Where can I charge an EV?

Most drivers charge at home overnight using Level 1 or Level 2. You can also charge at work and at public stations—Level 2 for routine top-ups and DC fast charging for quick road‑trip stops.

What’s the difference between Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging?

Level 1 uses a standard 120V outlet and adds ~3–5 miles of range per hour. Level 2 uses a 240V circuit and adds ~12–40 miles per hour. DC fast charging uses high‑power public stations that can add up to 80% charge in about 30 minutes, depending on the vehicle.

How long does it take to charge an EV?

It depends on battery size, your state of charge, charger type, and your car’s max charge rate. As a rule of thumb, a 60‑kWh battery on a 7.2‑kW Level 2 charger takes ~8 hours from empty, while a 150‑kW DC fast charger can reach ~80% in 30–45 minutes.

Is charging an EV cheaper than gas?

Generally, yes. Home charging often costs around $0.04–$0.06 per mile, public Level 2 can be free or low cost, and DC fast charging is higher but typically still cheaper per mile than gasoline. Off‑peak electric rates can lower costs further.

Which apps help me find chargers?

Popular options include PlugShare, ChargePoint, EVgo, ChargeHub, and Google Maps. Many EVs also have built‑in navigation that routes you to compatible chargers and shows real‑time availability.

How to Save on EV Charging: Off-Peak Rates and Smart Tips

Kevin Jennings

Last updated:

Aug 21, 2025

min

Save money and charge smarter. From utility rate plans to smart home chargers and free public stations, discover proven ways to reduce your EV charging costs.

How to Save on EV Charging

Charging your electric vehicle (EV) at home is already more affordable than fueling a gas-powered car, but there are still smart strategies that can lower your charging costs even further. By understanding utility rate plans, leveraging smart chargers, and adjusting your habits, you can reduce your electricity bills while maximizing convenience and sustainability.

This guide walks you through the most effective ways to save money on EV charging, including real-world scenarios and actionable tips.

Why Timing Matters for EV Charging

Electricity costs vary based on when you use energy. Most utility companies offer time-of-use (TOU) plans that incentivize charging during off-peak hours, usually late at night or early in the morning when demand is lower, and rates are cheaper.

Typical Time-of-Use Rate Breakdown:

Off-peak (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.):
- Rate: Around $0.10 per kilowatt-hour
- Relative cost: Least expensive
- Best time to charge for cost savings‍
Mid-peak (6 a.m. to 2 p.m.):
- Rate: Around $0.14 per kilowatt-hour
- Relative cost: Moderate‍
Peak (2 p.m. to 9 p.m.):
- Rate: $0.25 or more per kilowatt-hour
- Relative cost: Most expensive
- Try to avoid charging during this period

Note: Actual rates and time windows vary by region and provider. Be sure to check with your local utility to confirm TOU plans and take advantage of potential savings.

Set a Charging Schedule

If your EV or Level 2 charger supports scheduling, you can set it to automatically begin charging during off-peak hours.

How to Set a Charging Schedule:

Via your EV app (e.g., Tesla, FordPass, MyHyundai): Navigate to the charging section and select "Scheduled Departure" or "Charge After 10 p.m."‍
Via your smart charger app (e.g., ChargePoint, JuiceBox, Wallbox): Use the app to define start/end times for charging.

Use Smart Chargers to Monitor Usage

Smart Level 2 chargers let you:

Track electricity usage
Calculate cost per charge
Receive monthly summaries
Adjust schedules based on seasonal rate changes

Top Smart Chargers with Scheduling Features:

ChargePoint Home Flex
Wallbox Pulsar Plus
JuiceBox 40

These chargers often integrate with voice assistants and smart home platforms, making it easy to automate your routines.

Explore Utility EV Rate Plans

Many electric utilities now offer specialized rate plans just for EV owners, which may include:

Lower overnight rates
Free charging weekends
Flat-rate EV charging add-ons

Example Utility Programs:

PG&E EV Rate Plan (California): Off-peak rates as low as $0.09 per kWh‍
Con Edison SmartCharge (New York): Up to $150/year in incentives for off-peak charging‍
Duke Energy EV Complete (Florida): Flat-rate plans for EV owners

Visit your utility's website or use the GreenCars Incentive Tool to find eligible plans.

Additional Cost-Saving Strategies

Charge Every Other Night

If your daily driving is limited, there’s no need to charge every night. Letting the battery deplete to 30–50% before topping up can extend battery life and reduce wear on your charger.

Combine Charging with Solar

Pairing your charger with a rooftop solar array can result in “free” charging, especially if your system overproduces during the day and feeds power into a home battery.

Take Advantage of Public Free Charging

Some locations such as libraries, malls, hotels, or workplaces offer free Level 2 charging. Apps like PlugShare and ChargeHub can help you locate these spots.

Sample Charging Cost Breakdown

Let’s say you drive 1,000 miles per month and your EV averages 3.5 miles per kWh:

Energy Needed: ~286 kWh per month‍
Charging at $0.25/kWh (peak): $71.50/month‍
Charging at $0.10/kWh (off-peak): $28.60/month

That’s over $500 in annual savings just by shifting your charging time.

Final Thoughts

Smart charging isn’t just about convenience; it’s a key strategy for cutting your energy bills and getting the most out of EV ownership. With simple tools and a little planning, you can turn your EV into a quiet, efficient, and cost-effective daily driver.

Before you plug in tonight, check your utility rate, open your app, and make sure you’re taking advantage of every opportunity to save money.

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