Electricity tariffs for electric cars can make the difference between driving on the equivalent of $0.70 per gallon and paying close to gas-car costs. The good news: if you understand your utility’s pricing and charge at the best time to charge your EV, usually off‑peak overnight, you can keep your fueling costs among the lowest in the car market.
EV charging and rising power prices
U.S. residential electricity prices have climbed into the mid‑teens (cents per kWh) on average in 2024–2025, and many utilities expect further increases. That makes it more important than ever to plug in when power is cheapest instead of charging at random times during the day.
Why electricity tariffs matter for EV drivers
An EV turns your home into a mini fueling station. A typical American household uses around 800–900 kWh of electricity per month. Adding an EV can easily add 200–400 kWh on top of that, roughly a 25–50% jump in usage depending on how much you drive and how efficient your car is. If you feed that extra demand into the wrong part of your tariff, you’ll feel it on your bill.
How an EV changes your home electricity use
Because you choose when your EV charges, it’s one of the easiest loads to move into cheaper time slots. Utilities know this, which is why more of them now offer EV‑specific or time‑of‑use (TOU) rates that reward you for charging at night or midday when demand is lower.
How electricity tariffs for electric cars work
Most utilities don’t have a special line on your bill for "electric car electricity." Instead, they offer different tariff structures that change the price of every kilowatt‑hour (kWh) depending on when or how much you use. Here are the ones EV drivers see most often:
Common residential tariffs and what they mean for EVs
Understanding your rate plan is step one to cheaper charging
1. Flat or tiered rate
One price for every kWh (flat), or higher prices after you pass usage tiers.
- Pros: Simple, predictable.
- Cons: No reward for shifting EV charging to off‑peak times.
2. Time-of-use (TOU) rate
Price changes by time of day (off‑peak, mid‑peak, peak).
- Pros: Big savings if you charge at night.
- Cons: More complex; mistakes can be costly.
3. EV-specific TOU rate
Some utilities offer a TOU plan just for EV owners or a separate meter.
- Pros: Deep discounts for overnight charging.
- Cons: May require enrollment, a smart meter, or even a second meter.
Watch the peak period
On TOU or EV tariffs, peak hours (often late afternoon to early evening on weekdays) can cost 2–3x more per kWh than off‑peak nights. Accidentally charging during those windows can wipe out your EV savings for the month.
When is the best time to charge an EV?
There’s no single universal answer, but if your goal is lowest cost, the best time to charge an EV in most of the U.S. is overnight during off‑peak hours, typically sometime between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The exact window depends on your utility’s tariff, but a few patterns show up over and over:
- Most TOU tariffs have cheapest rates after 9–10 p.m. until early morning.
- Peak prices usually hit from 3–4 p.m. to 8–9 p.m. when people return home and air‑conditioning or heating loads spike.
- Some regions with lots of solar (parts of California, the Southwest, Texas) now have bonus low prices in the mid‑day (roughly 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) when solar output is high and demand dips. If you’re home, that can also be a great time to charge.
- Weekends may be priced as all off‑peak or off‑peak except a small evening window, depending on the plan.
Simple rule of thumb
Unless your utility clearly says otherwise, assume the best time to charge your EV is after 9 or 10 p.m. on weekdays and most of the day on weekends, avoiding the early‑evening peak.
What typical time-of-use EV rates look like
TOU prices vary a lot by state. In 2024–2025, the average residential price across the U.S. has hovered in the mid‑teens per kWh, but it’s common to see TOU plans where off‑peak power is several cents below that average and on‑peak power is several cents above it. Here’s a simplified example based on real‑world TOU structures in higher‑cost and lower‑cost states.
Sample TOU tariffs and what they mean for EV charging
Illustrative rate structures similar to what many U.S. utilities now offer. Check your own bill or utility website for exact numbers.
| Tariff type | Off-peak hours & price | Peak hours & price | Good EV charging window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban Midwest TOU | 11 ¢/kWh (9 p.m.–7 a.m.) | 22 ¢/kWh (3 p.m.–8 p.m.) | After 9 p.m. on weekdays; anytime off‑peak on weekends |
| California EV TOU | 17 ¢/kWh (12 a.m.–6 a.m.; some midday hours) | 40 ¢/kWh (4 p.m.–9 p.m.) | Midnight–6 a.m.; optional top‑ups late morning/early afternoon |
| Sun Belt TOU with solar | 10 ¢/kWh (10 p.m.–6 a.m.); 11 ¢/kWh (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) | 24 ¢/kWh (4 p.m.–8 p.m.) | Overnight or mid‑day while the car is at home |
Off‑peak night charging usually cuts EV fueling costs dramatically compared with peak electricity or gasoline.
