If saving money is one of your top reasons for going electric, Tesla’s Model 3 is your best bet — and now there’s a study to prove it.
In a new report by research firm Zutobi, the Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive has officially been named the most economical electric vehicle to own in 2025, beating out every other EV in cost-per-mile value.
How Much Does It Cost to Drive a Tesla Model 3?
According to Zutobi’s study, the standard Model 3 offers incredible efficiency:
Just $3.60 to drive 100 miles.
That means if you spent $100 charging your car, you could drive 2,781 miles — more than the distance from New York to Los Angeles.
Zutobi’s calculation was based on national average energy prices, a usable battery capacity of 57.5 kWh, and a real-world range of 260 miles.
The Runner-Up? Another Model 3
Coming in second place is the Tesla Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive — with a slightly higher cost of:
$3.75 per 100 miles.
Even with a bigger 75 kWh battery and 325 miles of range, it still offers 2,665 miles per $100 of electricity.
BMW Cracks the Top 3 — But Tesla Dominates the List
The BMW i4 eDrive35 came in third with a still-respectable:
$4.12 per 100 miles
(2,429 miles per $100)
But it’s Tesla that takes up five of the top ten spots in the list of most cost-effective EVs to own.
Here are a few other standout mentions from the study:
- Tesla Model 3 Performance: $4.34 per 100 miles (Tied 6th)
- Tesla Model S Long Range: $4.35 per 100 miles (8th)
- Tesla Model Y Long Range: $4.36 per 100 miles (9th)
Why This Matters for EV Buyers
When most people think of going electric, they picture:
- Lower gas costs
- Reduced maintenance
- Tax incentives
But not all EVs are created equal when it comes to cost-efficiency. Some models consume more energy than others — and that can add up quickly over time.
Tesla’s high-efficiency motors, streamlined aerodynamics, and reliable software updates continue to give it a serious edge in the EV market — and this latest study proves just how far ahead the Model 3 still is when it comes to daily driving costs.
In conclusion, Tesla’s Model 3 isn’t just a stylish, high-tech EV — it’s now officially the cheapest electric car to drive in 2025.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to go electric without sacrificing performance or range, you won’t find a better value on the road right now.
What Do You Think?
Are you surprised the Model 3 is still leading in affordability?
Do you think Tesla can keep this edge as more EVs hit the market?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below — and if you already drive a Model 3, let us know how much it’s saving you compared to your old gas car.