Optimal EV Charging Schedule
Find the cheapest time to charge based on your utility's time-of-use rates. See your 24-hour rate timeline, optimal start time, and estimated monthly savings.
Your Utility
EV2-A
Peak: $0.55/kWhOff-Peak: $0.18/kWhSuper Off-Peak: $0.12/kWh
Peak hours: 4pm – 9pm · Weekends all off-peak
Your Vehicle & Schedule
10 mi207 mi
Start charging at 4am
You need 10.0 kWh (40 miles at 4.0 mi/kWh) · 1.3 hours at 7.7 kW · finishing by 7am
Tonight's cost: $1.85vs $5.50 at peak
Monthly savings: $110
Annual savings: $1333
24-Hour Rate Timeline (Weekday)
12am
12¢
3am
12¢
⚡
⚡
6am
18¢
🚗
9am
18¢
12pm
18¢
3pm
18¢
6pm
55¢
9pm
18¢
PeakOff-PeakSuper Off-Peak⚡ Optimal charging window🚗 = departure
Rate Comparison
| Charging Strategy | Cost Tonight | Monthly (est.) | Annual (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimal (off-peak) | $1.85 | $55 | $675 |
| Worst case (peak) | $5.50 | $165 | $2008 |
| Savings | $3.65 | $110 | $1333 |
Monthly/annual estimates assume same charge session every day. Actual savings vary by driving habits.
How to Set Up Scheduled Charging on Your Tesla Model 3 RWD
In the Tesla app → Schedule → set Departure Time. The car will precondition battery and finish charging just before you leave.
Pro tip: Set your departure time in the app, not just the charge start time. Most EVs will automatically calculate when to start charging so the battery is full (and warm in winter) right when you leave — saving money and extending battery life.
Making the Most of TOU Rates
- •Sign up for your utility's EV-specific TOU rate plan — many offer super off-peak rates (midnight–6am) as low as 6–12¢/kWh.
- •Use your EV's companion app departure timer rather than a plug-in timer, so battery preconditioning also happens off-peak.
- •If your utility has weekend flat rates, shift any "top-off" charging to Saturday or Sunday mornings.
- •If you have solar panels, time your EV charging to coincide with peak solar production (10am–3pm) to maximize self-consumption.
- •Avoid charging at 100% regularly — set your charge limit to 80% for daily driving to preserve long-term battery health.