Tesla Model S review: running costs & insurance
The running costs of the Tesla Model S are very low, but the asking price isn't cheap
| Insurance group | Warranty | Service intervals | Annual company-car tax cost (20%/40%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 4yrs/50,000 miles | 1yr/12,500 miles | From £384/£767 |
The Tesla Model S has never been an affordable EV, with the car’s starting price due to climb even higher with the new version. But the good news is that running costs are typically low. A Model S Long Range could be topped up at home for around £30 at today’s energy rates, or less using a dual-rate electricity tariff. It's also Congestion Charge-exempt in London until 2025, which could save you £15 every time you drive through the centre of the UK's capital.
Tesla Model S insurance group
All versions of the Tesla Model S are in insurance group 50 – the highest possible bracket – mainly because of its rapid acceleration and high replacement cost. Unsurprisingly, Model S policies won’t be cheap. While currently unclear, the fact all new Model S' are left-hand drive only may have an affect of premiums too.
Warranty
The Tesla Model S comes with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty, while the battery is guaranteed for eight years and an unlimited amount of miles in that time.
Servicing
Tesla recommends the Model S be serviced every 12 months or 12,500 miles, whichever comes first. Tesla offers three and four-year maintenance plans for its vehicles, covering consumables such as wiper blades and brake fluid. These plans should help keep costs more transparent and manageable in the long run.
Road tax
As an electric car, the Tesla Model S produces no tailpipe emissions at all, so there's no road tax (VED) to pay. However, from April 2025, EV owners will have to begin paying road tax, as well as the London Congestion Charge.
