Getting your first electricity bill after buying an electric vehicle can be shocking. This is a common problem shared across online communities.
A Reddit user on r/electricvehicles recently wrote, “Just got my first EV and my electricity bill skyrocketed. I love the car but hate this new expense. What am I doing wrong?”
You’re not making any mistakes. You just need the right approach. This guide gives you a complete plan to find the cheapest way to charge an ev. It will turn that bill shock into real savings.
The most effective solution is charging at home during off-peak hours. Let’s explore how you can make this strategy work for you, along with other money-saving methods.
The Golden Rule: Home Charging
Your home charging setup is your greatest financial advantage. Charging at home consistently forms the foundation for cutting your EV running costs.
Home vs. Public Stations
The price gap between home and public charging isn’t small—it’s huge. This is likely why your bill is higher than expected if you depend on public charging networks.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that home charging can cost as little as $0.17 per kWh on average. Public DC fast chargers, however, typically range from $0.30 to $0.70 per kWh. Sometimes they cost even more.
Here’s what this means for a vehicle with a 60kWh battery, which is standard for many modern EVs.
|
Charging Method |
Average Cost per kWh |
Cost for 60kWh Battery |
|
Level 2 Home Charging |
$0.17 |
$10.20 |
|
Public DC Fast Charging |
$0.50 |
$30.00 |
Public chargers are vital for long road trips. But for daily driving, home charging wins hands down for cost-effectiveness.
Understand Charging Levels
At home, you have two main choices: Level 1 and Level 2.
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120V wall outlet. No installation required, but it’s extremely slow. It adds only 3-5 miles of range per hour. This works for occasional top-ups but isn’t practical for daily use.
Level 2 charging uses a 240V outlet, like an electric dryer. This is the perfect option for EV owners. It adds 25-40 miles of range per hour. This makes overnight charging dependable and helps you take advantage of the cheapest electricity rates.
Strategy 1: Master Time-of-Use Rates
This is the most powerful strategy for cutting your home charging costs. If you only follow one tip from this list, choose this one.
What is a ToU Plan?
A Time-of-Use (ToU) plan is an electricity rate structure where your cost depends on the time of day. In the UK, this might be called an EV tariff or Economy 7.
Think of it as happy hour for electricity. When demand on the power grid drops, usually overnight, the price per kWh falls dramatically.
Rates typically have three periods: Peak (most expensive, usually late afternoon/early evening), Off-Peak (cheapest, usually late night/early morning), and Shoulder (middle-priced).
Charging only during off-peak hours can cut your charging costs by 50% or more compared to standard flat-rate plans.
How to Find Your Best Tariff
Switching to a ToU plan is simple and can save you hundreds of dollars yearly.
Start by checking your current utility provider’s website. Look for “EV tariffs,” “electric vehicle plans,” or “Time-of-Use plans.” Most major utilities offer these now.
Use government or third-party energy comparison websites to see what other providers in your area offer. This ensures you get the most competitive rate.
Call your provider directly. Ask them, “I own an electric vehicle. What’s the best plan you can offer me to save money on overnight charging?”
When comparing plans, focus on two things: the lowest off-peak rate and a wide off-peak window. Ideally, this should run from 11 PM to 7 AM or similar.
A Real-World Savings Case
This switch makes a real difference. It’s not just a few dollars here and there—it’s a major reduction in your monthly expenses.
On a popular EV forum, one user shared their bill, showing a 60% reduction in charging costs. Their monthly bill dropped from around $90 to just $35 after switching to a ToU plan and setting their car to charge only after midnight.
This simple change saved them over $600 per year. It perfectly shows how aligning your charging with grid demand directly benefits your wallet.
Strategy 2: Automate Your Savings
Once you have a ToU plan, ensure you always charge during those cheap off-peak hours. Automation is the best way to achieve this.
“Set It and Forget It”
Scheduling your charging eliminates human error. You won’t accidentally plug in during expensive peak hours.
There’s real peace of mind in plugging in your car after work, knowing it won’t start using expensive power until 1 AM.
You wake up every morning to a full battery that charged at the lowest possible price. It’s effortless savings.
How to Set a Schedule
You have three main options for automating your charging schedule. Most EV owners use a combination of these methods.
1. Using Your EV’s Infotainment System. Almost every modern EV has built-in charge scheduling in its settings menu. You can set a start time, end time, or “depart by” time. The car manages its charging to meet your needs within your off-peak window.
