Is My Utility's Time-of-Use or EV Rate Plan Worth Switching To?
Use the free tool — ChargeCast
What Is a Time-of-Use or EV Rate Plan?
Some electric utilities offer plans where the price per kilowatt-hour changes depending on the time of day, or a special plan just for electric vehicle owners. The idea is that charging at certain hours costs less than the standard flat rate.
Whether one of these plans is actually cheaper for you depends on your specific utility's rate structure, your usage, and when you charge. This guide does not name a specific rate or savings amount, because that depends on your utility and your bill.
Why "Should I Switch?" Doesn't Have One Answer
The same plan can save one driver money and cost another driver more, even in the same city. What matters is:
- How much you drive, and how many miles you charge for
- Whether you mostly charge at home or use DC fast charging
- What times of day you actually plug in
- What your current flat rate looks like compared to the time-of-use or EV plan's rate structure
What Actually Decides Whether Switching Pays Off
To know your real cost per mile at home versus DC fast charging versus the gas car you replaced, you need your own numbers, not a general example. That includes:
- Your current electric rate
- Your miles driven
- Your charging pattern (home, DC fast, or both)
If you're also considering installing a home charger, what that install has to cost to pay back depends on these same numbers, plus the install cost itself.
What We Don't Know Without Your Numbers
We don't know your utility's specific time-of-use hours, EV plan rate, or whether it's even offered where you live. We don't know your current bill, your driving pattern, or your install cost. Those are the numbers that decide the answer, and they're different for every household.
A Caution
This is not tax advice or electrical advice. Rate plans, hours, and eligibility change. Confirm current plan details, hours, and eligibility directly with your utility company before switching or paying for any equipment.
What to Do Next
ChargeCast is a free tool that reads your own electric bill (or just your rate and miles) and how you charge. It works out your real cost per mile at home versus DC fast charging versus the gas car you replaced, whether a time-of-use or EV plan would actually save you money, and what a home charger install has to cost to pay back. It uses your numbers, not an example.