Tesla Model 3 vs Chevy Bolt EV: Cost to Own (2026)
Standard Range RWD · $40,240 vs 2LT · $26,500
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Chevy Bolt EV has the lower 5-year total cost of ownership
$5,366 less over 5 years (depreciation + fuel + insurance + maintenance)
Purchase Price
Tesla Model 3
$40,240
Chevy Bolt EV
$26,500
$13,740 difference
Annual Fuel Cost
Tesla Model 3
$483/yr
Chevy Bolt EV
$495/yr
$12/yr difference
Range
Tesla Model 3
272 mi
Chevy Bolt EV
259 mi
DC Fast Charging
Tesla Model 3
170 kW
Chevy Bolt EV
55 kW
to 80% in 25 vs 60 min
5-Year Cost Comparison
| Tesla Model 3 | Chevy Bolt EV | |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price (MSRP) | $40,240 | $26,500 |
| Depreciation (5 years) | $16,901 | $14,575 |
| Fuel (5 years) | $2,415 | $2,475 |
| Insurance (5 years) | $11,000 | $8,250 |
| Maintenance (5 years) | $2,750 | $2,400 |
| 5-Year TCO | $33,066 | $27,700 |
TCO = depreciation + fuel + insurance + maintenance. Assumes 12,000 miles/year at 16.1¢/kWh. Excludes purchase price (same money either way).
Charging Comparison
| Tesla Model 3 | Chevy Bolt EV | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery size | 57.5 kWh | 65.0 kWh |
| Efficiency | 4.0 mi/kWh | 3.9 mi/kWh |
| Cost per mile (home) | 4.0¢ | 4.1¢ |
| Full charge cost (home) | $9.26 | $10.47 |
| Level 2 charge time | 6.4 hrs | 4.5 hrs |
| DC fast charge peak | 170 kW | 55 kW |
| DC fast charge (0–80%) | 25 min | 60 min |
Specs & Incentives
| Tesla Model 3 | Chevy Bolt EV | |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 272 mi | 259 mi |
| Segment | sedan | hatchback |
| State incentive eligible | Yes | Yes |
| 5-yr depreciation | 42% | 55% |
State incentives vary by location. Federal $7,500 credit ended September 2025. Check your state's EV incentive program for current availability.
Related Comparisons
Full cost breakdowns for each model: Tesla Model 3 cost details → · Chevy Bolt EV cost details →
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