Yes, Maryland utilities such as BGE and Pepco offer time-of-use (TOU) rate options that charge less for electricity during off-peak hours, which lets EV owners lower their charging costs by charging overnight. These rates make EV charging cheaper when done during the designated off-peak periods, rewarding flexible overnight charging. Because rate structures, hours, and prices are set by the utility and can change, you should confirm the current options with your utility. Understanding off-peak rates helps Maryland EV owners save on home charging.
Here is what to know about off-peak EV charging rates in Maryland.
Utility rate structures, off-peak hours, and prices are set by the utility and can change, so always confirm the current rate options and terms with your utility before relying on them.
Time-of-use rates make off-peak cheaper
Maryland utilities offer time-of-use rate options, where the price of electricity varies by time of day: lower during off-peak hours (typically overnight and other low-demand periods) and higher during peak hours. This is different from a flat rate that charges the same price all the time. With a time-of-use rate, you are rewarded for using electricity when demand is low, which is exactly when many people charge their EVs.
Why EVs are ideal for off-peak rates
EVs are well suited to off-peak rates because charging is a large, flexible load that can be scheduled. Most EV owners charge overnight at home, which coincides with off-peak hours, and the vehicle does not need the energy immediately, so charging can wait for the cheapest window. By charging during off-peak hours on a time-of-use rate, you pay less per kilowatt-hour for the significant energy an EV uses, producing real savings compared to peak or flat-rate charging.
BGE and Pepco options
Both major Maryland utilities offer EV-relevant rate options:
- BGE offers time-of-use rate options that can benefit EV owners who charge off-peak
- Pepco offers off-peak charging rate options in some plans
The specific rate structures, off-peak hours, and prices are set by each utility and can change, so the current details should be confirmed with BGE or Pepco. Some utility EV programs also tie into smart chargers that can automate off-peak charging.
How to take advantage
To benefit from off-peak EV charging rates:
- Confirm the current time-of-use rate options with your utility (BGE or Pepco)
- Enroll if a time-of-use rate suits your usage
- Charge your EV during off-peak hours, such as overnight
- Use a charger or vehicle scheduling feature to automate off-peak charging
- Have a proper Level 2 charger installed by a licensed electrician for efficient overnight charging.
Automating charging to the off-peak window ensures you consistently capture the savings.
Yes, Maryland utilities like BGE and Pepco offer time-of-use rate options with cheaper off-peak hours, letting EV owners lower their charging costs by charging overnight. EVs are ideal for off-peak rates because charging is a large, flexible load that can be scheduled for the cheapest window. Because rate structures and prices are set by the utility and can change, confirm the current options with your utility, and a licensed electrician can set up efficient home charging to capture the savings.
Stella Electric installs home EV charging for homeowners across the Baltimore area and throughout Maryland, with flat-rate pricing and no overtime charges. If you want to charge your EV affordably at home, we can help. Financing is available on qualifying projects.
