Current Tesla Pricing by Model

Tesla's prices change without warning — sometimes multiple times per week — and vary by region, configuration, and current inventory. As of now, a new Tesla starts around $43,000 for a Model 3 and goes up to roughly $90,000 for a Model S Plaid, but these numbers shift. The price you see on Tesla's website when you configure a car is the only number that matters for your decision, because the sticker price today may not be the sticker price tomorrow.

Each model comes in multiple versions. The Model 3 offers a rear-wheel-drive base version and a performance version. The Model Y (the most popular Tesla) comes in rear-wheel-drive, long-range, and performance trims. The Model S and Model X are larger vehicles with higher starting prices. The Cybertruck, Tesla's newest model, starts higher than the Model S but pricing has shifted several times since launch.

The actual price you pay depends on what you add: wheels, paint color, interior upgrades, and the Full Self-Driving package (which costs extra and is not included in the base price). White paint is usually free; other colors add $1,500 to $2,000. Upgraded wheels add $500 to $1,500. Full Self-Driving adds roughly $12,000 to $15,000 depending on the model and when you buy it.

Key Takeaways

  • Tesla prices change frequently and vary by region, so the only reliable price is what appears on Tesla's website when you configure the exact car you want.
  • Base Model 3 pricing starts around $43,000, while Model Y, Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck each have different starting points that shift over time.
  • Paint color, wheels, and Full Self-Driving are add-ons that increase the final price by $2,000 to $15,000 depending on what you choose.
  • Delivery fees, taxes, and registration vary by state and are not included in the listed price on Tesla's website.

What Affects the Price You Actually Pay

Beyond the base model price, several factors change what you'll spend. Destination and delivery fees are set by Tesla and currently run around $1,200 to $1,500 depending on how far the car travels from the factory or delivery center to you. This fee is not negotiable and appears at checkout.

State taxes and registration vary widely. Some states charge sales tax on the full purchase price; others tax only the portion above a certain amount or offer EV tax breaks. Registration fees range from under $100 in some states to over $500 in others. Your state's DMV website will show the registration cost for your county once you know the vehicle's value.

Trade-in value reduces what you owe if you're trading in a car. Tesla will estimate your trade-in value on their website, but this estimate can change between when you configure the car and when you actually complete the purchase. If you have an existing loan on the trade-in, that payoff amount comes out of your down payment or financing.

How to See the Real Price Before You Commit

Go to Tesla's website and use their configuration tool. Select your model, then choose your options: drive type (rear-wheel-drive, long-range, or performance), paint, wheels, and interior. As you make each choice, the price updates. At the bottom of the page, Tesla shows the base price, any add-ons, destination fee, and estimated taxes for your state and ZIP code.

This total is what you'd owe at delivery if you paid cash. If you're financing, Tesla will show you monthly payment estimates based on different loan terms and down payments. These estimates assume current interest rates and your credit profile, so the actual rate you receive depends on your credit score and the lender (Tesla works with multiple banks).

The configuration page also shows estimated delivery time — usually a few weeks to a few months depending on the model and current demand. This timeline affects whether you can lock in today's price or whether the price might change before your car arrives.

Financing vs. Paying Cash

Most Tesla buyers finance rather than pay cash. Tesla offers financing through partner banks, and the interest rate you receive depends on your credit score, the loan term you choose, and current market rates. A longer loan term (72 or 84 months) lowers your monthly payment but increases the total interest you pay over the life of the loan.

If you put down a larger down payment, your monthly payment and total interest both decrease. Tesla's website lets you adjust the down payment amount and loan term to see how each affects your monthly cost. A common strategy is to put down 20% and finance the rest over 60 months, but the math changes based on your situation.

If you lease instead of buying, you pay a monthly fee for a set number of miles (usually 10,000 to 15,000 per year) and return the car at the end of the lease term. Lease payments are typically lower than loan payments for the same model, but you don't build equity and you pay extra if you exceed your mileage allowance. Tesla's website shows lease options alongside purchase financing.

