Charging on Night-Rate Electricity
Night-rate electricity allows you to charge your EV at a lower cost by using cheaper off-peak power.
Charging on a night-rate electricity tariff is one of the simplest ways to reduce the cost of running an electric vehicle. Night rates offer cheaper electricity during off-peak hours, usually overnight, when overall demand on the grid is lower.
Most EV owners use night-rate charging by combining their electricity tariff with smart scheduling on their EV charger. Once set up, the charger waits until the cheaper night-rate period begins and then charges the car automatically.
To use night-rate charging effectively, it is important to confirm the exact off-peak times provided by your electricity supplier. These times can vary slightly depending on the tariff and meter type. Setting the charging schedule to fully cover this window ensures the car charges at the lower rate.
If charging does not start immediately after plugging in, this is often because the charger is waiting for the night-rate window. This is normal behaviour and means the system is working as intended.
Some EVs also allow charging schedules to be set within the vehicle itself. If both the car and the charger have schedules enabled, they can conflict and prevent charging. In most cases, it is best to manage scheduling in one place only, usually through the charger app.
When configured correctly, night-rate charging happens automatically in the background. You plug in when you get home, and the car charges at the lowest available cost while you sleep.