Off-Peak EV Charging in 2026: The Time-of-Use Trick That Halves Your Bill
Most utilities with EV rates charge a low overnight price and a high daytime price. Shifting your charging to the 11pm–6am window commonly cuts the bill about in half — often the single biggest EV saving after the car itself.
Key takeaways
- TOU EV rates split the day into cheap overnight and pricey daytime tiers.
- Charging 11pm–6am often cuts cost roughly in half.
- Enroll the day you plug in — do not wait for the first bill.
- A smart charger or schedule timer automates the shift.
- Savings beat most public-charging and gas comparisons.
How a TOU plan actually works
A time-of-use (TOU) plan prices electricity by the hour. EVs are perfect for it because you can shift a predictable overnight charge into the cheapest block. Typical EV TOU windows run roughly 11pm to 6am at 10–18¢ per kWh, jumping to 25–40¢ during the day. If your utility offers it, enrolling is usually free and the savings land on every future bill.
The saving, in real numbers
| Utility (example) | Overnight | Daytime | Annual @12k mi |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA IOU EV rate | ~$0.13 | ~$0.40 | ~$520 vs ~$1,200 |
| TX repriced | ~$0.11 | ~$0.22 | ~$440 vs ~$880 |
| NE utility | ~$0.16 | ~$0.38 | ~$640 vs ~$1,520 |
Automating the shift
A $300–$500 smart charger or even the car’s built-in schedule can hold charging to the overnight window automatically. Set it once and the savings happen whether you remember or not. Pair it with the 30C charger credit if you installed before July 1, 2026.
The mistake that erases the saving
The trap is plugging in the moment you get home at 6pm and letting the car top off during the expensive evening block. One forgetful night a week can add 20–30% to your annual cost. A simple schedule timer — most EVs have one in the infotainment — fixes it for free. Estimate your yearly bill with our <a href="/calculators/ev-charging-cost/">EV charging cost calculator</a>.
When TOU is not worth it
If you cannot charge at home — apartment, street parking, no outlet — TOU does nothing for you, and public fast charging at 35–50¢ per kWh plus fees will not beat gas in a high-rate state. TOU only pays when the car sits plugged in overnight on your own meter. Our <a href="/guides/ev-charging-cost-by-state-2026-per-kwh">state charging cost guide</a> shows whether your home rate even favors an EV.
Frequently asked questions
What is off-peak EV charging?+
How much can off-peak charging save?+
Do I need a special charger for TOU?+
What if I forget and charge during the day?+
Is off-peak charging better than public stations?+
Calculate how much it costs to charge an electric car at home, work, or public stations. Compare Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging costs.
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