These spreads are why utilities push EV drivers toward TOU: if you’re flexible, they’d rather you sip cheap power when the grid is quiet than gulp down expensive power at 6 p.m. on a hot day.
Real-world EV charging cost examples
Let’s pull this together with a few examples. Assume an EV that averages 3.4 miles per kWh, close to many mainstream electric sedans and crossovers. We’ll compare off‑peak vs. peak and electric vs. gasoline.
Example 1: Typical national average
Say your effective rate is 17 ¢/kWh and you don’t have TOU.
- Cost per mile: 17 ¢ ÷ 3.4 ≈ 5.0 ¢/mile.
- At 1,000 miles/month, that’s about $50 in electricity.
- A gas car at 30 mpg and $3.50/gal costs about 11.7 ¢/mile, or $117/month for the same driving.
Even on a flat tariff, the EV is less than half the fuel cost of a typical gas car.
Example 2: TOU with cheap nights and expensive evenings
Off‑peak: 12 ¢/kWh; peak: 30 ¢/kWh.
- Off‑peak EV charging: 12 ¢ ÷ 3.4 ≈ 3.5 ¢/mile → ~$35/month at 1,000 miles.
- Peak EV charging: 30 ¢ ÷ 3.4 ≈ 8.8 ¢/mile → ~$88/month at 1,000 miles.
Charging at night instead of during peak saves around $50/month in this example, $600 a year, just from scheduling.
Why off-peak EV charging wins
When you combine EV efficiency with off‑peak electricity tariffs, you can get per‑mile costs down to 3–4 cents in many markets. That’s hard for any gasoline vehicle to touch, even hybrids.
Smart charging strategies to lower your bill
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You don’t have to stare at the clock every night. Modern EVs and home chargers make it easy to automate the best time to charge your EV around your tariff. Here are practical strategies you can start using this week:
Step-by-step: Make your tariff work for you
1. Find your peak and off-peak windows
Pull up your last utility bill or log into your online account. Look for phrases like “time‑of‑use,” “on‑peak,” “off‑peak,” or “super off‑peak.” Write down the exact times and prices.
2. Set a scheduled charge in your EV
Most EVs let you set a "start charging" or "charge by" time in the infotainment system or mobile app. Align that window with your <strong>cheapest off‑peak hours</strong>, like 11 p.m.–5 a.m.
3. Use your smart charger or app
If you have a Wi‑Fi‑enabled Level 2 charger, use its app to set charging schedules, cap the current, or pause charging during expensive hours. Some apps can automatically track your tariff and optimize for the lowest cost.
4. Avoid topping up right after you get home
Plug in when you park, but let the car <strong>wait to start charging</strong> until off‑peak. This prevents high‑price charging from 4–9 p.m. on many TOU plans.
5. Combine EV charging with other flexible loads
Run dishwashers, laundry, and other big appliances during off‑peak windows when possible. You’ll save beyond just your EV and lower your whole household bill.
6. Monitor your first 2–3 bills
Compare your usage and costs before and after scheduling. If bills don’t drop as expected, confirm that charging is actually happening in the off‑peak window and check for any surprises, like seasonal rate changes.
Don’t forget winter and summer changes
Some utilities adjust TOU hours or prices seasonally. Peak periods can stretch longer on hot summer days or shift in winter. Check your utility’s seasonal schedule at least once a year so your EV isn’t silently charging at the wrong time.
Tariffs, EV charging, and renters/apartment drivers
If you rent, or live in a condo, you might not control your building’s tariff or even get your own individual meter. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying top dollar for every kWh.
