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When Is the Best Time to Charge an EV Car at Home in Illinois?

If you own an electric vehicle in Illinois, knowing when to charge it can make a big difference in cost, efficiency, and long-term battery health. Let’s break down the best times and why timing matters.
A woman charges an electric car, smiling while holding the charging cable.

Electric vehicles draw power directly from your home’s grid connection, and the cost of that electricity isn’t always the same throughout the day. By planning when you charge, you can take advantage of lower energy rates, reduce wear on your EV battery, and even help the environment by charging when renewable sources are most available. If you’re considering setting up a dedicated home charger, explore our Home EV Installation Service to make charging at home faster, safer, and more efficient.

Understanding Peak and Off-Peak Hours

Illinois utilities, including ComEd and Ameren, charge different electricity rates depending on demand.

  • Peak hours: Typically 2 PM – 8 PM, when energy demand is highest.
  • Off-peak hours: Usually 9 PM – 6 AM, when overall demand drops and electricity costs less.

Charging during off-peak hours is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly choice.

The Best Time to Charge an EV Car at Home in Illinois

For most Illinois households, the best time to charge an EV car at home is overnight between 11 PM and 6 AM.

  • Lower electricity rates under time-of-use plans.
  • Less strain on the state’s power grid.
  • Cooler ambient temperatures that support better battery performance.

Many smart chargers can be programmed to automatically start charging during these hours, so your car is ready each morning without higher energy costs.

Additional Considerations

Charging at night has benefits beyond cost savings. Cooler temperatures reduce heat stress on the battery, improving performance and extending its lifespan over time. It also helps your utility distribute power more evenly, lowering the need for fossil fuel backup generation. Even small changes—like delaying your charging start time—can make a measurable difference in both your energy bill and environmental impact.

If you’re enrolled in a time-of-use plan such as ComEd’s Hourly Pricing or Ameren’s Power Smart Pricing, you can take advantage of variable rates that reward charging during low-demand hours. These programs are designed specifically for EV owners looking to make the most of their home charging setup.

So, when is the best time to charge an EV car at home in Illinois? The short answer: overnight, between 11 PM and 6 AM. This is when electricity is cheapest, your battery performs best, and your environmental footprint is lowest.