Best Time to Charge EV at Home: Cut Your Bill by 40%
Your utility charges you less for electricity at 2 AM than at 2 PM. Most EV owners never notice — and overpay by hundreds per year. A 75 kWh EV charged during off-peak at $0.10/kWh instead of peak at $0.20/kWh saves about $6.67 per charge. At 3 sessions per week, that's $867 per year back in your pocket — for doing the exact same thing, just at a different hour.
Why your charging time matters more than you think
Most US utilities with time-of-use (TOU) rates structure the day into three periods: peak (highest cost), mid (standard), and off-peak (lowest). Peak typically runs from 2-7 PM when everyone gets home and turns on appliances. Off-peak typically runs from 9 PM to 6 AM when demand drops.
The price difference between peak and off-peak can be dramatic — often 2-3x. If you charge your EV during peak hours at $0.20/kWh instead of off-peak at $0.10/kWh, you're paying double for the exact same charge. Over a year of weekly charging, that difference adds up to hundreds of dollars.
How TOU rates break down
| Time Window | Rate Tier | Example Rate | Cost per 66.7 kWh Charge | Monthly (3x/week) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak (2-7 PM) | Highest | $0.25/kWh | $16.67 | $216.67 | $2,600 |
| Mid (7 AM-2 PM, 7-9 PM) | Standard | $0.16/kWh | $10.67 | $138.67 | $1,664 |
| Off-peak (9 PM-7 AM) | Lowest | $0.10/kWh | $6.67 | $86.67 | $1,040 |
| Super off-peak (12-5 AM) | Deep discount | $0.05/kWh | $3.33 | $43.33 | $520 |
The savings between peak and super off-peak are staggering: $2,080 per year on a 75 kWh EV charged 3 times per week. Even the shift from standard to off-peak saves $624 per year.
Map your own utility's rates with the Time-of-Use Electricity Cost Scheduler — see every hour of the day color-coded by cost, and find the cheapest windows for your EV.
How to shift your EV charging schedule
1. Use your EV's built-in timer
Most EVs let you set a departure time and the car automatically starts charging at the optimal hour to be ready by then. Set your departure for 7 AM and the car will charge during the cheapest off-peak hours overnight.
2. Use your wall charger's scheduling
Many Level 2 wall chargers (Tesla Wall Connector, Emporia, Wallbox) have built-in scheduling. Set the off-peak window and the charger handles the rest — no need to touch the car.
3. Use a smart plug for Level 1
If you charge on a standard 120V outlet, a smart plug with scheduling can turn the outlet on and off during your chosen hours. It's the cheapest way to add TOU awareness to any charger.
Does this apply to every utility?
Not every utility offers TOU rates. Check your bill or your utility's website for "time-of-use" or "variable rate" options. If TOU isn't available, your flat rate applies 24/7 and shifting your schedule won't change the cost — but the calculator still gives you an accurate estimate.
Frequently asked questions
When is the cheapest time to charge an EV at home?
Most US utilities with TOU rates offer off-peak electricity between 9 PM and 6 AM, at rates 30-40% lower than peak hours. Some utilities offer super off-peak rates from 12-5 AM at even deeper discounts. Check your utility's website for the exact schedule.
How much can I save by shifting my EV charging to off-peak?
A 75 kWh EV charged 3 times per week saves about $867 per year by charging at $0.10/kWh off-peak instead of $0.20/kWh peak. The exact savings depend on your battery size, charging frequency and the gap between your peak and off-peak rates.
Can I charge my EV overnight on a timer?
Yes. Most EVs have built-in charge timers. Set your departure time for the morning and the car automatically starts charging during the cheapest off-peak hours. Many wall chargers also have scheduling built in.
How this guide was checked
The TOU rate examples are based on published tariffs from major US utilities. The savings calculations use the same formula as the EV Home Charging Cost Calculator. Corrections and questions are welcome at info@dailyutilitylab.com; see our editorial policy.
Sources
- U.S. Energy Information Administration — Time-of-use electricity rates
- U.S. Department of Energy — Electric vehicle charging
- Alternative Fuels Data Center — Charging levels