EV Time-of-Use Charging Cost Calculator
Compare EV charging cost on time-of-use rates.
Enter peak/off-peak prices, charging hours, and battery size to find monthly savings from off-peak charging.
Monthly Charging Cost
Time-of-Use (TOU) Charging Cost
TOU rates charge different prices for electricity at different hours. EV owners can save 30-60% by shifting all charging to off-peak windows — usually overnight.
Typical TOU rate structures (US averages, 2026):
| Period | Time Window | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | Weekday 4-9 PM | $0.30-0.50/kWh |
| Mid-peak | Weekday 9 AM-4 PM | $0.18-0.28/kWh |
| Off-peak | Overnight 9 PM-6 AM, weekends | $0.08-0.18/kWh |
| Super off-peak (some) | 12-6 AM | $0.05-0.12/kWh |
EV-specific TOU plans (PG&E EV-A, Southern California Edison TOU-D-PRIME, etc.):
- Often drop super off-peak to $0.06-0.10/kWh
- Some require minimum 50 kWh/month EV consumption to qualify
- A few include free charging windows (PG&E EV2-A weekend daytime)
The cost calculation: Cost = Charging energy (kWh) × Rate ($/kWh)
For a typical EV (15,000 miles/year, 3.5 mi/kWh efficiency):
- Annual energy: ~4,300 kWh
- Monthly: ~360 kWh
- Cost at peak ($0.40): $144/month
- Cost at off-peak ($0.10): $36/month
- Savings: $108/month, $1,300/year
Charging losses (don’t forget):
- Level 2 home charger: 10-15% loss (battery to wheels)
- 360 kWh delivered ≈ 410 kWh from grid (15% loss)
- Always calculate from “from grid” energy, not battery capacity
TOU plan switching considerations:
- Most utilities allow free switching once or twice a year
- Verify your other usage (HVAC, water heater) isn’t penalized by peak rates
- Some utilities offer EV-only TOU as a separate sub-meter (cheap)
- Call utility — most won’t tell you about EV plans unless asked
Quick comparison: flat rate vs TOU:
- If you can shift ≥80% of EV charging off-peak: TOU saves $$$
- If your home uses lots of A/C in peak hours (4-9 PM): TOU may cost more overall
- Run a few months on each and compare
Smart-charging features:
- All major EVs have schedule/depart-by features (Tesla, Bolt, Mach-E, etc.)
- Home charger TOU integration (Wallbox, ChargePoint Home Flex, Emporia)
- Some utilities offer rebates for installing smart chargers