Austin Energy EV Charging Rates: How to Save $800+/Year on Home Charging

If you charge your EV at home in Austin, you're already saving money compared to gas. But most Austin EV owners are leaving significant savings on the table by charging at the wrong time of day.

Austin Energy — the city-owned utility serving most of Austin — offers Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plans specifically designed to reward EV owners who shift their charging to off-peak hours. The price difference between peak and off-peak electricity in Austin can be dramatic: up to 60% cheaper per kilowatt-hour.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Austin Energy's EV charging rates: which plan to choose, when to charge, and how to automate it all so you save money without thinking about it.

What Are Austin Energy's Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates?

Standard electric rates charge the same price per kWh regardless of when you use electricity. Time-of-Use rates charge different prices depending on the time of day and season.

The logic: electricity is expensive when demand is high (hot summer afternoons when everyone runs their AC), and cheap when demand is low (late night, early morning). By shifting energy-intensive activities like EV charging to off-peak hours, you save money while helping the grid.

Austin Energy's Current Rate Plans

Austin Energy offers several residential rate plans relevant to EV owners:

1. Value Rate (Standard — Default)

What it is: Standard flat rate for most residential customers
Cost: ~$0.10–0.12/kWh (all hours)
Best for: Low-usage households, renters, people with unpredictable schedules
EV charging cost: ~$4–6 per full charge (60 kWh EV battery)

2. Value Rate with Time-of-Use (Recommended for EV Owners)

What it is: TOU pricing layered onto the standard rate
Peak hours: Weekdays, 3 PM – 8 PM (summer) / 6 AM – 9 AM and 6 PM – 9 PM (winter)
Peak cost: ~$0.18–0.22/kWh
Off-peak cost: ~$0.06–0.09/kWh
Super off-peak (midnight – 6 AM): ~$0.04–0.07/kWh
Best for: EV owners who can schedule overnight charging
EV charging cost: As low as $2–3 per full charge if you charge overnight

3. Rider EV (EV-Specific Rate)

What it is: Discounted rate specifically for EV charging
How it works: Requires a second meter or separate circuit for EV charging
Off-peak cost: Significantly discounted rate (check current Austin Energy pricing)
Best for: High-mileage EV drivers who charge frequently
Catch: Requires electrical work to install separate circuit ($300–800 typically)

2026 Update: Austin Energy periodically adjusts rates. Always verify current pricing at austinenergy.com or call 512-494-9400 for the most accurate numbers.

How Much Can You Save? The Math

Let's run real numbers for an Austin EV owner driving a typical EV:

Example: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range

Battery capacity: 82 kWh
Estimated efficiency: 3.5 miles/kWh
Weekly driving: 250 miles (Austin average commuter)
Weekly charging needed: ~71 kWh

Scenario A: Charging on Standard Rate (~$0.11/kWh)

Weekly cost: 71 kWh × $0.11 = $7.81
Annual cost: $406/year

Scenario B: Charging at Peak Hours (~$0.20/kWh)

Weekly cost: 71 kWh × $0.20 = $14.20
Annual cost: $738/year

Scenario C: Charging Off-Peak (TOU Rate, ~$0.06/kWh)

Weekly cost: 71 kWh × $0.06 = $4.26
Annual cost: $221/year

The difference: Charging at peak vs. off-peak TOU = $517/year in savings. Switch from peak rate to off-peak TOU and you save significantly — some high-mileage drivers save $800–$1,200/year.

What About vs. Gasoline?

For comparison, that same Tesla driving 13,000 miles/year in Austin:

Gas equivalent (30 mpg at $3.20/gallon): ~$1,387/year in fuel
EV at peak TOU rate: ~$738/year
EV at off-peak TOU rate: ~$221/year

Even at worst-case (peak rate), you're saving ~$650/year vs. gas. At optimized off-peak charging, you save $1,166/year vs. gas.

Austin Energy Peak vs. Off-Peak Hours (2026)

Mark these hours on your calendar:

Summer (June – September) — Most Critical

| Time Window | Rate Type | When to Charge? | |------------|-----------|-----------------| | 12 AM – 7 AM | Super Off-Peak | ✅ Best time to charge | | 7 AM – 3 PM | Off-Peak | ✅ Good option | | 3 PM – 8 PM | Peak | ❌ Avoid — most expensive | | 8 PM – Midnight | Off-Peak | ✅ Okay |

Austin summer tip: The 3–8 PM window is when Austin's grid is most stressed (AC everywhere, solar output dropping). Austin Energy charges premium prices during this window. Never charge during this window in summer.

