Vegas husband and wife drive 2,200 miles in Tesla Model 3 and Mazda gas car to find out which is cheaper
Published on Jun 27, 2025 at 11:39 PM (UTC+4)
by Molly Davidson
Last updated on Jun 27, 2025 at 11:43 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
A husband and wife kicked off a 2,200-mile road trip from Columbia, South Carolina, each in their own cars – a Tesla Model 3 and a Mazda.
To be more specific, he drove a 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, and she took a 2018 Mazda 3 on gas.
Same route. Same stops. Different fuel types. Their goal? Find out which one was cheaper to drive cross-country.
The result came down to just one dollar, and it might surprise you.
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Which came out cheaper – the Tesla Model 3 or the gas Mazda?
Documenting their journey on their YouTube channel, The Slotty Tesla, the pair drove from South Carolina to Las Vegas over five days.
The Tesla needed more stops – five charges on day one alone, totaling $68.71 just to reach Memphis.
The Mazda needed just one tank for $29.39.


By day two, the pattern continued.
Three Tesla charges cost $67.38, the Mazda’s two gas stops cost $41.12.
But day three flipped the script.
The Tesla received a free top-up at a hotel charger, spending only $15.98.
Meanwhile, the Mazda still guzzled $52.31 in fuel.
That advantage helped the EV claw back the lead. By the time they reached Vegas, the Tesla had cost $233.46 to run. The Mazda? $234.46.
Yes – that’s a single dollar saved. And if the Tesla hadn’t lucked into free overnight charging at two hotels, it would’ve lost.
So while EVs can be cheaper, it depends heavily on planning – and a bit of luck.
The biggest takeaway seems to be that free hotel charging can significantly tip the scales in favor of electric vehicles.
So are EVs really the way to the future?
Even with the razor-thin margin, the Tesla driver said he’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Why? Well, because it wasn’t just about cost.
The drive was smoother, quieter, and the Tesla’s autopilot made the hours fly by.
Plus, the built-in tech and zero emissions made the trip feel futuristic in the best way.
Yes, the EV had to stop more, but those stops often lined up with meal breaks and rest stops. It wasn’t a dealbreaker.

Still, this isn’t a guaranteed win for EVs. Without free hotel charging, the gas car would’ve taken the win.
The Tesla Supercharger network is growing, but spontaneous road trips still favor gas – at least for now.
For the planners and tech-lovers, though? EVs are ready.
Plan your route, choose the right hotels, and your next road trip could be cheaper, cleaner – and even more fun.
In the end, that $1 difference wasn’t just about cost. It showed that with smart planning, electric might just be the better bet.
See the full journey on The Slotty Tesla’s YouTube channel, or watch below:
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Molly Davidson is a Junior Content Writer at Supercar Blondie. Based in Melbourne, she holds a double Bachelor’s degree in Arts/Law from Swinburne University and a Master’s of Writing and Publishing from RMIT. Molly has contributed to a range of magazines and journals, developing a strong interest in lifestyle and car news content. When she’s not writing, she’s spending quality time with her rescue English staffy, Boof.