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The cheapest time to charge an electric car is whichever period has the lowest electricity rate on your specific plan. That may be overnight, but some utilities offer lower rates during daytime hours too. Check your current tariff’s off-peak schedule, then use your car or home charger’s timer to charge during that window.
Why there is no universal cheapest hour
Electricity prices for home charging depend on your utility, rate plan, location and, in some cases, season and day of week. “Charge overnight” is useful only if overnight is a low-price period on your tariff. A time-of-use plan may instead make some daytime hours cheaper, or split the day into several rate periods.
Public charging prices are a separate question: the examples below describe utility home-rate schedules, not a comprehensive comparison of public charging prices.
Examples of utility off-peak schedules
These are local examples, not universal recommendations. Check the utility’s current terms and eligibility before relying on a time window.
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#1 Best Overall
ChargePoint HomeFlex Level 2 EV Fast Charger, J1772, Smart, Hardwired, 50A
- Charge with Confidence: ChargePoint builds reliable, flexible EV charging stations for home, business, and fleets. Get 24/7 support and access to hundreds of thousands of North American charging locations.
- Charge Smart: With the user-friendly ChargePoint Mobile App, you can control your electric car charger, manage reminders, connect to smart home devices, find stations, get data and charging info, and access the latest features. Note: WiFi is needed for certain functionalities and troubleshooting steps if connectivity issues arise.
- Vast Network: Wherever you go, ChargePoint’s network includes 274k+ stations across North America and Europe and 565k+ roaming partner stations.
- Safe & Durable: Rely on this UL-certified EV charger for safe home charging. It can be installed indoors or outdoors by an electrician and includes a cold-resistant cable.
- Fast & Powerful: This EV charger charges 9× faster than a 120V outlet, delivering up to 45 mi/hr., dependent upon your vehicle. It features a J1772 connector for all non-Tesla EVs and requires a 20A or 80A circuit. For Tesla EVs, this will require an adapter.
| Provider and plan | Published lower-cost hours or guidance | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E EV2-A | Midnight to 3 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays. | This schedule applies to the EV2-A plan. Check current rates and eligibility. PG&E EV rate-plan information. |
| Southern California Edison TOU-D-PRIME | SCE advises charging from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; its page identifies 4–9 p.m. as the highest-rate period and provides seasonal and weekday/weekend details. | Confirm the current season and tariff schedule. SCE residential time-of-use plans. |
| Con Edison time-of-use option | Off-peak is midnight to 8 a.m. | This is an option described by the utility, not necessarily the default pricing for every customer. Con Edison time-of-use information. |
| Palo Alto Utilities | Advises charging an EV or home battery from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and avoiding peak hours from 4–9 p.m. | This is local municipal-utility guidance. Palo Alto Utilities time-of-use rates. |
| Mesa EV time-of-use rate | Super-off-peak is 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. | Applies to eligible customers in Mesa’s service area. Mesa time-of-use rates. |
How to find your cheapest charging window
- Identify your exact electricity plan. Check your bill or utility account for the tariff name; a utility may offer multiple residential plans.
- Read the current rate schedule. Find the low- and high-price periods, seasonal changes, weekday and weekend rules, and any EV eligibility requirements. Note whether the rate applies to the whole home or a separate EV meter.
- Compare the whole bill, not just the EV rate. A time-of-use plan can change the price of other household electricity use, and fixed or daily charges may apply. Consider whether you can shift other energy use as well as car charging before switching plans.
- Schedule charging for the low-rate period. Use the vehicle’s charging timer or the home charging station’s scheduling feature, if available. PG&E says most EVs and home charging stations allow users to program charging for lower-price periods.
- Check that the session stays in the intended window. If charging begins before the low-price period or runs beyond it, some electricity may be billed at a different rate. Adjust the start time or charging limit to fit the schedule.
- Recheck after a change. Review the schedule if you change plans, move, or reach a different seasonal rate period.
How to estimate what a home charge costs
A basic estimate is the energy added to the battery in kilowatt-hours multiplied by the electricity price per kilowatt-hour that applies during charging. For example, if a session adds E kWh and the applicable rate is R per kWh, the energy cost is E × R. The Delaware DNREC home-charging guide notes that an estimate depends on the vehicle’s battery capacity and electricity rate. Your actual bill may also reflect the plan’s charges and household rate structure, so an advertised off-peak price alone does not establish your total savings.
Delaware DNREC’s guide to charging an EV at home explains the factors used in a home-charging cost estimate.
Rank #2
EVDANCE Level 1&2 EV Charger, Electric Vehicle Portable Charger with 25FT Cable, ETL Listed J1772 EVSE for All EVs & PHEVs, 12A 120V/16A 240V(Black, 16A Max | NEMA 5-15&6-20(Standard Home Plug))
- Flex Level 1 EV Charger - The EVDANCE Level 1 electric car charger is compatible with J1772 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (North American Standard). *Tesla requires a SAE J1772 adapter.
- Convenient to Use - This charger has both NEMA 6-20 plug for 16A 240V charging (3.68kW, 10-12 mi/h) and a NEMA 6-20 to 5-15 plug adapter for 12A 120V charging (1.44kW, 2-5 mi/h). The included bag makes it easier to carry on the go. It also has a 25ft cable length, you can use it flexibly from anywhere in the garage or driveway.