Federal and State Tax Credits

The federal EV tax credit currently allows up to $7,500 off your taxes if you meet income and vehicle price limits. However, not all Tesla models and configurations may have access to, and the rules change. The Model 3 and Model Y may have access to under current rules if the vehicle's final assembled price is below certain thresholds and your household income is below $300,000 (married filing jointly).

The credit applies to your taxes, not at the point of sale — you claim it when you file your return the following year, though some dealers can explore it at purchase if you finance through them. Some states offer additional EV tax credits or rebates on top of the federal credit. Check your state's energy office website to see what's available where you live.

Tesla's website notes which models and configurations may have access to for the federal credit, but you should verify the current rules on the IRS website or with a tax professional, because the rules have changed multiple times and may change again.

How Tesla's Prices Compare to Other Electric Vehicles

Tesla's Model 3 is one of the least expensive new electric vehicles available, which is why it's the best-selling EV in the United States. The Chevrolet Bolt EV starts lower than the Model 3 in some configurations. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV6 are priced competitively with the Model 3 and offer different features and warranty terms.

Mid-range options like the Model Y compete with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV9, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Luxury EVs like the Model S and Model X compete with the BMW i7, Mercedes EQS, and Audi e-tron GT, though those vehicles often cost more. The Cybertruck has no direct competitor yet, which affects how you should think about its value.

Price alone doesn't tell the whole story — charging network access, warranty length, and available features differ between brands. Tesla's Supercharger network is the largest in North America, which some buyers value highly. Other brands offer longer warranties or more traditional interior layouts. Comparing total cost of ownership (purchase price plus electricity, maintenance, and insurance) gives a clearer picture than sticker price alone.

What Happens After You Order

Once you place an order on Tesla's website, you receive a confirmation email with your order number and estimated delivery window. Tesla will contact you to schedule a delivery appointment, usually a few weeks to a few months out depending on the model and current production. You'll need to provide proof of insurance before taking delivery.

At delivery, you'll do a final walkthrough of the car with a Tesla representative, who will show you how to use the controls and answer questions. You'll sign paperwork, provide payment (or confirm your financing), and receive the keys. The entire delivery process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.

If the price changes between when you order and when you take delivery, Tesla will notify you. In the past, Tesla has raised and lowered prices multiple times, and existing orders have sometimes been honored at the old price and sometimes adjusted to the new price — the policy has varied. Ask Tesla's sales team about their current price-lock policy when you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I negotiate the price of a new Tesla?

No. Tesla sets one price for each model and configuration, and that price is the same for all buyers. You cannot negotiate down the sticker price or ask for dealer discounts the way you can with traditional car brands. The only variables you control are which options you add and how much you put down.

What's included in the destination fee?

The destination fee covers transporting the car from Tesla's factory or delivery center to your local delivery location. It's a flat fee set by Tesla, currently around $1,200 to $1,500, and is not negotiable. It's separate from any fees your state charges for registration.

Do I have to buy Full Self-Driving, or can I skip it?

Full Self-Driving is optional. You can buy a Tesla without it and add it later if you change your mind — Tesla allows you to purchase it through your car's touchscreen after delivery. The base price shown on Tesla's website does not include Full Self-Driving, so you only pay for it if you want it.

What if the price drops after I order?

Tesla's policy on price changes after you order has shifted over time. When you place your order, ask Tesla's sales team whether your order is price-locked or whether you'll be charged the new price if it changes before delivery. Some buyers have been offered the option to cancel and re-order at the new price if prices drop significantly.

Are there any hidden fees I should know about?

The main costs beyond the sticker price are destination fee, state taxes, registration, and any add-ons you choose. Some states charge documentation or title fees through the DMV. If you finance, you'll also pay interest over the loan term. Tesla's website shows all of these except state-specific DMV fees, which you can look up on your state's DMV website.