A Tesla driver has gone viral after sharing details of their electricity bill from the past 12 months, leaving many online stunned at just how low it was.
What the bill actually was
Posting on X under the handle @Tesla_GTownTX, the owner shared a screenshot showing a bill of just $2.37, joking that it was the first bill they'd had in the past 12 months and adding, "This sucks."
How they achieved it
The post sparked plenty of questions online, with many users asking how such a minimal bill was possible and pointing to the likely use of solar panels or a home battery system. The owner confirmed they were using both a solar setup and Tesla's Powerwall, a rechargeable battery system designed to store energy generated from solar panels or drawn from the grid for later use, complete with monitoring and smart controls accessible through Tesla's app.
The Powerwall system itself carries a substantial upfront cost, typically ranging from $6,000 to $12,000, meaning the low ongoing bill reflects a significant initial investment rather than a cost-free setup.
Broader context on EV charging costs
Charging costs for electric vehicles vary considerably depending on setup and location. In the UK, energy supplier Octopus estimates home charging can cost as little as 3p per mile, compared to around 18p per mile for public rapid charging, with home charger installation typically costing upwards of $1,000.
Tesla's broader market position
Tesla remains a dominant player in the EV market, though its dominance has softened recently. In 2024, the company recorded its first annual sales decline in over a decade, delivering around 1.79 million vehicles worldwide, a 1% drop from 2023. It still accounted for roughly 20% of global EV sales that year, though that share continues to shrink amid growing competition.
