Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular amongst consumers. According to Experian’s 2024 Automotive’s Electric Vehicles report, there were around four million EVs in the country last year. That’s roughly 1.4% of all vehicles on the road.
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While many automobile manufacturers have started including EVs in their line-up, Tesla has long been a top brand for consumers. But Nissan — the Nissan Leaf in particular — is picking up steam. Since December 2010, the car maker has sold over 1 million EVs worldwide — 650,000 of which are the Leaf, according to Nissan. If you’re considering purchasing either a Tesla or a Nissan Leaf, check out the cost comparisons below.
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Cost Comparison: Tesla Vs. Nissan Leaf
This is what it typically costs to charge a Tesla, as per EnergySage’s latest data:
Tesla Model 3: 4 to 5 cents per mile ($11 to $15 for a full battery)
Tesla Model Y: 4 to 5 cents per mile ($14 for a full battery)
Tesla Model X: 5 to 6 cents per mile ($18 for a full battery)
Tesla Model S: 4 to 5 cents per mile ($18 for a full battery)
EnergySage also found the typical charging costs for a 2023 Nissan Leaf range from 9 cents to 33 cents per kWh of electricity. A full charge can cost anywhere from $3.82 (in Washington) to $10.56 (in Hawaii).
The cost of charging either of these vehicles depends on where you live and how much you drive. But as you can see, a Nissan Leaf generally costs less to fully charge than a Tesla.
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Distance Traveled on a Full Charge Matters
It’s important to note just how far a full charge can take you — and how often you’ll need to change your EV.
For example, Tesla costs about $50 to charge each month (or $600 a year) across all popular models. This is based on driving 1,100 miles each month and spending an average of 4.56 cents per mile.
According to Consumer Reports, here’s the EPA-estimated range of a fully charged Nissan Leaf:
149 miles for the Nissan Leaf
212 miles for the Nissan Leaf SV Plus
If you drive 1,100 miles a month, you may need to fully charge your vehicle between five and seven times. Total monthly charging costs could be:
Washington ($3.82 per full charge): $19.10 to $26.74
Hawaii ($10.56 per full charge): $52.80 to $73.92
Compare this to the Tesla’s typical $50 a month charging costs and you’ll generally spend less on a Nissan Leaf — depending on location.
Incentives and Other Costs
The Nissan Leaf comes with a limited-time incentive that can lower your upfront costs. Specifically, leasing or purchasing a new vehicle gets you up to two years of free public charging — at level two and when you use the EZ-Charge card, per Nissan.
Both the Tesla and Nissan Leaf may also qualify for up to $7,500 in a federal tax credit, according to the IRS. This means some significant savings when you purchase one of these EVs.
Other cost considerations include:
Starting MSRP: According to Nissan, the 2025 Leaf starts at $28,140. The Tesla starts at $37,490 (including incentives), per Tesla.
Charging efficiency: The average charging efficiency for an EV is 85% to 95%, according to NRG Clean Power.
Local rates: Expect to spend an average of 17.45 cents per kWh, but know that costs can be much higher, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Maintenance and repairs: On average, a Tesla costs $257 to $748 in annual maintenance, per Tesla’s website. A Nissan Leaf costs an estimated $1,105 after five years of ownership, according to CarEdge.
You can get an estimate of how much it will cost to drive either a Nissan Leaf or a Tesla using AAA’s online calculator. Figures will vary based on factors like model, year and miles driven.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What Does It Cost To Charge a Tesla vs. a Nissan Leaf?
