Tesla unveils major changes to impact drivers - 'EVs are cheaper to run, and it’s not even close!'

Drivers can use new Tesla features to see how much they could save compared to petrol and diesel car owners

GETTY
Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 22/08/2024

- 15:07

The Tesla Supercharger network is the second-largest provider of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers around the UK

A new Tesla update has been supported by industry experts for showing drivers how much they can save when travelling in an electric car compared to a petrol or diesel vehicle.

A new software update for the Tesla app will now show drivers the savings they are making when charging and driving in comparison to using other vehicles.


The new update shows Tesla owners how much they have spent on their cars through charging and their petrol savings over the last month and year.

It tells drivers how much they have driven, the amount they have charged their vehicles and their total expenditure in a certain period of time.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

The Tesla fuel savings app

Tesla motorists could save hundreds or even thousands of pounds a year

TESLA

One screenshot shows how some drivers who use their car more often than the UK average could end up saving thousands of pounds more than the average petrol driver.

Motorists can make major savings when charging at home with a suitable tariff, as well as the amount they spend at the Tesla Supercharger network and other chargers.

There are almost 1,600 rapid and ultra-rapid Tesla Superchargers around the UK, making it the second largest charge point operator, trailing Instavolt by just 52 devices.

Earlier this year, Tesla changed their pricing structure for the Supercharger network to benefit motorists with cheaper prices, with membership prices dropping to £8.99 a month.

Fiona Howarth, CEO of Octopus Electric Vehicles, comments: “The new ‘Fuel Savings’ feature from Tesla, a true pioneer in the EV industry, clearly shows how much money you can save by ditching your polluting fossil fuel car.

"EVs are cheaper to run than old school fossil fuel cars, and it’s not even close."

Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, Tesla clarified that drivers would continue to receive "new features and improvements via free software updates for years to come".

One driver said the new update would be massively beneficial for employees and their businesses as they can reimburse them for electricity used when charging at home.

Tesla recently published research which found that it was the cheapest brand to maintain over longer periods of time, costing just $580 (£442) in the first five years and $3,455 (£2,633) in the following five years.

The total cost - $4,035 or £3,075 - is £695 cheaper than Buick and Toyota, and more than £1,000 less expensive than Hyundai, Nissan, Honda, Kia and Volkswagen.

Howarth added that the "affordability factor" of electric vehicles is often overlooked when people decide whether to buy a new car.

This is especially relevant when the vehicle is linked to a tariff like Intelligent Octopus Go, which can help motorists save when charging their vehicles.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

Elon Musk Tesla

Tesla said it was more than £695 cheaper than other brands over 10 years of ownership

GETTY

She added: "It’s the most popular home charging tariff on the market - allowing customers to drive from London to Cornwall for under £5, leaving more cash in families’ pockets.”

You may like