Options for renters and multi-family EV drivers
You still have levers to pull, even without your own garage
Use workplace or public off-peak pricing
Many workplace chargers and some public networks offer discounted or flat pricing that beats your building’s rate.
- Charge while your car sits at work.
- Look for lower‑priced Level 2 in public garages.
Talk to your property manager
More landlords are adding EV chargers as a perk. Point out that smart chargers with user billing can recover costs without raising rents for everyone else.
Some utilities offer rebates to install shared chargers in multi‑family buildings.
If your building bills you a flat fee for "parking with EV charging," ask how they calculated it. If it’s based on peak rates, you might be paying more than your fair share, especially if you mostly charge at night.
How to check and change your electricity tariff
Switching tariffs is usually optional, but if you’ve added an EV and haven’t revisited your plan, you may be leaving money on the table. The process is more straightforward than many customers realize.
Checklist: Moving to an EV-friendly tariff
1. Gather a few recent bills
You’ll want at least 3–6 months of bills to understand your baseline usage without an EV, plus a couple of months after you start charging regularly.
2. Use your utility’s rate comparison tools
Many utilities offer online calculators that let you plug in your usage and see what your bill would have been under different tariffs, including EV or TOU plans.
3. Call and ask specifically about EV or TOU rates
Tell customer service you’ve purchased an EV and ask: “Do you offer an <strong>EV‑specific or off‑peak time‑of‑use rate</strong> for residential customers?” Take notes on minimum contract periods, seasonal changes, and any special terms.
4. Confirm meter and equipment requirements
Some EV tariffs require a smart meter or, rarely, a second meter dedicated to your charger. Ask about installation timelines, one‑time fees, and whether rebates are available.
5. Re‑evaluate after 6–12 months
Once you switch, review your annual costs. If your driving habits or local rates change, don’t be afraid to switch back or move to a different plan.
A note on rising prices
Across the U.S., average residential electricity prices have trended upward in 2023–2025, driven by grid upgrades, fuel costs, and new demand like data centers and electrified transport. Locking in smart charging habits now helps protect you from those increases over the long haul.
What tariffs mean for used EV buyers
If you’re shopping for a used EV, your electricity tariff is part of the total cost of ownership, just like insurance and maintenance. The same car can cost noticeably more or less to run depending on whether you’re on a flat rate or an EV‑friendly TOU plan.
Questions to ask yourself
- How many miles do I realistically drive each month?
- Do I often arrive home during peak hours and need to charge immediately?
- Can I comfortably let the car charge overnight instead?
- Does my utility offer an EV or TOU plan, and what’s the off‑peak price?
How Recharged helps
Every vehicle listed on Recharged includes a Recharged Score Report with verified battery health and fair‑market pricing. That makes it easier to estimate efficiency in kWh per 100 miles and plug your numbers into your local tariff.
Our EV specialists can also help you think through home charging setup and ongoing energy costs before you purchase, so there are fewer surprises after delivery.
Pair the right car with the right tariff
A healthy battery and an efficient used EV from Recharged, combined with an off‑peak TOU tariff, can keep your monthly "fuel" bill well below what you’d spend on gasoline, even as electricity prices rise.
FAQ: Electricity tariffs and the best time to charge an EV
Frequently asked questions
Key takeaways: Make your tariff work for you
As electricity prices rise across much of the U.S., electricity tariffs for electric cars are becoming a major part of the EV ownership story. The best time to charge your EV is usually overnight during off‑peak hours, but the exact timing and savings depend on your local utility and how you drive.
- Check whether your utility offers an EV‑specific or time‑of‑use rate and what the off‑peak window looks like.
- Use your car’s built‑in scheduling or a smart home charger to automate overnight charging and avoid expensive peak hours.
- If you’re shopping for a used EV, factor in your electricity tariff alongside battery health and price, tools like the Recharged Score Report can help you estimate real‑world efficiency and monthly costs.
- Revisit your tariff and charging habits at least once a year, especially if your local rates or driving patterns change.
If you get the tariff piece right, your EV can stay what it was meant to be: a quieter, smoother drive that’s also one of the most cost‑effective ways to get around. And if you’re comparing used EVs, Recharged can help you understand how battery health, efficiency, and your local rates all come together on your monthly bill.
