The short answer
EV home charging on EV-specific TOU rates costs 4-8¢/kWh during super-off-peak hours (11 PM-6 AM) — a 60-75% reduction vs flat-rate residential. Three rate plan options: EV-only meter (separate submeter, $1,500-$2,500 install), whole-home TOU (no install, single meter), or flat residential (worst for EVs). Most modern EVs and chargers have built-in scheduling.
EV home charging cost varies by 5-10x depending on your rate plan. On a flat-rate residential plan at 17¢/kWh, charging a typical EV (10 kWh/day, 3,650 kWh/year) costs about $620/year. On an EV-specific TOU plan with super-off-peak rates of 4-8¢/kWh between 11 PM and 6 AM, the same charging costs $150-$290/year — a 60-75% reduction. This guide walks the EV-specific rate plans available across major US utilities.
EV rate plan types
EV-only rate (separate meter): the utility installs a second meter dedicated to EV charging. EV usage is billed on a special rate; rest of home stays on existing rate. Best for: high EV usage households, multi-EV households. Install cost: $1,500-$2,500. Best rates: 4-8¢/kWh super-off-peak.
Whole-home TOU with EV alignment: single meter, TOU rate applies to entire home. EV charges during super-off-peak hours; rest of home plays the TOU game. Best for: single EV households who can shift other loads to off-peak. Install cost: $0 (just a rate change).
Flat residential rate: do nothing. EV charges at the same rate as the rest of the home. Worst for cost but simplest. Best for: very light EV use (occasional driver, plug-in hybrid).
Submetering — when the second meter pays back
Submetering pays back when EV usage is high enough that the rate spread × kWh exceeds the install cost amortized over the system life. Rule of thumb: 10,000+ EV miles per year (or 2,500+ kWh of charging) makes submetering payback in 3-5 years.
For a single EV driving 12,000 miles/year (3,300 kWh charging), submetering at 5¢/kWh vs whole-home flat at 17¢/kWh saves ~$400/year. $2,000 install ÷ $400/year = 5-year payback.
For multi-EV households (2+ EVs, 8,000+ kWh combined charging), submetering payback drops to 2-3 years. Strong yes.
Level 2 charger payback
A Level 2 (240V) home EV charger costs $400-$1,200 plus $500-$1,500 install. Compared to Level 1 charging (regular 120V outlet), Level 2 charges 4-7x faster — a full 60 kWh battery refills in 6-8 hours overnight vs 24-30 hours on Level 1.
The dollar savings come from being able to actually use the super-off-peak window: overnight only fits a full charge if you have Level 2.
Combined with EV-specific TOU rates, the Level 2 + smart-charging combo is the cleanest residential EV setup. Annual operating cost: $150-$300 for typical commuter usage. The ev-charging-cost-per-mile-vs-gas guide compares to ICE vehicles.
Infographic
EV charging cost over 12 months — flat rate vs EV TOU + Level 2
Recap
Bottom line
EV-specific rate plans dramatically reduce home charging costs. On a flat-rate plan at $0.17/kWh, charging a typical EV costs $620 per year. On an EV-specific TOU plan with super-off-peak rates of $0.04 to $0.08 per kWh between 11 PM and 6 AM, the same charging costs $150 to $290 per year — a 60 to 75 percent reduction. Combined with a Level 2 home charger and overnight scheduling, this is the cheapest practical EV ownership configuration.
Most major US utilities now offer EV-specific TOU rates: PG&E EV2-A, ConEd SC9, Duke Energy EV Charging, Eversource EV plans. Application is typically online with verification that you own a registered EV. The ev-charging-cost-per-mile-vs-gas guide covers the full cost-per-mile comparison; the time-of-use-rate-vs-flat-rate guide covers TOU rate evaluation.
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About the author
Harry ParkerEnergy Consultant, Seenra Inc
Energy Consultant at Seenra Inc. Harry advises US commercial buyers and households on supplier procurement, multi-site aggregation, and the operator-level math behind locked-rate contracts. Eight years on the buy side across PJM and ERCOT zones — he has run the load profile, the reverse auction, and the renewal calendar for portfolios from 50 kW restaurants to 18 MW manufacturing campuses.