Tesla Model 3 (Long Range) in Montana
Home charging at 12.55¢/kWh (EIA). 25 kWh per 100 miles (EPA combined). Public DC fast: 38¢/kWh avg.
EV vs gas car — annual fuel cost
The Tesla Model 3 (Long Range) at home rates compared against a typical 28-mpg gas car and a 40-mpg hybrid at the Montana fuel price ($3.30/gal).
| Annual mileage | Tesla Model 3 (Long Range) (home) | 28-mpg gas | 40-mpg hybrid | EV savings vs gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,000 mi | $188 | $707 | $495 | $519 |
| 10,000 mi | $314 | $1179 | $825 | $865 |
| 12,000 mi | $377 | $1414 | $990 | $1038 |
| 15,000 mi | $471 | $1768 | $1238 | $1297 |
| 20,000 mi | $628 | $2357 | $1650 | $1730 |
Home vs public DC fast charging
Home charging is the default cost optimization. Public DC fast charging in Montana runs about 3.0× the home rate. For 12,000 miles/yr entirely on DC fast, annual fuel cost would be $1140 vs $377 at home — a $764 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 Montana
Montana 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 3 (Long Range) cost compares in Montana's contiguous neighbors. Relevant for cross-border driving and relocation decisions.
| State | Electricity | Gas | EV / 100mi | Saves vs gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana (current) | 12.55¢ | $3.30 | $3.14 | $8.65 |
| North Dakota | 11.05¢ | $3.20 | $2.76 | $8.67 |
| Wyoming | 11.16¢ | $3.20 | $2.79 | $8.64 |
| Idaho | 11.59¢ | $3.45 | $2.90 | $9.42 |
| South Dakota | 12.84¢ | $3.15 | $3.21 | $8.04 |
Vehicle specs
- EPA combined efficiency: 25 kWh/100 miles
- EPA range: 358 miles
- Make / model: Tesla Model 3
Other EVs in Montana
Common questions
- How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model 3 (Long Range) at home in Montana?
- About $3.14 per 100 miles at the Montana residential electricity rate of 12.55¢/kWh (EIA). For comparison, a 28-mpg gas car at local gas prices costs $11.79 per 100 miles. Annual savings at 12,000 miles: ~$1038.
- Home charging vs public DC fast charging — what's the difference in Montana?
- Public DC fast charging in Montana averages ~38¢/kWh — that's 3.0× home rates. A 100-mile session costs roughly $9.50 at public chargers vs $3.14 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 Montana?
- Montana 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 Montana?
- 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.