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Thinking about an electric vehicle, or already plugging one in at home? Charging will change your electricity usage, and the right plan can make a big difference. Here’s what to know about home charging and EV charging electricity plans in Texas.
Key takeaways
- Home charging can add several hundred kWh a month, depending on how much you drive.
- Level 2 (240V) charging is faster and more flexible than a standard outlet.
- Free-nights or EV plans can save money if you charge on schedule, but check the daytime rate.
- Higher usage changes which plan is cheapest, so review your plan after you get an EV.
How much electricity does an EV use?
Most EVs travel roughly 3 to 4 miles per kWh. If you drive 1,000 miles a month, that’s very roughly 250 to 350 kWh of extra usage, about the same as adding a big appliance that runs a lot. At an all-in rate of 15¢ per kWh, that’s around $40 to $55 a month, often far less than gas for the same miles.
Level 1 vs. Level 2 charging
- Level 1 (standard 120V outlet): slow, adding only a few miles of range per hour, but fine for low-mileage drivers.
- Level 2 (240V): much faster, usually a full charge overnight. Often needs a dedicated circuit installed by an electrician.
When you charge matters
On a standard fixed-rate plan, every kWh costs the same no matter when you charge. On a free-nights or time-of-use plan, charging overnight can be very cheap, but daytime power usually costs more. Most EVs and chargers let you schedule charging, so you can take advantage of cheaper hours automatically.
Charging during off-peak hours also helps the grid on hot summer evenings. Here’s what ERCOT alerts mean.
Not all “EV plans” are created equal
Some plans advertise free nights or EV discounts but make up for it with higher daytime rates or base charges. Whether one saves you money depends on how much of your total usage you can move into the cheap hours. Always check the EFL.
Review your plan after you go electric
An EV can move your usage into a different bracket, and that can change which plan is best, especially if your plan uses bill credits or tiered pricing. Here’s how those plans work.
Bottom line
If you drive an EV in Texas, your electricity plan matters a lot. Watt Panda will look at your usage and charging schedule and find a plan that fits, for free.
Helpful official resources: DOE: Charging EVs at Home · U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Saver
Stop overpaying. Send us one bill.
We read the fine print, compare plans from our network of Texas electricity providers, handle the switch, and keep an eye on your renewal date. It’s free to you.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in Texas?
It depends on your miles and your rate. Driving 1,000 miles a month might add roughly 250 to 350 kWh, or about $40 to $55 at 15¢ per kWh.
Are free nights plans good for EV owners?
They can be if you charge overnight and keep daytime usage in check. The daytime rate is usually higher, so do the math on your full usage.
Do I need a Level 2 charger?
Not always. If you drive less than about 40 miles a day, Level 1 may be enough. Level 2 adds speed and flexibility.
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