Tesla Model 3 vs Chevrolet Equinox EV: cost to own in South Dakota
Electricity & gas updated · South Dakota averages (estimates)
Over five years in South Dakota, the 2026 Tesla Model 3 costs about $43,644 to own versus $40,688 for the Chevrolet Equinox EV — a gap of roughly $3,000 in the Chevrolet Equinox EV's favor. The biggest swing is depreciation ($24,219 vs $20,997); on energy, the Model 3 is rated 25 kWh/100mi against the Equinox EV's 29. Both use South Dakota's average electricity rate here — open either model's South Dakota page for the full calculator and your utility's time-of-use plan.
Over 5 years in South Dakota, the Chevrolet Equinox EV costs about $3,000 less to own.
Tesla Model 3
$43,600
5-yr cost to own · $8,730/yr
Chevrolet Equinox EV
$40,700
5-yr cost to own · $8,140/yr
5-year cost breakdown
| 5-year cost | Tesla Model 3 | Chevrolet Equinox EV |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation (5 yr) | $24,219 | $20,997 |
| Energy (5 yr) | $3,225 | $3,741 |
| Insurance (5 yr) | $12,950 | $12,950 |
| Maintenance (5 yr) | $3,000 | $2,750 |
| Registration (5 yr) | $250 | $250 |
| Incentives | − $0 | − $0 |
| 5-year total cost to own | $43,644 | $40,688 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Model 3 or the Equinox EV cheaper to own in South Dakota?
- Over five years the Chevrolet Equinox EV is cheaper — about $40,688 versus $43,644 for the Model 3, a difference of roughly $3,000 once depreciation, energy, insurance, maintenance, and fees are counted.
- Which is more efficient, the Model 3 or the Equinox EV?
- The Model 3 is rated 25 kWh/100mi and the Equinox EV 29 kWh/100mi (lower is better), so annual charging runs about $645 vs $748 at South Dakota rates.
- How accurate is this Model 3 vs Equinox EV comparison?
- Electricity prices come from EIA data refreshed monthly; depreciation, insurance, and incentives are estimates you can edit on each model's state page. Treat it as a ballpark for comparison, not a quote.