If you're considering swapping fossil fuels for an electric charge, you'll no doubt be curious about what a trip to the supermarket might set you back. What does it cost to charge an electric car, anyway?

It's all well and good to consider your options, but what about the price of making the switch? It's important to know if your pockets are deep enough before taking the plunge.

If you're wondering what it might cost to charge up a new Tesla, you've come to the right place! Read on to find out all about electric charging methods and their costs.

Electric Cars Are Here to Stay

They're not a fad anymore. What was once seen as a risky foray into uncharted territory has become something of a status symbol. Owning a Tesla has become a badge of honor among car enthusiasts and status seekers alike.

The change from fossil fuels to electricity didn't arrive without a few bumps in the road. Immense pushback was originally rallied by Big Oil and the 'legacy' automotive industry with goals to protect their business interests, but common sense in the face of global warming and the demonization of fossil fuels has ensured their defeat.

Owning an electric car isn't only trendy, it's simply the environmentally-concerned thing to do these days. The combustion engine, despite being the foundation of our modern age, seems to be on the verge of complete obsoletion.

Environmental Factors

At this juncture of history, the world is set on a course to unmitigated disaster. For us to continue living as we do now is to ensure the environment dies a slow death, and our role is solely to act as a witness.

The reality of the situation is that the combustion of fossil fuels is the main contributor to greenhouse gasses and the warming of the planet. The barrels of oil that have been pulled from the earth's crust are potent bartering chips on the table of global trade and are unlikely to be ignored for their value simply because of their contribution to global warming.

Electric cars, while still contributing to pollution, are by no means as bad an offender. The more popular electric cars become, the more common it will be that sources of renewable energy will be tapped and taken advantage of to replace the polluting archaic combustion engine.

The Cost to Charge an Electric Car

As an incentive for the trail-blazers among us, Tesla used to offer free lifetime charging. A transparent bid to entice the first wave of buyers to the side of the electric engine. It's tough to change the habits of a lifetime, and harder still to convince others to do the same.

But it worked well! Everyone loves a bargain, and free lifetime charging was an effective advertising scheme. Free supercharging was also available to offer to a friend for a while, spreading the deal through word of mouth to Tesla owner's friends and family through a referral scheme.

For every referral secured they were granted 1,500km worth of free supercharging. This was all in the aid to convince the masses that electric cars are serious competitors and not to be overlooked. Introducing a new idea is a real challenge, so strategies like this were instrumental in the success that electric vehicles are enjoying today.

Present Day Charging Fees

Now the use of electric vehicles has become normalized, and the options you have to charge your car have increased dramatically. With the large adoption of electric vehicles, the price and ease of charging have only become easier on the wallet.

When you're out and about, you can charge your electric vehicle at any provided public outlet. These public charging locations are going to become more common as time goes on, and can already be found without having to go too far out of your way. Nothing like a full charge at zero extra expense!

The price of charging at home will depend upon the service you're with. It's common practice for electricity companies to lower the price of electricity at night or at similar times when the grid is under low load. Charging a car at home is still a great deal cheaper than a tank of gas would ever be, commonly costing somewhere in the region of $12 to $18 for a full charge.

Supercharging Cost

Charging at home or work is the most convenient option, simply plug your car into the most easily accessible outlet and leave it alone for a few hours. This option is fantastic because you'll always be able to give your car on a charge with minimal hassle. It's a touch on the slow side, though.

Supercharging stations are being constructed nationwide. They facilitate a full charge in around only thirty minutes, but this service comes at a cost for the speed. For Tesla cars bought before 2017, it's free! But for those of us late to the party, at 40 kWh, at a rate of $0.28, it'll set you back around $11.20, which is still cheaper than at home!

If you're thinking of buying a Tesla or another electric vehicle, the thought of the logistics involved in having it delivered might put you off. Car shipping with Nexus Auto Transport might be worth a look; they take the hassle right out of delivery!

A World Going Electric

The world is slowly dragging its feet into a new age of renewable energy. It's only a matter of time until the fossil-fueled car goes extinct, existing only as an oddity for future generations to marvel at.

Even in the present day, the adoption of electric vehicles makes a lot of sense budget-wise. Especially when the cost to charge an electric car is a fraction of a full tank of gas.

If you found what you were looking for in this article, why not have a look over the rest of the blog? We've got lots of information, perhaps you'll find something else to pique your interest!