At a gas station, it doesn’t matter what time of day you fill up—the price is going to be the same. But since the cost of electricity soars during peak hours, fueling an EV can be much more challenging.
Is it better to charge your EV at night or during the day? How do you keep your EV ready to go while keeping energy costs under control? What if you want to take advantage of renewable energy like solar power?
We reveal the best times to plug in your EV and how to save money on your electric bill with smart charging.
Is It Better to Charge Your EV at Night or During the Day?
There are a few pros and cons to bear in mind when it comes to charging at night vs. during the day.
The power grids that make up the available electrical supply often include a mix of energy sources. Some of these may be “greener” than others, depending on daytime versus nighttime energy production. For instance, solar energy is plentiful during the day, but during peak hours, rates will be higher. And although there’s less demand on the power grid at night and off-peak rates are cheaper, renewable sources are not usually available.
Many EV owners find that the convenience of charging their car at night overrides many other considerations. Charging is uninterrupted, so there’s less likelihood of having to unplug and drive around with a low battery. However, overnight charging puts a lot of stress on an EV battery, which slows it down and shortens its lifespan considerably.
Figuring Out the Best Time to Charge an EV Battery
If you’re trying to work out the ideal time to charge your EV, here are three questions to ask:
- What are the electricity rates at night vs. day? This is where off-peak versus on-peak electricity charges become important.
- How much renewable energy is available? Electric companies may alter their power generation sources according to the time of day, such as a greater reliance on fossil fuels when daytime grid demands are high.
- What are your driving habits? If you’re out during daytime hours, it may be difficult for you to recharge your EV battery at any time other than at night.
Use a Smart Charging App to Save Money
For many drivers, the best time of day to plug in their EV is when the rates are low. The easiest way to get the lowest rates is to use a smart charging app, which will automatically schedule charging when rates are lowest, day or night. It can also help you optimize when and how long your vehicle charges, to extend your battery life.
If you want to save on your electric bill, CaliCharge can help. Our money-saving software calculates your battery’s needs, grid capacity, and available rate plans to automate charging when costs are low. Our innovative app can even help you minimize your environmental impact by charging when renewable sources are available. Plus, you can earn credits toward future electric bills!
Download our free app and start saving today.
Photo by Evnex Ltd on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 5/15/2025.