5,000 extra miles = $1,250
10,000 extra miles = $2,500
Standard Mileage Allowances
| Miles/Year | Monthly Increase | Total over 36 months |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 miles/year | Base payment | 30,000 miles total |
| 12,000 miles/year | +$15 to $25/month | 36,000 miles total |
| 15,000 miles/year | +$40 to $60/month | 45,000 miles total |
Mileage Overage Cost Calculator
Buying Extra Miles Upfront
Upfront vs. At Lease End
Buying miles upfront is almost always cheaper โ but only if you actually use them.
How Mileage Affects Monthly Payment
| Model | 10k/mo (all-in) | 12k/mo (all-in) | 15k/mo (all-in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 RWD | $564 | $584 | $614 |
| Model Y RWD | $624 | $644 | $674 |
| Model S Dual Motor | $1,757 | $1,782 | $1,817 |
Real-World Examples
2023 Model 3 lessee: Signed for 10,000 miles/year, actually drove 14,000/year. Over 36 months: 12,000 extra miles ร $0.25 = $3,000 fee at lease end.
If they'd bought 4,000 extra miles/year upfront at ~$0.18/mile, cost would have been ~$2,160. Savings: $840.
2024 Model Y lessee: Estimated 14,000 miles/year, bought 15,000-mile allowance at signing. Paid $50/month more. At lease end, drove 14,200 miles/year โ no penalty.
Mileage Options by Model
| Model | 10k available? | 12k available? | 15k available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | โ Yes | โ Yes | โ Yes |
| Model Y | โ Yes | โ Yes | โ Yes |
| Model S | โ Yes | โ Yes | โ Yes |
| Model X | โ Yes | โ Yes | โ Yes |
| Cybertruck | โ Yes | โ Yes | โ Yes |
What About Excess Mileage on Transferred Leases?
If you take over someone's lease, the mileage allowance is whatever remains on the original contract. Check carefully:
- Original allowance ร months remaining = miles you can drive
- You're responsible for any overage at the end
- Same $0.25/mile penalty applies
Tips to Avoid Overage Fees
- Estimate honestly: Track your current driving for a month. Multiply by 12.
- Buy up at signing: It's cheaper than paying later.
- Monitor your mileage: Check your odometer quarterly.
- Consider a higher allowance: If you're close, the extra $20-50/month is worth it.
- Multiple cars? Use your Tesla for shorter trips, keep a second car for road trips.
- Lease-end options: If you're close, you may be able to purchase extra miles at a reduced rate before turning in (call Tesla).
Frequently Asked Questions
10,000, 12,000, or 15,000 miles per year. Standard is 10,000.
$0.25 per mile over your contracted allowance.
Yes. You can purchase a higher mileage allowance at lease signing, usually at a lower effective rate than $0.25/mile.
You'll be billed $0.25 per excess mile at lease end, in addition to any other fees.
Sometimes. Contact Tesla near the end of your lease โ they may allow you to purchase additional miles at a reduced rate.
Yes, indirectly. Higher mileage allowances mean lower residual values, which slightly increases your payment.
Sources: Tesla lease agreements, community-reported deals, Tesla lease-end statements. Current as of April 2026.