California EV Owners

What does it actually cost to charge your EV at home?

California's rate plans vary widely. Find your true charging cost and see if switching to a TOU rate could save you hundreds per year.

60%
cheaper than gas on avg.
$300+
TOU rate annual savings
50+
EV models included
1 Your vehicle

Efficiency ratings are EPA-estimated miles per kWh.

250 mi / week
50 mi700 mi

Average California driver: about 220 miles per week.

Level 2 is more efficient and adds 20-30 miles per hour of charging.

2 Your utility and rate plan

Not sure? Most customers are on the standard tiered rate by default.

3 Gas comparison
$4.80 / gallon
$3.50$6.50

California avg. as of May 2026: ~$4.80/gal.

Your estimate
Waiting for
your details
⚡

Fill out the form and click Calculate to see your personalized EV charging cost estimate.

Estimates based on EPA efficiency ratings and current California utility rates. Real-world results vary based on driving style, temperature, and charging habits.

Why TOU rates matter for EV owners

Time-of-use rate plans charge less per kWh during off-peak hours, typically overnight. For EV owners who charge at home, switching to a TOU plan and scheduling overnight charging can save $200 to $400 per year compared to a standard tiered rate.

California utility rates vary significantly

SDG&E customers pay nearly double what SMUD customers pay per kWh. Where you live in California has a major impact on your annual charging cost. SMUD's TOU-8 rate is one of the most EV-friendly in the state at around 9 cents per kWh off-peak.

Level 2 vs. Level 1 charging

A Level 2 charger (240V) is significantly more efficient than a standard 120V outlet. Level 1 charging can take 40+ hours to fully charge some EVs, while Level 2 does it in 6 to 10 hours. Most utilities offer rebates of $200 to $1,000 for Level 2 charger installation.

EV charging vs. gas: the real math

At California gas prices averaging $4.80 per gallon, most EV owners save $1,000 to $1,800 per year in fuel costs compared to a 30 MPG gas vehicle. Even at PG&E's higher rates, the per-mile cost of electricity is well below the per-mile cost of gas.

2026 California Guide

Everything California EV owners need to know about home charging in 2026

California has more EVs than any other state, and its utilities have built some of the most EV-friendly rate plans in the country. But navigating them requires knowing which plan fits your driving habits, when to charge, and what equipment to install. Getting this right can save you hundreds of dollars per year.

How California TOU rates work for EV charging

Time-of-use rate plans divide the day into peak and off-peak periods. During peak hours, typically late afternoon and early evening when grid demand is highest, electricity costs significantly more. During off-peak hours, usually overnight and early morning, rates drop substantially. For EV owners, this creates a major opportunity. If you can schedule your car to charge overnight, you shift most of your charging load to the cheapest part of the day.

Most modern EVs support scheduled charging through their in-car software or companion apps. You can set a departure time and the car will automatically time charging to take advantage of off-peak rates. This requires no manual effort after initial setup and can reduce your annual charging bill by 30 to 50 percent compared to unmanaged charging on a standard tiered rate.

Choosing the right rate plan by utility

Each California utility offers dedicated EV rate plans with different off-peak windows and pricing structures. SMUD's TOU-8 rate is particularly attractive, with off-peak rates around 9 cents per kWh between 11pm and 7am. PG&E's EV2-A rate offers low overnight rates but higher peak pricing, making overnight charging essential to come out ahead. SCE's TOU-EV-1 and SDG&E's EV-TOU2 follow similar structures with utility-specific windows.

Switching rate plans is typically done through your utility's website or app and takes effect within 1 to 2 billing cycles. There is usually no fee to switch, and you can change back if the new plan does not work as expected. It is worth running the numbers with your actual mileage before switching, as high-mileage drivers benefit more from TOU plans than those who drive relatively few miles.

