Home
Tesla
Model 3
Features
Tesla Model 3 Actual Cost After 3 Years And 45,000 Miles
How much does it really cost to own a Tesla Model 3 for the typical three-year term at 15,000 miles per year?

Steven Loveday 
By: Steven Loveday
Oct 9, 2020 at 10:53am ET
Add InsideEVs as a preferred source in Google
- (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Finsideevs.com%2Ffeatures%2F448163%2Fvideo-tesla-model-3-cost-ownership-analysis%2F&text=Tesla%20Model%203%20Actual%20Cost%20After%203%20Years%20And%2045%2C000%20Miles&via=InsideEVs)
- copy
Share
Comment
Tesla owner and YouTube influencer Cleanerwatt provides a detailed analysis of what it could cost you to own a Tesla Model 3 over the typical three-year period, with 15,000 miles per year on the odometer.
We've covered many of Cleanerwatt's cost-of-ownership videos. Some people give him a hard time since he estimates important data, such as depreciation. We'd like to say that if he's comparing models that haven't yet come to market, he has no other choice here. Fortunately, he does his homework, provides useful comparisons for context, and has a formula that works. In addition, he provides consistent charts that are easy to read and understand.
In this case, all the data is available, since the Tesla Model 3 has been sold for several years, and Cleanerwatt has been keeping track. In most cases, with new EVs coming to market, and sales few and far between, some of the data is simply unavailable.
We've learned that it's hard to convince people to consider a car's cost of ownership rather than its starting price. People want to know exactly how much money is coming out of their bank account at the time of purchase, as well as every month going forward. This makes perfect sense since many people keep track of a budget.
What do you think?
View
Comments
With that said, there have been many reports of what has been called "the Tesla stretch." Essentially, the media has said that people are buying Teslas even though they really can't afford them. However, that may not be true in all cases. If you look at a car's overall cost to own and factor that into your long-term budget, you should have a much better idea if you can afford the car. While the monthly payment is one thing, looking at how much you will save over time compared to another vehicle paints a true picture that's better for your budget over time.
Check Out More About Tesla Model 3 Cost-Of-Ownership:
Tesla Model 3 Comprehensive Ownership Report: 1 Year, 60,000 Miles
Tesla Model 3 Final Cost To Own: Every Expense From Purchase To Sale
As many of you are already aware, EVs are cheaper to own than gas cars. In some cases, the total cost of an EV can be significantly less than that of a gas car that has a much lower starting price. Check out the video for details on down payment, finance cost, tax, maintenance, energy cost, insurance, depreciation, and incentives. Then, leave us a comment below.
Source: Cleanerwatt (YouTube)
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Insideevs.com?
Take our 3 minute survey.
- The InsideEVs team
Share this Story
- (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Finsideevs.com%2Ffeatures%2F448163%2Fvideo-tesla-model-3-cost-ownership-analysis%2F&text=Tesla%20Model%203%20Actual%20Cost%20After%203%20Years%20And%2045%2C000%20Miles&via=InsideEVs)
- copy
GO TO COMMENTS
(
)
Got a tip for us? Email: tips@insideevs.com
View all comments ( )
Trending

Kia EV3 Lease Deals Are Here, And It’s Cheaper Than The Chevy Bolt And Nissan Leaf

I Let Android Auto Plan My EV Roadtrip. Here’s How It Worked

This Chevy Bolt Has 470,000 Miles. Here’s How Much A New Battery Was

Here's What It's Like To Take Delivery Of A Rivian R2
latest articles
- Can The BMW iX3 Take Down The Tesla Model Y L And Rivian R2? Oct 20 - News -
- Waymo Plans To Have 20,000 Cars By The End Of 2027 Oct 20 - News -
- The Boring Company Uses Tesla Model 3 Sleds To Shuttle Shipping Containers Through Its Tunnels Oct 20 - News -
- How Much Range Do EVs Lose When Parked? (And How to Stop It) Oct 20 - EV 101 -
- This Chinese EV Is Now Made In Europe. More Are Coming Oct 20 - News -
- GM Is Closing Its Detroit EV Battery Plant Oct 20 - Industry -
- The 2027 Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid Gets A Bigger Battery And Fast Charging Oct 20 - Official -
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

The Boring Company Uses Tesla Model 3 Sleds To Shuttle Shipping Containers Through Its Tunnels

Can The BMW iX3 Take Down The Tesla Model Y L And Rivian R2?

The Longest-Range EVs You Can Buy In 2026

Waymo Plans To Have 20,000 Cars By The End Of 2027

The Tesla Model 3 And Model Y Can Now Power Your Home In A Blackout

How Much Range Do EVs Lose When Parked? (And How to Stop It)

The Tesla Model 3 Gets A Range Bump And A New Screen In The U.S.