Gas prices keep drivers guessing, but electricity isn’t free either. If you’re deciding between an electric car like a Tesla and a hybrid SUV, such as the Honda CR-V, the real question is which one keeps your monthly driving costs lower.
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Comparing what it takes to charge a Tesla versus filling up a CR-V Hybrid shows which vehicle option can save you the most.
Cost To Charge a Tesla vs. a Honda CR-V Hybrid Monthly
It’s important to note that the Tesla has to be plugged into a charging system to keep it going, but the Honda CR-V Hybrid does not. While the Honda does have electric motors powered by a battery, the gas engine charges the battery while driving and regenerative braking also sends power back to the battery, per Honda.
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Charging a Tesla at home costs roughly $0.05 per mile, according to EnergySage. On the other hand, the Honda CR-V Hybrid averages about 40 miles per gallon combined city and highway driving, AutoWeb reported. With today’s national average gas price at $3.19 per gallon, per Forbes, the cost comes out to about $0.08 per mile.
At 1,015 miles a month (the average for American drivers), fueling the CR-V Hybrid costs $81.20 monthly, according to Kelley Blue Book. Over 12 months, that’s roughly $974 in gas. At the same mileage, it costs $50.75 per month to charge a Tesla at home.
Consider This: What Does It Cost To Charge a Tesla Monthly Compared to Gas for a Honda CR-V?
The Bottom Line
It’s cheaper to charge the Tesla at home than to fill up the Honda CR-V Hybrid each month. Most of the cost difference comes from electric motors being more efficient than internal combustion engines. According to Yale Climate Connections, electric motors require only about 50% of the energy a gas-powered internal combustion engine does. EVs also skip common maintenance such as oil changes and spark plugs.
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However, it’s important to keep in mind that EV charging costs vary depending on where you live and whether you’re plugging in at home or using public fast charging, which can cost more per mile.
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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 Honda CR-V Hybrid
