EV Owners Race to Save With Off-Peak Charging Deals

Cheaper nighttime rates shift nearly half of EV charging off-peak, trimming bills and easing Australia’s energy load.

10 Feb 2025

Australia’s electric vehicle owners are waking up to a smarter way to charge. Thanks to time-of-use pricing, a growing number of drivers are plugging in overnight and during sunny midday hours. They are saving money while easing strain on the grid.

Retailers like AGL are leading the charge. One of its standout offers slashes electricity costs to just 8 cents per kilowatt-hour from midnight to 6 a.m., less than half the standard peak rate. That deal alone has nudged up to 44 percent of participants to shift their charging to off-peak hours, saving around A$180 a year.

In South Australia, where solar panels flood the grid with power during the day, public charging stations are encouraging drivers to top up when the sun is high. Some networks now offer midday charging rates trimmed by 75 percent, making it the cheapest time to plug in.

This shift isn't just about lower bills. Utilities see it as a way to delay expensive infrastructure upgrades and manage the growing demand from EVs. By spreading out when cars are charged, the system becomes more resilient.

Although past studies, like one from the University of New South Wales, hinted at dramatic savings, current figures are scarce. Still, the direction is unmistakable. Flexible pricing is working.

There are hurdles. Not every driver has a smart charger or reliable internet access to follow real-time prices. Regulators are weighing new rules to ensure the system stays fair, including minimum notice periods and simplified pricing tools.

As EVs become mainstream, these pilot programs are offering more than savings. They are shaping a future where drivers help balance the grid and charge ahead on their own terms.