Electric Vehicle Charging Plans: Rates, Benefits & More

Learn about EV electricity plans that help you fuel your car for less.

Written by Christine Orlando | Reviewed By Christine Anez
Last updated October 1, 2025

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Key Takeaways for EV Electricity Plans

  • Electric vehicle (EV) charging plans offer free or reduced electricity usage during certain hours (usually nights and weekends) so EV owners can charge their vehicles for less.
  • EV electricity plans are a type of time-of-use (TOU) plan that often (not always) use energy from renewable sources.
  • Some EV plans come with extra perks, like apps that track and manage charging.
  • Most electric vehicle charging plans require smart meters.
  • Use Power Wizard’s smart comparison tool to view the EV charging plans in your area side by side.

Compare EV Charging Rates, Providers & Plan Features

With electric vehicle (EV) adoption on the rise across the U.S., many retail electricity providers (REPs) in deregulated areas have begun offering plans tailored to the needs of EV owners. Every plan and rate structure is different, so be sure to review the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) before committing to an EV electricity plan.

What Is an EV Charging Plan? Explained Simply

EV electricity plans, also called EV charging plans, are designed specifically for electric vehicle owners. They take into account that charging a car can use a lot more power than everyday appliances. Instead of paying the same rate no matter when you plug in, these plans often offer lower rates during off-peak hours, like evenings and weekends (some newer plans offer weekday hours), when demand on the grid is lower.

This setup makes it easier and cheaper to charge your vehicle at home. Some plans even come with extra benefits, such as apps that help you track and manage EV charging.

Why EV Charging Plans Save You Money & Support the Grid

Charging a vehicle on a standard electricity plan can quickly add up, but EV-specific plans are built to keep costs down. If you consistently charge your car during the plan’s designated free usage hours, you can reduce your monthly electricity bill.

These plans also encourage better energy use. Shifting charging to times when the grid is less busy spreads out demand, which supports overall grid stability. That means fewer spikes in usage and a more reliable energy system for everyone. Overall, EV electricity plans are a simple way to save money and, when you charge during off-peak hours or choose an option that includes renewable energy, they may also help lower the grid’s environmental impact over time.

Benefits of EV Charging Plans for Your Home & Wallet

EV electricity plans come with features that make powering your car—and your entire home—more affordable and efficient. Some of the most common features of these plans include:

  • Green Energy Options: Many plans offer renewable energy options, so you can prioritize responsible energy use across more than one aspect of your daily life.
  • Lower Electricity Bills: Charging your EV and using electricity during off-peak hours can lead to significant monthly savings.
  • Smarter Energy Use: Aligning your charging with the plan’s free usage timeframes makes your household more energy-efficient overall.
  • Whole-Home Savings: Off-peak rates don’t just apply to your car. Appliances, HVAC systems, and other devices benefit too.
  • Support Grid Stability: Charging during off-peak hours helps balance demand, easing stress on the grid and increasing reliability for all customers.

Things to Know Before Choosing an EV Charging Plan

While EV charging plans can deliver big savings, they might not be the best solution for every electric vehicle owner. Before signing up, it’s important to weigh the trade-offs and make sure the plan fits your household’s energy habits.

  • Higher Daytime Rates: Off-peak savings may be offset by the higher daytime charges if your household uses a lot of electricity during peak hours.
  • Behavioral Requirements: To maximize savings, you’ll need to shift EV charging and possibly other household activities, such as laundry or dishwashing, to off-peak hours.
  • Eligibility Requirements: Most plans require a smart meter or other specific equipment to track time-of-use consumption.
  • Potential Fees: Watch for base charges, minimum usage charges, or early termination fees (ETFs) that can reduce overall savings.

Pro Tip:

Transmission & Distribution Utility (TDU) fees are set by your utility company, not your REP. They may change a few times each year, but all customers within the TDU service area pay them regardless of who their REP is.

EV Charging Plan Types: Free Nights, Weekends & More

REPs offer various types of EV plans to match different electricity usage habits. The right plan depends on your charging schedule and how your household typically uses electricity.

  • Free Nights: Electricity is discounted or free during overnight hours, making it ideal for EV owners who plug in before bed.
  • Free Weekends: Lower or no-cost electricity on weekends helps households that do most of their charging and energy-heavy tasks outside the workweek.
  • Free Weekdays: Some newer plans offer free or cheaper electricity usage during weekday hours, which can be great for individuals who are home during the day.
  • Hybrid Plans: Some REPs offer EV charging plans that offer both free nights and free weekends.

How to Pick the Best EV Charging Plan for Your Lifestyle

Not all EV plans will fit your lifestyle. Before enrolling in one:

  • Review Your Charging Habits: Understand when and how often you charge your EV. Look for plans with off-peak hours that line up with your schedule.
  • Understand Plan Structures: Compare time-of-use windows and all applicable fees. You can find this information in the EFL.
  • Check Eligibility Requirements: Make sure you meet any provider requirements before enrolling. This may include installing a smart meter.
  • Consider Renewable Energy Goals: If sustainability matters, focus on plans with green energy options.
  • Explore Provider Incentives: Take advantage of extras like free trial periods, bill credits, or app-based tools that help manage charging.
  • Use Power Wizard: Enter your ZIP code into Power Wizard’s smart comparison tool to instantly view EV electricity plans, rates, and providers.

FAQs


Not always. EV plans are built to save money when you shift charging to off-peak hours. If most of your charging or overall electricity use happens during peak times, higher daytime rates could offset the savings. The key is matching your habits to the plan’s structure. You can also compare electricity rates to see if switching makes sense for your area.


It depends on the plan structure. Some EV electricity plans apply off-peak rates to all electricity use in your home, not just EV charging. That means running appliances, doing laundry, or cooling your home during discounted hours also costs less.


Some plans do, which is why it’s important to read the contract terms in your EFL. Providers may offer promotional pricing for the first year, then roll over to standard or higher rates at renewal. Reviewing your plan before it renews helps you avoid surprises.


Switching to an EV electricity plan is simple with Power Wizard. Just pop your ZIP code into our comparison tool, filter the search results, review each plan and EFL, make sure you meet the plan’s requirements, then enroll through our website. Your new REP will handle the rest.


They can offer environmental advantages when certain conditions are met. By shifting most of your charging to off-peak hours, you help balance grid demand and reduce strain on generation resources. When paired with 100% Green plans, you can power your car and home with electricity generated with cleaner electricity that supports a more sustainable future

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