EV Charging Calculator Pro

What is Time-of-Use (TOU) Pricing?

Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing is an electricity rate structure where the cost of electricity varies based on the time of day. Utilities charge higher rates during peak demand hours (typically 4-9 PM) and lower rates during off-peak hours (typically 10 PM - 6 AM). EV owners can save 50-70% on charging costs by charging during off-peak hours.

Understanding Charging Levels

• Level 1 (120V, 1.4 kW): Standard household outlet. Adds 2-5 miles per hour. Best for overnight charging or plug-in hybrids. Cost: ~$0.04-0.05 per mile.
• Level 2 (240V, 7.2-19.2 kW): Dedicated home charger or public stations. Adds 20-60 miles per hour. Most common for daily charging. Cost: ~$0.03-0.04 per mile.
• DC Fast Charging (50-350 kW): Public fast chargers. Adds 100-200+ miles in 20-30 minutes. Best for road trips. Cost: ~$0.10-0.15 per mile.

Optimizing Your Charging Strategy

To minimize charging costs and maximize battery life:

• Charge during off-peak hours: Set your charger to start at 10 PM or later
• Limit daily charging to 80%: Only charge to 100% for long trips
• Use home charging for daily needs: Much cheaper than public chargers
• Reserve DC fast charging for road trips: 3-5x more expensive than home charging
• Precondition your battery: Warm up battery before fast charging in cold weather

Battery Health Considerations

EV batteries last longest when kept between 20-80% state of charge. Frequent charging to 100% or discharging below 10% can reduce battery lifespan. Most manufacturers recommend:

• Daily driving: Keep battery between 20-80%
• Long trips: Charge to 100% just before departure
• Storage: If storing for extended periods, keep at 50% charge
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Park in garage when possible

Environmental Benefits

Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions. Even considering electricity generation, EVs typically produce 50-70% less CO₂ than comparable gas vehicles. As the electricity grid becomes cleaner with more renewable energy, this benefit will continue to improve. A typical EV saves about 4.6 metric tons of CO₂ per year compared to a gas vehicle.