By EV Charge Cost Editorial Team. Published September 28, 2026, updated October 26, 2026.
How TOU plans work
Utilities split the day into peak, off-peak and sometimes super off-peak periods. Peak hours are usually late afternoon and evening, when demand is highest. Some utilities also offer EV-specific plans or separate meters for the charger.
How to calculate your savings
- Find your off-peak price per kWh on your utility's rate page or bill.
- Enter it as "Your electricity price" in the charging cost calculator.
- Compare the result with your current flat rate.
Make it automatic
- Set a charging schedule in the car or charger app so charging starts after peak hours end.
- A Level 2 charger helps if the off-peak window is short. See Level 1 vs Level 2 charging.
- Check whether the plan raises prices for the rest of your household's peak-hour use.
Rates and plan names differ by utility. We do not list individual utility tariffs; use the price on your own bill.
What an off-peak discount is worth
The savings depend on how far below your average price the off-peak rate sits. The table applies illustrative discounts to the U.S. average price for a 33.5 kWh/100 mi EV driven 13,500 miles a year. Use your utility's real rates for your own figure.
| Off-peak discount (illustration) | Off-peak price | Charging per year | Saved per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 18.16¢/kWh | $821.29 | $0.00 |
| 20% | 14.53¢/kWh | $657.03 | $164.26 |
| 30% | 12.71¢/kWh | $574.90 | $246.39 |
| 40% | 10.90¢/kWh | $492.77 | $328.52 |
| 50% | 9.08¢/kWh | $410.64 | $410.65 |
Does your off-peak window fit your charging?
A typical EV needs about 12.4 kWh a day at 13,500 miles a year. A 32 A Level 2 charger (7.68 kW) delivers that in about 1 h 37 min; a 120 V outlet (1.44 kW) needs about 8 h 36 min. If your off-peak window is shorter than the Level 1 time, a Level 2 charger lets you keep all charging inside it.
Watch the rest of your usage
- TOU plans often raise the peak price. Air conditioning, cooking and laundry in peak hours can cancel the EV savings.
- Some utilities offer EV-only plans or separately metered chargers that leave the rest of the house on a flat rate.
- Seasonal peak windows can shift in summer and winter; check both.
More: the cheapest time to charge and smart chargers and scheduling.
Checklist before switching plans
- Download your last 12 months of usage from your utility account; many utilities provide hourly data.
- Estimate your EV's monthly kWh: miles per month × kWh per 100 miles ÷ 100. At 13,500 miles a year and 33.5 kWh/100 mi that is about 377 kWh a month.
- Price your existing household usage under both plans, then add the EV kWh at the off-peak rate on the TOU plan.
- Check for fixed monthly charges, minimum terms and seasonal differences in the TOU plan.
- Set the car or charger schedule the day the new plan starts, so no charging slips into peak hours.
If the numbers are close, the deciding factor is usually whether the household can shift dishwashers, laundry and other flexible loads out of the peak window as well.