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