Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly popular among those looking to combat high gasoline prices or reduce harm to the environment. While charging an EV usually costs less than purchasing gas, you do have to contend with the price of electricity. Fortunately, signing up for a program from your utility provider that includes free electricity at night can help you unleash the magic of your EV for less. Here’s what you need to know about these plans.
What Are Free Electricity at Night Plans?
Free nights electricity plans are programs offered by some electric utility companies that allow customers to use electricity during specific hours without any cost. Utilities originally provided these options to encourage customers to focus their electricity use on non-peak hours, which reduces strain on the grid.
During the timeframe outlined by the provider in the plan, any electricity draw within that window doesn’t cost the customer a dime for the power itself. While there can be some fees or charges associated with the broader service during those timeframes, the total cost is notably less than what electricity-drawing activities would cost during the day. Still, it’s critical to review the plan details to see what charges may or may not apply.
Why Free Electricity at Night Plans Can Work for EV Households
When you have an EV, you typically charge the vehicle while you’re at home. Since most people head to work or run errands during the day, it’s normal for their EV to be in the garage overnight. As a result, depending on when you plug in to charge, you may be able to charge the battery entirely during the free electricity window. In turn, you’re essentially paying nothing to ensure your EV is ready to hit the road the next day, aside from the cost of routine maintenance you’d need to pay anyway.
How to Make the Most of Free Electricity at Night Plans
Whether a free electricity at night plan is ultimately worthwhile depends on whether you make the most of the free power time windows. Usually, these plans come with higher daytime rates, so you want to focus your energy usage on timeframes when it’s free.
For example, running washers, dryers, and dishwashers during the free window is a simple option. Along with lowering the amount of electricity you need to pay for, these also reduce heat generation during the day, which could reduce the strain on your air conditioning when temperatures are at their highest.
Similarly, charging devices at night – such as smartphones or laptops – can also make a difference. Additionally, unplugging electronics you’re not using during the day to avoid phantom electricity usage when your prices are higher can make a difference.
Ultimately, you want to do what you can to focus your energy usage on hours when you aren’t paying for power. That way, the higher daytime prices are less impactful, giving you more value.
Do you know of any other ways that people can take advantage of free electricity at night? Do you have a plan that comes with free electricity at night and want to let others know about your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read More:
- How Long Does It Take for an Electric Car to Pay Off
- What You Should Know About the 2023 EV Tax Credits
- E-Bikes Coast to Profits Outpacing Electric Vehicles in Sales Worldwide
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Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
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