2. Using Your Car’s Smartphone App. Apps from Tesla, Ford, Hyundai, and other manufacturers let you set and adjust your charging schedule remotely. This is handy for making quick changes when your routine shifts.
3. Using a Smart Charger. This is often the most robust and feature-rich option. The schedule is programmed into the charger itself, not the car. This can be more reliable.
The Right Tool for the Job
For maximum control and clarity, a dedicated smart charger is a game-changer. Many people find having the scheduling function and real-time charging data right on the device incredibly convenient.
For example, a user-friendly portable EV charger with a display lets you easily program your off-peak hours and see your charging status at a glance. This ensures you’re always saving money.
Strategy 3: Harness the Sun
For homeowners, installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system is the ultimate long-term strategy for achieving the cheapest, and sometimes free, EV charging.
Charge for Free with Solar?
Yes, you absolutely can charge your EV for free with solar panels. But it requires some optimization.
The concept is straightforward: during the day, your solar panels generate electricity. This clean energy can charge your car directly instead of being sent back to the grid.
A typical 6kW residential solar system can generate around 20-30 kWh on a sunny day. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), this is more than enough to cover the average American daily commute of 30-40 miles.
Optimizing Daytime Solar
The biggest challenge is that solar panels produce the most power during the day, when your car might be at work.
There are smart solutions to this problem.
Smart EV chargers are essential. Some advanced chargers can detect excess solar generation and automatically send only that surplus power to your car. This ensures you use 100% free, clean energy without drawing from the grid.
Home battery storage is the premium solution. A system like a Tesla Powerwall stores your excess solar energy during the day. You can then use that stored energy to charge your EV overnight, completely independent of the grid.
Renewable energy expert Dr. Varun Sivaram explains, “The synergy between solar PV and EVs is maximized with smart energy management. A charger that can intelligently modulate its power based on solar output is key to achieving true energy independence.”
Strategy 4 & 5: Free Public Power
For those who can’t charge at home or want to supplement their charging, using free public and workplace options is an excellent way to save.
Find Free Public Stations
These are almost always Level 2 chargers, not DC fast chargers. They’re perfect for topping up your battery while you shop or dine.
You can find these free charging opportunities in several common places.
Supermarkets and large retail parks often provide free charging to attract customers and keep them there longer.
Check local government buildings. Many libraries, town halls, and community centers offer free charging for residents.
Hotels and tourist destinations frequently provide free charging to guests. It’s always worth checking before you book.
To locate these spots, use an app like PlugShare. Its filters let you search specifically for stations that are “Free to Use.”
Don’t Overlook Your Work
Workplace charging can be a huge financial benefit. If your employer offers free or subsidized charging, it can eliminate your daily commute’s energy cost.
This benefit is becoming more common as companies try to attract talent and promote their environmental credentials.
If your workplace doesn’t offer charging yet, consider talking to HR or your facilities manager. Present it as a low-cost, high-value employee benefit and sustainability initiative. This can often start the conversation.
Strategy 6 & 7: Smart Habits
Small, consistent changes in how you drive and maintain your vehicle can add up to noticeable charging savings over time.
Drive for Efficiency
Your driving style directly affects your vehicle’s energy consumption. Driving more efficiently means you’ll need to charge less often.
Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Smooth inputs are key to maximizing your range.
Use regenerative braking to its fullest. Many EVs have a “one-pedal driving” mode that captures the most energy when you lift off the accelerator.
Use your car’s pre-conditioning feature while it’s still plugged in. This heats or cools the cabin using wall power, not your battery. This preserves range for your drive.
Check Your Tire Pressure
This is one of the easiest and most overlooked ways to improve efficiency. It’s a hidden cost that can drain your battery.
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance. This means your car’s motors work harder—and use more electricity—to maintain speed.
Check your tire pressure at least once monthly. The correct pressure is listed on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. Keeping your tires properly inflated is a simple action that pays off on every drive.
Your Blueprint for Savings
You now have a complete toolkit for finding the cheapest way to charge an ev. It’s about building smart ways to save on ev charging through a layered strategy.
Start by making off-peak home charging your top priority. Get on a Time-of-Use plan with your utility provider.
Automate your savings by using your car or a smart charger to schedule all charging for those cheap overnight hours.
Add to this foundation by actively seeking free public and workplace charging opportunities whenever convenient.
For ultimate long-term savings, consider investing in a solar PV system to generate your own clean, free fuel.
By combining these smart strategies, you can transform your EV from a source of financial worry into a model of cost-effective, sustainable transportation.
