Why the Clock Matters
On a Time-of-Use plan, the same kilowatt-hour costs a different amount depending on when you use it.
- Peak hours, usually late afternoon into the evening, are the most expensive
- Off-peak hours, overnight, are the cheapest
- An EV is the one large load that can almost always wait until off-peak
A faster charger does not lower the bill. Charging at the right time does.
Scheduling Does Most of the Work
Set it once and forget it.
Most EVs and most Level 2 chargers can be scheduled to start after peak ends. Plug in when you get home, and the car waits until the cheaper hours to begin charging.
That single setting is usually worth more than any upgrade to the charger itself.
It also helps with capacity. Charging overnight, when the rest of the house is quiet, is exactly when a smaller service has the most room to spare, which is why scheduling and load management work so well together.
Where a Dedicated EV Meter Fits
Some utilities offer a separate EV rate on its own meter, so the car can charge on EV pricing while the house stays on its existing plan. It adds a meter socket and some utility coordination, but for households that drive a lot it can pay for itself.
Is It Worth It for You?
It depends on how much you drive and when you are home. Send us a recent utility bill and your typical mileage, and we will tell you whether a TOU plan or a dedicated EV meter makes sense before you change anything.
