If you don't have solar panels — or want to maximise savings alongside solar — off-peak EV charging is one of the easiest ways to slash your electricity bill. By shifting your charging to overnight hours when electricity is cheapest, you can cut your charging costs by 40–50% compared to peak rates. Here's how to set it up and what you'll save.
Off-Peak Rates by State
Time-of-use (TOU) tariffs divide the day into peak, shoulder, and off-peak periods, with off-peak typically running from 10pm to 7am. Here's how rates compare across Australian states in 2026:
| State | Peak Rate (c/kWh) | Shoulder Rate (c/kWh) | Off-Peak Rate (c/kWh) | Saving vs Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 38–45c | 25–30c | 17–22c | 50–55% |
| VIC | 35–42c | 22–28c | 18–22c | 45–50% |
| QLD | 35–40c | 22–28c | 16–20c | 50–55% |
| SA | 42–50c | 28–35c | 19–24c | 50–55% |
| WA | 35–38c | 25–28c | 15–18c | 50–55% |
| TAS | 32–36c | 20–25c | 16–19c | 45–50% |
| ACT | 32–38c | 22–26c | 16–20c | 45–50% |
How to Set Up Scheduled Charging
Setting up off-peak charging is straightforward and can be done through your car, your charger, or both:
Option 1: Car Settings
Most modern EVs have built-in scheduled charging. You set the times you want charging to occur, and the car manages the rest — even if you plug in at 6pm, it won't start drawing power until your off-peak window begins.
- Tesla: Set departure time or scheduled charging via the Tesla app or touchscreen
- BYD: Use the BYD app to set scheduled charging windows
- MG: Set charging schedule via the infotainment system
- Hyundai/Kia: Schedule via Bluelink app or vehicle settings
Option 2: Smart Charger App
Smart chargers like the Zappi, Wallbox, or Tesla Wall Connector have their own scheduling features. This is useful if your car doesn't have reliable scheduling, or if you want more granular control over charging times and power levels.
Option 3: Controlled Load Tariff
Some electricity retailers offer a controlled load (or dedicated circuit) tariff specifically for high-consumption appliances like EV chargers and hot water systems. The charger is wired to a separate meter with a permanently discounted rate. The retailer may control when power is available (typically off-peak hours), but you benefit from consistently low rates without needing to manage scheduling yourself.
Cost Comparison: Peak vs Off-Peak vs Solar
Here's how annual charging costs compare for an average Australian driver (12,600km/yr) across different charging strategies:
| Charging Strategy | Cost per kWh | Annual Charging Cost | Annual Saving vs Petrol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (reference) | N/A | $2,155 | — |
| Grid — peak only | 38c | $766 | $1,389 |
| Grid — off-peak only | 19c | $383 | $1,772 |
| Solar only | 8c | $161 | $1,994 |
| Solar daytime + off-peak overnight | ~12c | $242 | $1,913 |
Off-peak charging saves roughly $380 per year compared to peak charging, and $1,770 per year compared to petrol. It's not quite as cheap as solar, but it's available to everyone — even renters or apartment dwellers without rooftop solar.
Does a TOU Tariff Make Sense for EV Owners?
Switching to a time-of-use tariff is a smart move for EV owners who can shift most of their charging to off-peak hours. However, there's a trade-off: TOU tariffs charge more during peak periods, so your other household electricity usage might cost more.
TOU makes sense if:
- You can charge your EV overnight (most EV owners can)
- You can also run major appliances (dishwasher, washing machine) during off-peak or shoulder periods
- You have solar panels to cover peak daytime usage
- Your household isn't heavily reliant on peak-time electricity
EV-Specific Electricity Plans
Several Australian electricity retailers now offer plans designed specifically for EV owners:
- AGL EV Plan: Discounted overnight rates for EV charging hours
- Origin Spike: Ultra-low off-peak rates in exchange for higher peak rates
- Amber Electric: Wholesale pricing that can deliver extremely cheap overnight charging (sometimes negative pricing)
Amber Electric is worth special mention — their wholesale pass-through model means you can sometimes charge your EV for free or even get paid to charge during periods of excess renewable generation. Savvy EV owners with smart chargers can automate charging during these low-price windows.
Key Takeaways
- Off-peak charging cuts your EV electricity costs by 40–50% compared to peak rates
- Setting up scheduled charging takes 5 minutes via your car or charger app
- A controlled load tariff offers set-and-forget off-peak charging without scheduling
- Combined solar and off-peak charging is the optimal strategy for most EV owners
- EV-specific electricity plans can deliver additional savings — shop around annually