Summary
- Tesla brings back free lifetime Supercharging for the Model S
- The price of the Model S increased by $5,000 as part of the promotion
- The efficiency of the Model S is crucial in determining whether the deal is worth it
- The break-even point for the $5,000 price hike is around 210,000 miles for most drivers
- For those who exclusively Supercharge, cost savings can be achieved in just over three years and can total around $19,950 after 15.5 years.
Article
Is Tesla’s Free Lifetime Supercharging Promotion Worth It After the Recent Price Hike?
Tesla is making a big push for its Model S this holiday season, offering free lifetime Supercharging for new buyers of the luxury sedan. However, this promotion comes with a catch – Tesla has increased the price of the car by $5,000. This move has left many potential buyers wondering if the deal is truly worth it in light of the recent price hike. With competition in the luxury EV market heating up, Tesla is looking to leverage its Supercharger network as a key selling point for the Model S.
To determine if the promotion is a good deal, we need to crunch some numbers. The efficiency of the Model S plays a significant role in calculating the potential cost savings of free Supercharging. The EPA efficiency rating of the Tesla Model S varies depending on the model, with the All Wheel Drive model achieving 3.6 miles per kilowatt-hour. The Model S Plaid with 21-inch wheels is less efficient at 2.8 miles/kWh. Most EV owners have access to home charging, with a majority of charging done at home according to the Department of Energy. This information is crucial in determining the impact of free Supercharging on overall costs.
The average driver covers around 13,476 miles per year, which translates to approximately 3,743 kWh of electricity for the Model S. With the cost of Supercharging estimated at $0.43/kWh, the average owner would spend around $322 per year on Supercharging. It would take around 15.5 years of driving to offset the $5,000 price hike with free lifetime Supercharging. However, for drivers who rely heavily on Superchargers or lack access to home charging, the cost savings could kick in much sooner, possibly at around 42,000 miles.
There is potential for significant savings for those who exclusively use Superchargers for their Model S. With projections indicating that around 14% of owners may fall into this category, savings of up to $1,610 per year could be achieved. Over a 15.5 year period, this could result in savings of around $19,950 after factoring in the $5,000 price increase. However, it’s important to note that the free Supercharging perk is tied to the vehicle and not transferable upon resale. Additionally, Tesla reserves the right to revoke free Supercharging in cases of excessive charging or misuse.
In conclusion, whether Tesla’s free lifetime Supercharging promotion is worth it depends on individual circumstances and driving habits. For buyers considering a Model S and willing to pay the extra $5,000 for unlimited Supercharging, the deal may be attractive. However, potential buyers should be aware of the limitations and conditions associated with this promotion. Ultimately, the decision to take advantage of this offer should be based on a careful evaluation of driving patterns, charging accessibility, and long-term cost savings. Tesla’s move to bring back free Supercharging highlights the company’s innovative approach to marketing and incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles in a competitive market landscape.
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