Tesla Model S review: running costs & insurance

The Tesla Model S has never been an affordable EV, and that’s not changed with this new 2023 version. But the good news is that running costs are typically low. A Model S Long Range could be topped up at home for around £30 at today’s energy rates, or less using a dual-rate electricity tariff. It's also Congestion Charge-exempt in London until 2025, which could save you £15 every time you drive through the centre of the UK's capital.

Tesla Model S insurance group

Before sales were paused in 2020, all versions of the Tesla Model S were in insurance group 50 – the highest possible bracket. This was mainly because of the car’s rapid acceleration and high replacement cost, and unsurprisingly, policies weren’t cheap. 

We don’t currently have insurance group ratings for the 2023 cars, but it’s unlikely costs will have reduced significantly – especially given that all versions of the Tesla Model S are now left-hand drive.

Warranty

The Tesla Model S comes with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty, while the battery is guaranteed for eight years and an unlimited amount of miles in that time.

Servicing

Tesla recommends the Model S be serviced every 12 months or 12,500 miles, whichever comes first. Tesla offers three and four-year maintenance plans for its vehicles, covering consumables such as wiper blades and brake fluid. These plans should help keep costs more transparent and manageable in the long run.

Road tax

As an electric car, the Tesla Model S produces no tailpipe emissions at all, so there's no road tax (VED) to pay. However, from April 2025, EV owners will have to begin paying road tax, as well as the London Congestion Charge.