Winter (October – May)

| Time Window | Rate Type | When to Charge? | |------------|-----------|-----------------| | 12 AM – 6 AM | Super Off-Peak | ✅ Best time to charge | | 6 AM – 9 AM | Peak | ❌ Avoid | | 9 AM – 6 PM | Off-Peak | ✅ Good option | | 6 PM – 9 PM | Peak | ❌ Avoid | | 9 PM – Midnight | Off-Peak | ✅ Good option |

The Universal Austin EV Charging Rule

Charge between midnight and 6 AM. This is super off-peak year-round, gives you the cheapest rate, and takes advantage of your car sitting idle anyway.

How to Set Up Scheduled Charging

The good news: you almost certainly don't need to manually plug in at midnight. Every major EV and Level 2 charger supports scheduled charging.

Tesla

Open your car's touchscreen: Charging → Schedule
Set start time: 12:00 AM or 2:00 AM (allows buffer)
Set "Charge Limit" to 80–90% for daily driving (100% only for road trips)
Using Tesla app: Energy → Charging Schedule → Set departure time, let car work backward

Better option: Austin Energy off-peak mode Some Austin Energy chargers (including certain ChargePoint models) integrate with Austin Energy's grid signals to automatically charge during off-peak. Ask your installer about "smart charging" compatible hardware.

Other EVs (BMW, Hyundai, Rivian, Ford, GM)

BMW iX/i4: Settings → Charging → Scheduled Departure
Hyundai Ioniq 5/6: Settings → Charge Timer
Rivian R1T/R1S: Charging → Schedule
Ford F-150 Lightning/Mustang Mach-E: FordPass app → Charging Schedule
GM (Chevy Bolt, Silverado EV): myChevrolet app → Vehicle → Charge Settings

Level 2 Charger Scheduling

If your charger has a smart app (ChargePoint, JuiceBox, Wallbox, etc.), you can set charging schedules directly in the charger — useful if you have multiple EVs or rent and can't change car settings.

Choosing the Right Austin Energy Rate Plan

Should You Switch to TOU?

Switch if:

You can charge between 12 AM – 6 AM consistently
You drive 100+ miles/week (high charging frequency amplifies savings)
Your EV supports scheduled charging (all modern EVs do)
You have a Level 2 charger (faster charging, more flexible timing)

Stick with standard rate if:

Your schedule is unpredictable and you sometimes need to charge at peak hours
You mostly use public charging (work, shopping center)
You're a renter without a Level 2 charger (limited charging flexibility)

How to Switch Rate Plans

Log into your Austin Energy account at austinenergy.com
Navigate to Account → Rate Options
Review the current TOU rate schedule
Select "Value Rate with TOU" or request Rider EV
Changes typically take effect next billing cycle

Call option: Austin Energy customer service at 512-494-9400 can walk you through your options and run an estimate based on your current usage.

The Rider EV Program: Is It Worth It?

Austin Energy's Rider EV program offers a specially discounted rate for EV charging — but it requires more setup.

How Rider EV Works

A separate meter or sub-meter is installed for your EV charger circuit
The EV charging is billed at the Rider EV rate (heavily discounted off-peak)
Your home's other electricity is billed at the standard rate
Austin Energy may provide a free Level 2 charger as part of the program (check current availability)

Rider EV Costs & Savings

Setup cost: $300–800 for separate circuit installation (often offset by rebate + free charger)
Monthly savings: $40–80/month for typical Austin EV driver
Annual savings: $480–960/year
Payback period: 6–18 months

Rider EV Requirements

You must be an Austin Energy residential customer
Your charger must be on a dedicated circuit (standard best practice anyway)
Application through Austin Energy (sometimes has waitlist)

Bottom line: If you drive a lot and plan to stay in your Austin home for 2+ years, Rider EV can be worth the setup cost. The payback period is fast.

Austin Energy Rebates for EV Chargers

On top of TOU savings, Austin Energy offers direct rebates for installing a Level 2 charger:

Residential EV Charger Rebate Program

Amount: Up to $1,200 for qualified Level 2 EVSE installations
Requirements:
- Austin Energy residential customer
- ENERGY STAR certified or equivalent charger
- Installed by licensed electrician
- 240V dedicated circuit required
Application: Submit after installation with permit inspection certificate

How to Stack Austin Energy Savings

| Savings Source | Amount | |----------------|--------| | Federal EV Charger Tax Credit | Up to $1,000 (30% of equipment + install) | | Austin Energy Rebate | Up to $1,200 | | TOU Rate Savings (annual) | $300–800/year | | Year 1 Total | $1,800–$3,000 in savings |

That's a scenario where your charger installation pays for itself in year one.

