Bottom line: Time-of-use savings come from charging at the right time. A smart charger can help, but many drivers can also schedule charging from the vehicle.
How time-of-use rates work#
Some utilities charge different prices depending on the time of day. EV owners often benefit when they can charge overnight or during other off-peak periods instead of during expensive evening peaks.
Three ways to schedule charging#
| Method | Best for | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle scheduling | Drivers who want the simplest setup | Controls vary by vehicle and app. |
| Smart charger scheduling | Households with multiple EVs or detailed energy tracking | Requires Wi-Fi and app setup. |
| Manual plug-in timing | Occasional charging | Easy to forget and less convenient. |
When a smart charger is worth it#
- Your utility has meaningful peak and off-peak price differences.
- You want charging reports or reimbursement records.
- You need to coordinate multiple vehicles or load management.
- Your vehicle scheduling is unreliable or inconvenient.
Estimate the savings#
Use the charging cost calculator with your off-peak price and monthly driving. Then compare smart vs basic chargers to decide whether connected features justify the hardware cost.