Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs Toyota Camry Hybrid LE: 5-year cost to own in Maine
As of July 1, 2026, over 5 years in Maine, the Toyota Camry Hybrid LE stays the cheaper car to own — about $37,412 vs $55,954 for the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD, a $18,542 difference over 5 years. Maine's electricity (28.4¢/kWh, 51% above the U.S. average) and $3.90/gal gas are fed straight into both totals. The expired federal $7,500 EV credit is not applied to either total.
Cheaper to own over 5 years · MaineToyota Camry Hybrid LE · $37,412 total · $18,542 less than the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD
Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs Toyota Camry Hybrid LE — where the money goes
| Cost component | Electric · Tesla Model 3 Premium | Hybrid · Toyota Camry Hybrid LE |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation (estimated) | $24,644 (44%) | $11,310 (30%) |
| Charging / fuel | $6,298 (11%) | $4,977 (13%) |
| ↳ of which charging loss | 12% (~$756) | — |
| Maintenance | $3,660 (7%) | $4,560 (12%) |
| Insurance | $13,750 (25%) | $11,500 (31%) |
| Financing interest | $7,427 (13%) | $4,890 (13%) |
| Registration & fees | $175 (0%) | $175 (0%) |
| Total cost of ownership | $55,954 | $37,412 |
The charging-loss row is the ~10–15% of electricity lost to AC charging that you pay for but never reaches the battery — we include it; most calculators don't.
When does the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD win?
Even at 30,000+ mi/yr or a 15-year hold, the Toyota Camry Hybrid LE stays cheaper here — its lower price and slower depreciation dominate. The Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD is the pick mainly for reasons beyond 5-year cost (performance, emissions, HOV access, home-charging convenience).
Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs Toyota Camry Hybrid LE, side by side
Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD
- 5-yr total cost
- $55,954
- Cost / month
- $933
- Cost / mile
- $0.93
- MSRP
- $42,490
- Powertrain
- Electric
- Efficiency
- 25 kWh/100mi
Toyota Camry Hybrid LE
- 5-yr total cost
- $37,412
- Cost / month
- $624
- Cost / mile
- $0.62
- MSRP
- $29,000
- Powertrain
- Hybrid
- Efficiency
- 47 mpg
- Maine electricity
- 28.4¢/kWh EIA
- Gas price (Maine)
- $3.90/gal AAA
Full cost breakdowns
← Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs Toyota Camry Hybrid LE (U.S. average)