Tesla Model S
124 MPGe The 2026 Tesla Model S is EPA-rated at 124 MPGe combined (132 city / 116 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 121 gallons, $387 a year in fuel, or $0.026 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2012–2026 run it averages 116.5 MPGe, improving by 35 MPGe over 6 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.020 | $202 | $302 | $403 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.024 | $242 | $363 | $484 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.026 | $258 | $387 | $516 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.028 | $282 | $423 | $565 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.032 | $323 | $484 | $645 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.036 | $363 | $544 | $726 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.040 | $403 | $605 | $806 |
This is an electric vehicle, so the EPA rates it in MPGe — the distance it travels on the energy equivalent of a gallon of petrol. The dollar figures above are a petrol-equivalent illustration only; charging at home is billed per kWh and is normally far cheaper. Treat the MPGe as an efficiency comparison, not a fuel bill.
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 124 MPGe | 132 | 116 | $600 | — | 1 |
| 2025 | 124 MPGe | 132 | 116 | $600 | — | 1 |
| 2024 | 122 MPGe | 127 | 116 | $600 | — | 1 |
| 2023 | 120 MPGe | 124 | 115 | $650 | — | 1 |
| 2022 | 120 MPGe | 124 | 115 | $650 | — | 1 |
| 2012 | 89 MPGe | 88 | 90 | $850 | — | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 149 large cars models tracked here, the Tesla Model S ranks 1 on current figures, against a class average of 20.9 MPGe.
Nothing in its class is rated higher — it leads the group.
Questions
What MPG does the Tesla Model S get?
The 2026 Tesla Model S is rated at 124 MPGe combined by the EPA — 132 city and 116 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 116.5 MPGe, ranging from 89 to 124 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Tesla Model S cost in fuel per year?
At 124 MPGe and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 121 gallons — roughly $387 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.026 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $600.
Has the Tesla Model S become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 89 MPGe in 2012 to 124 in 2026 — an improvement of 35 MPGe, or 39% across 6 model years.
Is the Tesla Model S efficient for its class?
It ranks 1 of 149 in the Large Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 20.9 MPGe. That is 103.1 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.