EVCost Per Mile

Cheapest Time to Charge an EV in California

The cheapest hours to charge in California are 9 PM – 4 PM under PG&E / SCE EV-A. That window typically runs about 50% cheaper than the flat residential rate.

Flat rate
31.0¢/kWh
Standard residential
Off-peak rate
15.5¢/kWh
9 PM – 4 PM
Annual savings
$531
At 12,000 mi/yr

Annual cost: off-peak vs flat rate

Flat rate (31.0¢/kWh)$1,063/yr
Off-peak only (15.5¢/kWh)$531/yr
You save$531/yr

Assumes 3,429 kWh/year (12,000 mi @ 3.5 mi/kWh).

How to schedule charging

Almost every modern EV lets you schedule charging from the in-car menu or app. The cheapest workflow is to plug in when you get home, but only let charging start after the off-peak window opens.

  • Tesla: Schedule Charging → set Start Time to 9 PM.
  • Ford / Lincoln: FordPass app → Charge Settings → Departure Time + Off-Peak.
  • ChargePoint Home Flex / JuiceBox: set the start window inside the charger app.
  • Hyundai / Kia / GM: set "Scheduled Departure" in MyHyundai / Kia Connect / myChevrolet.

If your utility offers a whole-home TOU plan, the off-peak discount applies to all electricity — not just charging. Always check whether enrolling raises your peak rate before switching.

Related

EV vs gas in California →Home vs public charging in California →

Other states

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