From Whitney Way to Fitchburg: Comparing Madison’s Supercharger Rates
In early 2023, I charged 43 kWh in Chicago for $17.63. Now, let's compare that to current Tesla Supercharger prices in Madison, WI, ahead of the new 3-cent EV tax in 2025.
In early 2023, I had one of my longest charging sessions on record during a road trip to Chicago, IL. That session added 43 kWh to my Tesla Model 3’s battery over 26 minutes and cost $0.41/kWh, totaling $17.63.
As I reflect on that experience, I thought it would be fun to compare what the same session would cost at various Tesla Superchargers in Madison, WI, based on their current pricing as of late 2024.
With the Milwaukee Street Supercharger having just opened yesterday (12/12/2024), I wondered how its pricing stacks up against other stations in Madison.
Additionally, with the 3-cent-per-kWh tax on EV charging set to take effect in Wisconsin early next year (2025), I wanted to explore how this upcoming change might impact costs. For a deeper dive into this topic, check out my article, "Why Tesla Charging Costs Less in Wisconsin Even with the New EV Tax"
Madison Supercharger Pricing Overview
Here’s a breakdown of the Tesla Supercharger pricing across Madison and Fitchburg, WI, that I looked into:
- E. Washington Ave: (8x 150 kW): $0.35 per kWh
- South Livingston: (8x 250 kW): $0.35 per kWh
- East Towne Mall: (3x 150 kW): $0.35 per kWh
- Milwaukee Street: (12x 250 kW): $0.38 per kWh (New as of 12/12/2024)
- Whitney Way: (8x 250 kW): $0.30 per kWh (4 a.m.–8 a.m.), $0.37 per kWh (8 a.m.–10 p.m.), $0.30 per kWh (10 p.m.–4 a.m.)
- Fitchburg: (16x 250 kW): $0.33 per kWh
The Cost Breakdown for Tesla Owners
If I were to replicate my 43 kWh charging session at each of these locations, here’s how the costs would compare:
| Location | Rate ($/kWh) | Cost for 43 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Whitney Way (4 a.m.–8 a.m.) | $0.30 | $12.90 |
| Whitney Way (10 p.m.–4 a.m.) | $0.30 | $12.90 |
| Fitchburg | $0.33 | $14.19 |
| E. Washington Ave. | $0.35 | $15.05 |
| South Livingston | $0.35 | $15.05 |
| East Towne Mall | $0.35 | $15.05 |
| Whitney Way (8 a.m.–10 p.m.) | $0.37 | $15.91 |
| Milwaukee Street | $0.38 | $16.34 |
For NACS Adapter/Port Users
Tesla’s growing adoption of the NACS standard has made its Supercharger network accessible to non-Tesla EVs, but pricing differs slightly depending on whether you’re a member of Tesla’s $12.99/month Non-Tesla Membership program. Below are the current rates for NACS users in Madison:
| Location | Non-Member Rate ($/kWh) | Cost for 43 kWh (Non-Member) |
|---|---|---|
| Whitney Way (4 a.m.–8 a.m.) | $0.39 | $16.77 |
| Whitney Way (10 p.m.–4 a.m.) | $0.39 | $16.77 |
| South Livingston | $0.46 | $19.78 |
| Milwaukee Street | $0.51 | $21.93 |
| Whitney Way (8 a.m.–10 p.m.) | $0.48 | $20.64 |
| Location | Member Rate ($/kWh) | Cost for 43 kWh (Member) |
|---|---|---|
| Whitney Way (4 a.m.–8 a.m.) | $0.30 | $12.90 |
| Whitney Way (10 p.m.–4 a.m.) | $0.30 | $12.90 |
| South Livingston | $0.35 | $15.05 |
| Milwaukee Street | $0.38 | $16.34 |
| Whitney Way (8 a.m.–10 p.m.) | $0.37 | $15.91 |
Observations
- Tesla vs. NACS Costs
- Tesla owners benefit from consistently lower rates compared to non-Tesla NACS users.
- For NACS users, a membership significantly reduces the cost, often bringing it in line with Tesla-owner pricing.
- Most Affordable Option
- For Tesla owners, charging at Whitney Way during off-peak hours (4 a.m.–8 a.m. or 10 p.m.–4 a.m.) is the most cost-effective at $12.90.
- For NACS users, the same time slot at Whitney Way costs $12.90 for members, but non-members will pay $16.77.
- Most Expensive Option
- Without membership, Milwaukee Street is the most expensive for NACS users, costing $21.93 for the session.
- For Tesla owners, Milwaukee Street costs $16.34.
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Takeaway
As the EV market expands and Tesla’s Supercharger network becomes more accessible, pricing strategies will continue to evolve.
For NACS users, Tesla’s membership offers a great way to reduce costs, while Tesla owners still enjoy the most competitive rates.
It’s also important to consider charger speed and availability. While all Madison Superchargers provide fast charging, the new Milwaukee Street location offers 12 high-speed (250 kW) stalls, making it a convenient option despite the higher price point.
For budget-conscious drivers, however, locations like Fitchburg or Whitney Way during off-peak hours provide an excellent balance of cost and speed.
