People are surprised by the electricity costs associated with operating a Tesla for a whole year. Despite the high initial price of Tesla cars, the ongoing expenses for electricity might deter potential buyers.

While electric vehicles are becoming more popular, the rising costs of electricity could make some consumers think twice.

Recently, on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), someone shared their electric bill after owning a Tesla for a year – and the amount was astonishingly low. They sarcastically captioned the post: “First bill in 12 months. ‘This sucks.’” This sarcastic comment showed their surprise upon discovering that their electricity bill amounted to just $2.37 (£1.89) for the entire year.

But how is this possible? Upon closer inspection, it’s clear that the process is still quite expensive. The person’s cover photo featured a Tesla Powerwall, a large battery that works with the home’s power system, especially beneficial if solar panels are installed. This setup allows excess solar energy to charge the Powerwall, which then powers the car. However, Powerwalls come with a hefty price tag, ranging from $11,500 (£9,000) to $15,000 (£11,800).

For those planning to keep their Tesla for a long time, this expense may be seen as justifiable to some extent, potentially proving cost-effective in the long run. However, not everyone has the financial means to make such an investment.

In response to the Tesla owner’s sarcastic post, commenters joked about starting a GoFundMe campaign to help him out. Others pretended to sympathize with his situation. Tesla once again made headlines this year with the unveiling of their latest innovation: the Cybertruck.