- Check Your Outlet Type -This charger works with standard 120V NEMA 5-15/5-20 outlets (2-5 mph charging speed) and 240V NEMA 6-20 outlets (10-12 mph) . It's not compatible with NEMA 6-15/10-30/14-30/14-50/6-50 outlets – you'll need a NEMA 14-50/14-30/10-30/6-50 to 6-20 adapter (sold separately) to connect.
- Compatible EV Models -This EV charger works with most major electric vehicles, including Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Audi, Nissan Ariya, Rivian R1S, Kia, and others. However, it's not compatible with Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop,Toyota Prus Prime/Z4X/RAV4Prime, Porsche Taycan Base/4S/Turbo/Turbo S or Tesla models (Tesla requires a J1772 to Tesla Adapter, sold separately). For a full list of compatible models, check out the Full Compatibility List on our product page.
- Indication Displays - LED display that can tell you the status as well as indicate errors while charging your electric vehicle.
Is overnight charging cheaper?
It is cheaper only when your plan prices overnight electricity below the alternatives. Con Edison’s cited time-of-use option and Mesa’s EV rate include overnight low-price periods, but PG&E EV2-A’s published lowest-cost window extends to 3 p.m., while Palo Alto Utilities recommends charging in late morning and early afternoon. Use the hours on your own tariff rather than assuming nighttime is always the bargain.
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Best Value
NexCyber Level 2 EV Charger(WiFi APP/Plug-Play), 48A Nema 14-50p, 25ft Cable ETL Certified, Home Level 2 EVSE Car Charger w/ J1772 Connector, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (46)
- [Up to 9x Faster Charging Speed]: Provides up to 46 miles/hour charging speed via hardwired connection (48 amp - up to 9x faster than a standard wall outlet) or up to 38 miles/hour via the NEMA 14-50 plug (40 amp). Professional installation recommended for optimal safety and performance. [Install The Power Outlet Cord]: No smaller than 8AWG if charge 40-48A, we suggest 6AWG cord.(1.The input side is belongs to the electrician electric automobile regulation scope, need to use three 6AWG cable wires for 48A; 2.The charging cable belongs to the automotive connector certification standard, so the 8AWG cable can meet the 48A.)
- [DESIGNED WITH J1772 Connector for All North America j1772 Connector EVs/PHEVs. Not fits for Tesla/Nacs Connector Cars(j1772 to Tesla adapter needed)]: Compatible with Tesla cars (Adapter needed, not included), Ford, GM, Audi, Kia, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Gmc, Chevrolet Bolt, VW ID 4, Nissan Leaf, Ford Mustang Mach-E, IONIQ 5 2024 and before, BMW i3, i4, iX, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, etc. [Not fits for Nac connector cars-Kia EV6 2025/EV9,Ariya 2025&2025 loniq 5(J1772 to Tesla adapter needed)]
- [Safety & Faster Charging with ETL, FCC, Energy Star Certified]: Meets the Safety Criteria Defined by: SAE J1772, UL2231-1/-2, UL 991, UL 2231, UL 2251, UL1998 and UL 2594. (ETL and FCC certified EV car charger with 3-year Warranty)
- [Plug-play Mode(The Default Setting), Smart Touch Screen, No APP Needed]: Clearly show the charging amperage, charging speed, input voltage, delay time, etc. For the touch buttons: 1. Pull out the charging gun before press the buttons, otherwise no respond; 2. Long press "Ⓐ" or "Time" button to enter the setting interface, then you can adjust the amperage from 16A to 48A freely or Set the charging start time; 3. You can do "factory reset" if doesn't charging.
- [Smart WIFI APP, You can Set the Charging Period]: By APP, you can wirelessly check the charging cost, history, fully-charged notification, track the charging status, during off-peak period, etc. [Wi-Fi Reset/Factory Reset Function, Add New Device Quickly]: If you can't find your device or you have replaced a new phone, just pull out the charging latches, simultaneously long press the Ⓐ button and time adjustment button on the product screen until it shows "Factory Reset", then wait 3-5 seconds and re-start your device.
Rank #4
Sale
EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger J1772 48A - Hardwired 240V Wall Charging Station
- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway.
- HARDWIRED - PROFESSIONAL INSTALL: This Level 2 charger is hardwired (not plug-in), so a licensed electrician installs it per National Electrical Code. It delivers up to 48A on a dedicated 60A, 240V circuit - enough to charge most EVs fully overnight. Want more speed? You can set DIP switches 4 and 5 to unlock 50A on a dedicated 70A circuit. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that your electrical panel can support the circuit.
- CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start and stop charging, set the charging speed (6-48A), get reminders, and track how much energy and money each charge uses. Requires a 2.4 GHz home WiFi network.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
Rank #3
Sale
EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger J1772 40A NEMA 14-50 - 240V Wall Charging Station
- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car.
- PLUG IN, NO HARDWIRING: Level 2 charger delivers up to 40A to fully charge most EVs overnight. Plugs into a 240V, 4-prong NEMA 14-50 outlet (the RV/range type - NOT a dryer outlet) on a dedicated 50A circuit. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that you have the right outlet.
- CONTROL & SAVE FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start/stop charging, set speed (6-40A), get reminders, and track energy use and cost. Schedule off-peak overnight charging to cut your electric bill. Requires 2.4 GHz WiFi.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
What to compare before switching plans
- Lowest- and highest-priced per-kWh periods, including their exact hours.
- Seasonal, weekday and weekend schedule differences.
- EV enrollment or equipment requirements.
- Whether the rate covers the whole home or a separate EV meter.
- Fixed or daily charges and the effect on non-EV household consumption.
- Whether you can shift enough household electricity use to benefit from the plan overall.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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