, EVs aren’t a guaranteed win for everyone. If you rely on public fast chargers, live in a cold climate or face high electricity rates, those savings can narrow or even disappear. But for most drivers with a garage and a wall outlet, the savings are real and they add up fast.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Here’s What It Costs To Charge a Tesla Monthly vs. Using Gas for a Cadillac CT-5
