Tesla Model S (Long Range) in Iowa
Home charging at 13.49¢/kWh (EIA). 29 kWh per 100 miles (EPA combined). Public DC fast: 40¢/kWh avg.
EV vs gas car — annual fuel cost
The Tesla Model S (Long Range) at home rates compared against a typical 28-mpg gas car and a 40-mpg hybrid at the Iowa fuel price ($3.10/gal).
| Annual mileage | Tesla Model S (Long Range) (home) | 28-mpg gas | 40-mpg hybrid | EV savings vs gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,000 mi | $235 | $664 | $465 | $430 |
| 10,000 mi | $391 | $1107 | $775 | $716 |
| 12,000 mi | $469 | $1329 | $930 | $859 |
| 15,000 mi | $587 | $1661 | $1163 | $1074 |
| 20,000 mi | $782 | $2214 | $1550 | $1432 |
Home vs public DC fast charging
Home charging is the default cost optimization. Public DC fast charging in Iowa runs about 3.0× the home rate. For 12,000 miles/yr entirely on DC fast, annual fuel cost would be $1392 vs $469 at home — a $923 penalty. Apartment dwellers and road-trippers should price this in; daily commuters with home Level 2 can usually ignore public chargers.
DC fast rate is a network average (Electrify America + EVgo + Tesla Supercharger + ChargePoint). Real prices vary by location, time of day, and membership tier.
EV incentives in Iowa
Iowa does not currently run a state-level EV purchase rebate. Federal Section 30D credit of $7,500 still applies for qualifying vehicles (US-assembled with sourced battery components, MSRP cap, household income cap). Check the EV tax credit eligibility list for your vehicle. Some utilities offer charger installation rebates — check with your local utility.
Same vehicle in neighboring states
How Tesla Model S (Long Range) cost compares in Iowa's contiguous neighbors. Relevant for cross-border driving and relocation decisions.
| State | Electricity | Gas | EV / 100mi | Saves vs gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | 13.49¢ | $3.10 | $3.91 | $7.16 |
| Nebraska | 11.04¢ | $3.05 | $3.20 | $7.69 |
| Missouri | 12.59¢ | $2.95 | $3.65 | $6.88 |
| South Dakota | 12.84¢ | $3.15 | $3.72 | $7.53 |
| Minnesota | 14.93¢ | $3.20 | $4.33 | $7.10 |
| Illinois | 16.43¢ | $3.55 | $4.76 | $7.91 |
| Wisconsin | 17.20¢ | $3.25 | $4.99 | $6.62 |
Vehicle specs
- EPA combined efficiency: 29 kWh/100 miles
- EPA range: 405 miles
- Make / model: Tesla Model S
Other EVs in Iowa
Common questions
- How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model S (Long Range) at home in Iowa?
- About $3.91 per 100 miles at the Iowa residential electricity rate of 13.49¢/kWh (EIA). For comparison, a 28-mpg gas car at local gas prices costs $11.07 per 100 miles. Annual savings at 12,000 miles: ~$859.
- Home charging vs public DC fast charging — what's the difference in Iowa?
- Public DC fast charging in Iowa averages ~40¢/kWh — that's 3.0× home rates. A 100-mile session costs roughly $11.60 at public chargers vs $3.91 at home. For daily commuting, home charging pays off. Public fast charging is for road trips and apartment dwellers without home charging access.
- Are there EV incentives in Iowa?
- Iowa does not currently run a state-level EV purchase rebate. The federal Section 30D tax credit ($7,500) still applies for qualifying vehicles, and your utility may run separate charger-installation rebates.
- Does winter weather affect charging cost in Iowa?
- Yes — cold weather can reduce EV efficiency by 15-30% (battery + heater draw). The numbers above use EPA combined ratings; budget +20% for sustained sub-freezing temps. Winter range drop is most pronounced for northern states.
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.