Level 2 charger installation: what to expect

A Level 2 home charger (also called EVSE) requires a 240V outlet, similar to what a dryer or range uses. Installation typically involves a licensed electrician running a dedicated 40 to 50 amp circuit from your electrical panel to a garage or carport location. Total installed cost in California typically runs $500 to $1,200 depending on panel proximity, local permit requirements, and whether a panel upgrade is needed.

Most California utilities offer rebates to offset installation costs. SMUD offers up to $599 for a Level 2 charger installation. PG&E has offered up to $1,000 through its EV charger program. SCE's Charge Ready program provides incentives for qualifying installations. Always check your utility's current rebate page before purchasing, as availability changes throughout the year.

The real cost of charging vs. gas

At current California gas prices around $4.80 per gallon, a 30 MPG gas vehicle costs about 16 cents per mile in fuel. A typical EV using a TOU off-peak rate costs 2 to 5 cents per mile depending on your utility and vehicle efficiency. The difference compounds quickly. A driver doing 12,000 miles per year could spend $1,920 on gas versus $240 to $600 on electricity, a savings of $1,300 to $1,700 annually. Higher mileage drivers and those on efficient vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai IONIQ 6 see the most dramatic savings.

Go deeper

The California EV Home
Charging Guide

Everything you need to install a Level 2 charger, choose the right rate plan, and claim every rebate available to you in California.

+Rate plan comparison for all 4 CA utilities
+Level 2 charger buying guide
+Utility rebate guide for 2026
+Electrician questions checklist
+Scheduled charging setup guide
+Downloadable PDF, instant delivery
Get the guide $7 → One-time · Instant PDF download

18

pages

$7

one-time

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator uses EPA-estimated efficiency ratings, current California utility rate data, and published TOU schedules. Real-world results will vary based on your driving style, weather, terrain, and charging habits. Use this as a reliable starting estimate rather than a precise figure. Actual charging costs can be 10 to 20 percent higher or lower depending on conditions.
What is a TOU rate plan and should I switch?
A time-of-use (TOU) rate plan charges different prices depending on the time of day you use electricity. Off-peak hours, typically overnight, are significantly cheaper. If you can charge your EV overnight, switching to a TOU plan almost always saves money compared to a standard tiered rate. SMUD's TOU-8 rate is around 9 cents per kWh overnight, vs. 13 cents on the standard rate. PG&E's EV2-A is around 16 cents off-peak vs. 31 cents standard. The savings add up quickly for high-mileage drivers.
Do I need a Level 2 charger at home?
You do not strictly need one, but Level 2 is strongly recommended. Level 1 charging from a standard 120V outlet adds only 3 to 5 miles of range per hour, meaning a full charge on many EVs takes 40 or more hours. Level 2 adds 20 to 30 miles per hour and fully charges most EVs overnight. Most California utilities also offer rebates of $200 to $1,000 to offset Level 2 installation costs, making it a worthwhile investment for most homeowners.
What rebates are available for EV charging equipment?
Rebates vary by utility. SMUD offers up to $599 for a qualified Level 2 charger installation. PG&E has offered up to $1,000 through its EV charger program, though availability changes. SCE's Charge Ready program provides incentives for qualifying home charger installations. SDG&E offers the Clean Fuel Reward and additional charger incentives. Always verify current availability directly with your utility before purchasing, as programs change throughout the year.
How does home charging compare to public charging costs?
Home charging is almost always cheaper than public charging, sometimes dramatically so. Public DC fast chargers in California typically cost 30 to 60 cents per kWh, compared to 9 to 22 cents per kWh at home on a TOU rate. For routine daily charging, relying on home charging and reserving public charging for road trips is the most cost-effective approach.
Is now a good time to buy an EV in California?
The federal EV tax credit situation changed at the end of 2025, but California's state incentives and utility rebates remain active. The California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project closed its waitlist, but SMUD, PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E all continue to offer EV-specific rate plans and equipment rebates. With California gas prices averaging $4.80 per gallon, the annual fuel savings from switching to an EV remain substantial regardless of upfront incentives.