As electric vehicles grow in popularity across America, new EV owners are frequently experiencing unexpected sticker shock – not from the vehicle price tag, but from their monthly power bills. What EV drivers often don’t realize is that when they charge matters almost as much as how they charge.

“Most people plug in their EVs as soon as they get home from work without thinking about the consequences,” says Corey Gilgan, Owner of Oregon Generators, a company specializing in residential and commercial generators, EV charging installations, and electrical panel upgrades.

“This habit could be costing them hundreds of dollars extra each year.”

Gilgan explains that understanding when not to charge is just as important as knowing how to maintain your vehicle.

Below, he reveals the absolute worst time to plug in your electric car and what it could be costing you.

The Peak Problem

As more Americans plug into the EV revolution, many utility companies have implemented time-of-use (TOU) pricing systems. This means electricity costs significantly more during high-demand hours and less during off-peak times.

“The absolute worst time to charge your electric vehicle is between 4 PM and 9 PM,” Gilgan reveals. “This window represents peak demand when millions of Americans return home, turn on their appliances, crank up heating or cooling, and start cooking dinner.”

During these evening hours, utility companies face maximum strain on the grid, with prices reflecting this increased demand. In a lot of regions, peak rates can be significantly higher than off-peak rates.

“Think about it like airline tickets,” says Gilgan. “You wouldn’t choose to fly during the most expensive times if you could help it. The same logic should apply to charging your car.”

The Hidden Cost Of Poor Timing

Charging during these peak hours doesn’t just hit your wallet – it also places unnecessary strain on the electrical grid.

For a typical EV with a 75kWh battery, a full charge during peak hours could cost nearly twice as much as charging during off-peak times. Over a year, this difference can add up to hundreds of dollars in unnecessary expenses.

The impact extends beyond individual households too. When thousands of EVs in a region simultaneously draw power during peak hours, it forces utility companies to activate additional power plants – often the least efficient and most polluting ones – to meet demand.

Smart Charging Strategy

Instead of joining the 4-9 PM charging crowd, Gilgan recommends these alternatives:

1. Late-Night Charging

“The absolute best time to charge is typically between midnight and 6 AM,” Gilgan explains. “Electricity demand plummets while most people sleep, making rates significantly lower.”

Most modern EVs allow owners to schedule charging sessions. Simply plug in when you arrive home, but set the actual charging to begin after midnight.

2. Solar-Synchronized Charging

For homes with solar panels, midday charging makes perfect sense. “Between 10 AM and 2 PM, solar systems usually generate more electricity than households can use,” notes Gilgan. “If you work from home or can charge at work during these hours, you’re essentially powering your car with sunshine.”

3. Utility Program Participation

“Many power companies now offer EV-specific rate plans or rebates for owners who charge during preferred times,” says Gilgan. “These programs might shave 5-10% off your charging costs with minimal effort on your part.”

4. Quick Top-Ups vs. Full Charges

Rather than waiting until your battery is nearly empty, consider more frequent partial charges during optimal times. This approach lets you take advantage of the lowest rates more consistently.