Tesla Owner Reveals Savings He’s Made On Gas After Six Years And 144,225 Miles On The Road

Proof that going green can save you some serious green.

Jesse

• Published in Technology
• September 29, 2024

Some years ago, YouTuber and tech enthusiast Andy Slye made what many would consider a bold move: he splurged $54,000 on a brand-new Tesla Model 3. 

Now, that’s a lot of dough to drop on a set of wheels, especially one that runs purely on electricity. But this wasn’t just any car—it was the Ultra Red version of the Model 3, a sleek, futuristic EV that promised to save him money in the long run. 

Fast forward six years and 144,225 miles later, and Slye is here to break down just how much he’s saved on gas—and it’s a number that’ll make your jaw hit the floor.

“Exactly six years ago, I did something crazy and spent more money than I ever thought I would on a car,” Slye confesses in his latest video. 

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) suggests that the average American driver covers around 13,500 miles a year. So, Slye’s 144,225 miles in just six years is no small feat.

But what’s more impressive is the savings he’s racked up by charging his Tesla in his garage instead of stopping at the gas station like the rest of us. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot.

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Six years, 144,000 miles, and one happy Tesla owner! Andy Slye shows us what smart driving and smart saving look like.

Before diving into the numbers, Slye revealed that he’s spent around $3,200 on optional expenses over the years. This includes $1,800 on Paint Protection Film (because when you’re driving a car that pretty, you want to keep it that way), $200 on window tinting, and another $200 on miscellaneous accessories like phone mounts and floor mats. 

And let’s not forget the $500 radar detector—“I got one speeding ticket every year for the first three years of ownership,” he admits. “So I ended up getting this radar detector, and ever since I’ve gotten it, I haven’t been pulled over.” Money well spent, indeed.

Now, onto the part we’ve all been waiting for: the gas savings. “I live in a state where electricity is super cheap,” Andy explained. “I’m literally just charging in my garage overnight when electricity is the cheapest.” With overnight rates as low as $0.08 per kilowatt-hour, he’s managed to power his Model 3 for just $2,772 over six years. 

Add in $583 for Supercharging sessions, and $900 for a special outlet, and his total charging cost comes to a mere $4,255.

Andy Slye knows his numbers, and it’s all adding up to big savings and zero regrets

So, how much has Andy saved compared to a gas-powered car? By his calculations, he’s saved about $20,000 on fuel alone. That’s a significant chunk of change, considering the average annual gas cost is around $3,306.53. 

Andy's Tesla Model 3 isn’t just a car—it’s a long-term investment

Watch Andy drop some detailed insights

Overall, his total ownership cost has reached $75,175, which works out to about $7,517 per year—an impressive feat given the mileage he’s put on the car.

Andy’s conclusion? “I’m going to drive it until the wheels fall off.” With those kinds of savings, it’s hard to blame him. So, what do you think? Is Andy’s impressive saving enough to make you consider ditching your gas guzzler for a Tesla? Let us know in the comments!

Jesse