EV Chargers and Time-of-Use Rates: Save by Smart Scheduling
Electric vehicles have become a defining part of life in Southern California, and 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet for home charging upgrades. Whether you drive an EV in Los Angeles, Orange County, or along the I-405 corridor, understanding how to charge your vehicle efficiently can make a huge difference in your monthly electricity bill. The key is learning how to use California’s time-of-use (TOU) rates — and pairing them with the right EV charger and electrical system.
Express Electrical Services has installed thousands of home chargers across Los Angeles, Pasadena, Long Beach, Anaheim, and Irvine. One thing is clear: homeowners who combine proper electrical setup with smart charging schedules save significantly more over time. This guide breaks down how TOU rates work, how to choose the right home charger, and how to schedule charging to maximize savings while extending the life of both your EV and your home electrical system.
What Time-of-Use Rates Mean for California EV Owners
Time-of-use (TOU) pricing is California’s way of encouraging consumers to use electricity during low-demand hours. Instead of paying a flat rate, your cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) changes depending on the time of day.
Most TOU plans include three periods:
- Peak: Highest rates, usually late afternoon to evening
- Off-Peak: Lower rates, typically late evening to early morning
- Super Off-Peak: Lowest rates, often overnight
Utility providers like SCE, LADWP, and PG&E all operate on variations of TOU pricing.
Why this matters for EV drivers
Electric vehicle charging can account for 30–50% of a home’s energy use. Charging at the wrong time can significantly increase your utility bill, while charging at the right time can cut monthly costs dramatically.
A Level 2 charger running during peak hours could double your EV charging cost compared to overnight charging.
How Smart Scheduling Saves Money
The easiest way to save on EV charging is to ensure your vehicle charges during super off-peak hours.
In most Southern California plans, super off-peak hours fall between:
- 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM on weekdays
- 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM on weekends
By plugging in at night and letting your EV or charger handle the schedule, you:
- Reduce charging costs
- Reduce strain on the grid
- Avoid overheating circuits
- Extend battery lifespan through controlled charging
- Support SoCal’s clean energy goals by aligning usage with renewable energy availability
Many modern EVs allow you to set a schedule directly through the vehicle’s onboard system. Others integrate with smart chargers that automate the process.
Why Your Electrical System Must Support Smart Charging
Scheduling can lower costs, but only if your electrical system can safely support Level 2 charging. Many Los Angeles homes — especially older ones — weren’t built for the demands of continuous EV charging.
Express Electrical Services routinely upgrades homes because of:
- Overloaded panels
- Undersized breakers
- Aluminum branch wiring
- Outdated grounding
- Insufficient garage or driveway circuits
Before installing a Level 2 charger, your system must be evaluated to ensure it can safely deliver 240V power on a dedicated circuit.
Signs your panel needs an upgrade:
- Breakers trip when using large appliances
- Lights flicker when the AC or dryer starts
- Your panel is 100 amps or less
- The panel is more than 25 years old
- You plan to charge more than one EV
Panel upgrades are one of the most common services needed before installing a high-capacity EV charger in Southern California.
Choosing the Right Home EV Charger
Not all chargers are created equal. Your ideal charger depends on your electrical system, vehicle type, and daily driving habits.
Most homeowners choose one of three options:
1. Level 1 Charging (120V)
- Uses a standard household outlet
- Slow: 3–5 miles of range per hour
- Suitable for hybrid vehicles or low-mileage drivers
2. Level 2 Charging (240V)
- Most popular for SoCal homes
- Delivers 20–30 miles of range per hour
- Requires a dedicated 240V circuit
- Ideal for overnight charging and TOU savings
3. Smart Level 2 Charging Stations
- Integrate with utility providers
- Offer advanced scheduling
- Provide energy-use tracking
- Support load management when paired with solar or batteries
Smart chargers are the best fit for TOU plans because they allow precise control over when the charger pulls power.
Smart Chargers + TOU Scheduling = Maximum Savings
Pairing a smart charger with TOU rates creates the most efficient and cost-effective charging setup.
Smart chargers can:
- Automatically start charging during super off-peak hours
- Adjust speed based on grid demand
- Coordinate with home solar or battery systems
- Prevent overload on older home wiring
- Limit charging when multiple appliances are running
Smart chargers essentially act as energy managers, helping your home stay efficient, safe, and compliant with California’s evolving electrical codes.
How Solar + Battery Systems Affect EV Charging Costs
Many Southern California homeowners are now pairing EV chargers with solar panels or home energy storage. This combination can dramatically lower charging costs — but wiring and load calculations must be done properly.
If you have solar:
Your EV may charge using excess daytime solar production if your panel supports daytime charging — but TOU rates often make nighttime charging cheaper even with solar.
If you have a home battery:
Some setups allow you to charge your EV using stored energy during peak hours, avoiding high utility rates. However:
- The inverter must support EV charging
- The battery must be sized appropriately
- The home must have the correct wiring infrastructure
Express frequently evaluates garages, driveways, and panel setups to determine whether a battery-backed EV charging system is feasible.
Avoiding Overload: Protecting Your Home While Charging
EV chargers draw a large, continuous load. This can strain older electrical systems common across Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, and Long Beach.
Common risks include:
- Overheating outlets
- Overloaded circuits
- Voltage drops
- Breaker fatigue
- Fire hazards from outdated wiring
Smart scheduling reduces load during peak home-usage hours, but the wiring must still be capable of handling Level 2 charging. This is especially important in homes that also power:
- Air conditioning
- Electric dryers
- Pools and spas
- Outdoor lighting
- Electric ranges
Home additions or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can complicate load calculations even further.
When You Need an Electrician for EV Charger Installation
Although some chargers claim “DIY installation,” most California homes require licensed electrical work.
You need an electrician if:
- Your panel needs a breaker upgrade
- You need a dedicated 240V circuit
- Your wiring is outdated
- The garage or exterior lacks proper grounding
- You need trenching or exterior conduit
- You’re integrating solar or battery systems
- You have more than one EV
Express Electrical Services completes all load calculations, wiring upgrades, and permits for a safe, code-compliant installation.
Smart Charging = Lower Bills, Longer EV Life, Safer Homes
Charging your EV isn’t just about plugging in. With TOU schedules, smart chargers, and proper wiring, you can save hundreds of dollars per year — while reducing wear on your electrical system and extending your EV battery’s life.
Smart scheduling is one of the easiest ways to lower energy bills without changing your daily habits. And for Southern California homeowners, it’s one of the best tools for keeping up with rising electricity rates and increased grid demand.
Don’t wait until your charger causes a power issue — call Express Electrical Services today.
Need an electrician now? Contact Express for same-day service.
Power up your home or business — schedule electrical service with Express today.
Families and businesses across Southern California trust Express Electrical Services for fast, reliable, and expert electrical care. Call today to schedule your EV charger installation and experience the Express difference.