Pro tip: Apply for the Austin Energy rebate before installation starts. Some rebates require pre-approval. Call 512-494-9400 or visit austinenergy.com/green to check current program availability.

Best EV Chargers for Austin Energy TOU Rate Optimization

Not all chargers are equally good at TOU rate optimization. Here's what to look for in Austin:

Features That Maximize TOU Savings

Smart scheduling: Must-have. The charger app lets you set charge windows (e.g., 12 AM–6 AM only). Even if your car already does this, charger-side scheduling is a backup.

Demand response compatibility: Some Austin Energy programs allow your charger to receive grid signals and pause during peak events (rare in Austin today, but coming). ChargePoint and JuiceBox support this.

Energy monitoring: Real-time kWh tracking lets you verify you're charging at the right rate. Important for Rider EV billing verification.

Load balancing (for multi-car households): If you have two EVs, smart chargers like Wallbox Quasar 2 or ChargePoint Home Flex with load sharing prevent blowing your circuit.

Top Chargers for Austin TOU Optimization

| Charger | Price (Hardware) | Smart Features | Austin Energy Eligible? | |---------|-----------------|----------------|------------------------| | ChargePoint Home Flex | $699 | Excellent app, demand response ready | ✅ Yes | | JuiceBox 40 | $549 | Good scheduling, energy monitoring | ✅ Yes | | Wallbox Pulsar Plus | $449 | Smart scheduling, myWallbox app | ✅ Yes | | Tesla Wall Connector | $425 | Works with Tesla Vehicles; limited smart features for other brands | ✅ Yes (Tesla owners) | | Emporia Smart Charger | $399 | Best value smart charger | ✅ Yes | | Grizzl-E Classic | $349 | No smart features — manual scheduling only | ✅ Yes |

Austin-specific note: Austin's summer heat can strain EV chargers. All models above are rated for outdoor use and can handle Austin's 100°F+ summer temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my EV at Austin Energy public charging stations?

Yes. Austin Energy operates public Level 2 chargers at select locations around Austin (City Hall garage, community centers, etc.). These are typically free or low-cost. However, for daily charging, home charging at TOU rates will be much cheaper than most public stations.

What if I have solar panels? Should I still worry about TOU rates?

Yes — and TOU rates can actually work against you with solar if not configured correctly. Austin Energy's net metering pays you a set rate for excess solar exported to the grid. But if you import electricity at peak rates, you might pay more than you earn from solar. Optimize by charging from stored battery (if you have a Powerwall) or overnight. Talk to your solar installer about TOU integration.

Does Austin Energy's TOU rate apply on weekends?

For most residential plans, weekends are typically off-peak all day. This means Saturday and Sunday charging is cheap regardless of time — a good opportunity to top off before the work week.

How do I know if my charger is charging at the right time?

Check your Austin Energy bill — it breaks down usage by TOU period (peak vs. off-peak kWh). You can also use your charger's app (if it has energy monitoring) to see exactly when charging occurred and calculate your per-session cost.

What's the penalty if I accidentally charge during peak hours?

There's no penalty — you just pay the higher peak rate for that session. With scheduled charging properly set up, accidental peak charging is rare. But if you need an emergency charge during peak hours, you can override the schedule.

Summary: Austin EV Charging Rate Optimization Checklist

Use this checklist to maximize your Austin Energy savings:

[ ] Switch to TOU rate plan — call 512-494-9400 or update online
[ ] Set scheduled charging on your EV (midnight–6 AM)
[ ] Enable smart charging in your Level 2 charger's app
[ ] Apply for Austin Energy rebate — up to $1,200 for charger installation
[ ] Consider Rider EV program if you're a high-mileage driver
[ ] Stack with federal tax credit — up to 30% of installation costs
[ ] Check your bill monthly to verify you're charging at off-peak rates

Ready to Install Your Level 2 Charger?

Getting a Level 2 charger is the key enabler for TOU savings — you can schedule overnight charging, charge faster, and integrate with Austin Energy's smart programs.

Most Level 2 charger installations in Austin cost $800–$2,500. After Austin Energy rebates ($1,200) and the federal tax credit (up to $1,000), your net cost could be under $300 — and you'll recoup that in off-peak savings within a few months.

Compare Austin EV Charger Installers → | Get a Free Quote → | Calculate Your Costs →

Last updated: February 2026. Austin Energy rates are subject to change. Always verify current rate information at austinenergy.com or call 512-494-9400.