When Are The Best Times To Charge An Electric Vehicle At Home

When Are The Best Times To Charge An Electric Vehicle At Home?

Charging an electric vehicle at home is the ultimate perk of owning one. No queuing at petrol stations, no waiting around for the battery to hit 50%, no anxiety when trying to find charging stations on a long journey.

But did you know that timing can make a huge difference when charging your EV? 

Here’s everything you need to know about the cost of charging at home and how you can always choose the best times to charge your EV.

Why Does Timing Matter For EV Charging?

Unlike petrol, which costs the same whether you fill up in the morning or evening, electricity prices will often fluctuate throughout the day. For EV owners, it’s important to understand the best (and worst) times to charge so that you can ensure you maximise savings.

Charging at off-peak times can have a number of benefits for owners, both financially and when maximising sustainability.

From lowering your energy costs by using off-peak tariffs, to reducing pressure on the grid and protecting the long-term health of your EV battery, understanding when these off-peak rates apply can really help you to get the most from your electric vehicle.

When Are The Best Times To Charge An Electric Vehicle?

In general, off-peak hours are the best time to charge an EV. Most energy providers will let you know when these hours are so that you can schedule your charges for maximum efficiency.

In the UK, off-peak times usually fall between midnight and 7am. This means that overnight charging is often a convenient and cost-effective option for EV owners.

Sometimes midday will also be off-peak if there’s a dip in demand and you’re using dynamic tariffs.

The Best Time To Charge An Electric Car (UK)

Though timings can differ by provider, many follow similar patterns. 

Here are some common peak and off-peak timings and how you can charge your vehicle to maximise your savings.

Is It Cheaper To Charge An EV At Home?

It’s typically much cheaper to charge an electric vehicle at home, particularly if you’re making the most of off-peak tariffs and other green home systems.

While it’s possible to charge directly from a 3-pin plug, many EV owners see huge benefits from the convenience of an external charger. Not only is it much faster to charge the vehicle but the long-term savings can be a game changer for owners.

Do You Need To Charge Your Electric Car Every Day?

Though this will depend on your usage, the short answer is not usually. 

Many modern EVs have ranges of 150–300 miles on a full charge. This means that unless you're driving long distances daily, topping up every night may not be necessary.

Daily commuters will often need to charge every 2-3 days whilst remote workers may only need to charge once or twice a week. 

High-mileage drivers will likely need to charge more regularly so it becomes even more important to understand your tariffs and the cost of charging at home vs. on the road.

Frequent, partial charges can actually be better for battery health than running it down to zero. The key is to keep your battery between 20% and 80% for optimal battery life.

Find Out How Much Energy You’re Using

Before making decisions about when to charge, it’s helpful to understand how much electricity your EV uses and what it’s costing you.

Online calculators can help you to get a tailored estimate based on your car, energy tariff, and driving habits. 

It’s a great way to spot opportunities to save money and make your charging routine more efficient.

Try the Impra Charge Energy Usage Calculator to learn more about your running costs.