This page last changed 2026.02.18 15:18 [1 time today, 2 times yesterday, and 8 total times]
I own a 2012 Toyota Prius and it's working fine. Should I get a new Tesla car to replace it?
There are 4 models of Tesla.
| Which | Type | Seats | Range | Price | Cargo space |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | Compact Sedan | 5 | ~272-363mi | ~$39k-$47k | ~24 cu ft |
| Model Y | Compact SUV | 5-7 | ~260-330mi | ~$44k-$52k | ~76 cu ft |
| Model S | Luxury Sedan | 5 | ~405mi | ~75k+ | |
| Model X | Luxury SUB | 5-7 | ~335mi | ~80k |
My Prius has about 22 cu ft cargo space (seats up) or 39 cu ft (seats folded).
I would be most interested in considering the Model Y.
Compare cost per mile between 2012 Prius getting ~45mpg and Tesla Model Y AWD using realistic assumptions in Massachusetts.
Assuming:
- Gas $3.30-$3.50/gal
- Electricity $0.30-0.34/kWh
- Prius about 45mpg
- Tesla Y AWD efficiency: 270-300 Wh/mile (which is about 0.27-0.30 kWh/mile)
Assume for calculations, gas $3.40/gal, Model Y 0.28kWh/mile, Electricity $0.32/kWh, super chargers $0.30-$0.45kWh
Prius
Cost per mile = gas price / mpg ⇒ 3.40/45 =0.076 or 7.6 cents/mile
Tesla
Cost per mile = kWh per mile * electricity price ⇒ 0.28 * 0.32 = 0.0896 or about 9 cents/mile.
Cost per mile using fast-charging 9-13 cents/mile
What this means:
Given cost of electricity,
Prius 7-8 cents/mile
Tesla 8-10 cents/mile (home charging)
Tesla 9-13 cents/mile (supercharging)
in other states where electricity is cheaper and/or using solar energy, EVs would win out on fuel cost.
Conclusion: Prius is usually cheaper to fuel.
Assuming 10,000 miles/year, approximate comparison:
| Prius 45mpg | ~$755/year |
| Model Y AWD (home charging) | ~$900/year |
| Model Y AWD (Supercharging) | $900-$1300 |
Note also that EV ownership saves money in that:
- no oil changes
- less break wear (due to regenerative braking)
- fewer drivetrain maintenance issues
- no exhaust system
But on the other hand, on a Tesla
- tires wear faster
- insurance is often higher
- and then the purchase price
Insurance differences in Massachusetts
- Prius hybrid: $1,000-$1,400/year
- Tesla Model Y: $1,800-$2,600/year
Reasons switching from Prius to Tesla makes sense
- Tesla has much larger cargo capacity
- No gasoline costs
- Smooth & quiet driving experience
- Modern safety & tech features
- AWD is convenient for our winters
Reasons that switching might not make financial sense
- My Prius is very economical
- Insurance for Tesla would be higher
- Excise tax would be higher
- Purchase price is significant