Understanding Time-of-Use Electricity Plans

Time-of-Use (TOU) plans divide the day into pricing tiers based on grid demand. Peak hours (typically 4 to 9 PM) have the highest rates because everyone is home using appliances, AC, and cooking. Off-peak hours have moderate rates, and super off-peak hours (typically 11 PM to 6 AM) offer the lowest rates when demand is at its minimum.

Why TOU Plans Are Ideal for EV Owners

EV charging is one of the most shiftable electricity loads in a household. Unlike cooking or laundry, you can plug in your car whenever you get home but delay the actual charging to start at 11 PM automatically. This means you get the full benefit of cheap overnight rates without changing your daily routine at all.

Setting Up Scheduled Charging

• Tesla: Go to Charging, then Schedule, then set departure time or start time in the Tesla app. The car will wait until off-peak hours.
• Most other EVs: Use the manufacturer's app (FordPass, myChevrolet, and so on) to set a charging schedule. Look for Charge Scheduling or Preferred Charging Times.
• Smart chargers: Products like ChargePoint Home Flex, Emporia, and Grizzl-E have built-in scheduling through their companion apps.
• Contact your utility to confirm your exact TOU rate schedule. Many utilities have EV-specific TOU plans with even deeper off-peak discounts than standard TOU plans.

Maximizing Your Savings

Beyond shifting EV charging, consider running your dishwasher, laundry, and other heavy appliances during off-peak hours too. Some smart home systems can automate this scheduling. Also check if your utility offers an EV-specific rate plan, which often provides steeper overnight discounts than their standard TOU plan.