Build a time-of-use EV charging plan
Match charging to the cheapest hours without leaving the car short the next day.
Translate the tariff into a window
Utility plans may combine off-peak prices with fixed fees, seasonal schedules or higher rates at other hours. Compare the entire household bill, not only the advertised overnight price.
Write down the off-peak start and end times for weekdays, weekends and holidays. Check whether the utility changes those windows by season.
Give the schedule a safety margin
Estimate the energy required, divide by effective charging power, and add a margin for charging losses and balancing near a high state of charge. Set the session to finish before the departure deadline.
If an unexpected trip requires immediate charging, use a temporary override and confirm that the normal schedule resumes afterward. A forgotten override can erase expected savings.
Measure with real sessions
Compare vehicle or charger energy records with the utility interval data when available. Small differences are normal because energy is lost in conversion, battery conditioning and thermal management.
Revisit the plan after seasonal weather changes or a commute change. A schedule is useful only while it matches actual driving and the current tariff.