When you’re in the market for a new car, cost is probably one of your first considerations. But as electric vehicle prices drop, you might be thinking more seriously about switching from conventional cars to electric vehicles.
One YouTube user, Vegas Tesla Carmen (@vegasteslacarmen), shared an honest assessment of whether Teslas are actually cheaper than gasoline cars powered by dirty energy.
In his video “Tesla vs. Gas: Real Costs After One Year of Ownership,” Kamen covers charging, maintenance, insurance and registration. He logged every expense on his Tesla Model Y over the past year and compared it to the cost of a gasoline car.
He determined that he saved approximately $1,865 by charging his car instead of filling it with gas. He doesn’t have to deal with anything other than general maintenance on the Tesla, saying, “Teslas are literally the cheapest cars for at least the first five years of ownership.”
Kamen maintains a 94 safety score while driving his Tesla, which keeps his insurance costs low. Insurance rates vary based on your location, age and other factors, he noted. However, for a 30-year-old man living in Nevada, his insurance is no more expensive for driving a Tesla.
In Nevada, there is no difference in registration fees to drive a Tesla or a gasoline car. However, in some other states, EV taxes may make it more expensive to register a Tesla.
Ultimately, Kamen’s bottom-line message is that it’s cheaper for him to own a Tesla than to own a gasoline car, and that trend may be true for many others as well.
Carmen’s price breakdown and comparisons are helpful for drivers who are hesitant to buy an electric car or a gas-powered car. It also provides honest insights into Tesla ownership to provide a balanced perspective, especially given the company’s recent sales challenges and controversies.
When you convert your next vehicle to electric, you can save significantly on gas and maintenance costs while reducing polluting emissions and supporting cleaner communities with breathable air.
You can reduce the cost of charging your electric car by charging at home instead of paying for a public charging station. Qmerit offers free estimates for Level 2 home chargers. After answering a few questions about your electrical setup, Qmerit can help you compare charger installation quotes to get the best deal.
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Carmen’s YouTube fans appreciated his price breakdown of electric vs. gas-powered cars and shared their feedback in the comments.
“I recently bought a Tesla and have zero regrets,” one YouTuber wrote. “The funniest thing I’ve ever driven.”
Another YouTube user commented: “Just bought an M3P and after driving it I wonder why I drive any other car.”
“The total cost of ownership and annual miles driven really make electric cars the better choice,” others shared. “Twelve years of driving a Tesla Model S has proven this to me.”
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