EV Home Charging Calculator (2026)

Why Charging Time Matters in Arizona

Both APS and SRP use time-of-use pricing, which means the cost of a kWh varies dramatically depending on when you use it. For EV owners, this is a huge opportunity: your car sits parked for 20+ hours a day, so you can choose exactly when those 270-500 kWh flow into the battery.

On APS, the spread between super off-peak ($0.0935/kWh) and peak ($0.3439/kWh) is 268%. A Tesla Model Y driving 1,000 miles/month uses about 270 kWh — the difference between charging at peak vs super off-peak is over $500/year.

The Best Charging Schedule for Arizona

APS customers: Charge during the super off-peak window (10am-3pm) if you work from home or can plug in midday. Otherwise, set a delayed charge timer to start at 7pm (when off-peak begins). Never charge during 4-7pm weekdays.

SRP customers: Charge overnight (off-peak starts at 8pm). SRP doesn't have a super off-peak tier, so overnight is your best option. Watch out for demand charges — a Level 2 charger drawing 7.2 kW during on-peak hours could add $100+ to your demand charge alone.

Solar + EV: The Arizona Advantage

Arizona's 6.5 peak sun hours make it one of the best states for solar-powered EV charging. A 2 kW solar addition covers about 100% of a Tesla Model 3/Y's charging needs. The math: 2 kW × 6.5 hours × 0.80 losses × 30 days = ~312 kWh/month, more than enough for 1,000 miles of driving.

The optimal setup pairs a Level 2 home charger with a charge timer set to the 10am-3pm solar production window. Your panels generate the electricity, your car absorbs it, and your effective fuel cost drops to near zero. Use our Solar ROI Calculator to size the additional panels you'd need.

Tesla Referral Credits

If you're buying a Tesla, a referral link gets both buyer and referrer credits. The buyer receives credits toward Supercharging or Tesla store purchases. Our referral link is below — it does not affect your purchase price.

How This Calculator Works

This calculator estimates your monthly EV charging cost using real 2026 APS and SRP time-of-use rates. The math:

1. Monthly kWh: (annual miles ÷ 12) ÷ vehicle efficiency (miles/kWh). Each vehicle preset uses the EPA-rated efficiency for that model.
2. TOU cost split: Based on when you charge — overnight off-peak, daytime super off-peak, or mixed. The calculator applies the corresponding APS or SRP rate to each charging session.
3. Solar offset: If you have rooftop solar, daytime charging during the super off-peak window is essentially free (self-consumed solar). The calculator reduces your grid kWh accordingly.
4. Gas comparison: Your gas vehicle's MPG × current Arizona gas price (~$3.50/gal) × same monthly miles. The difference is your annual savings from switching to electric.

All electricity rates from published 2026 APS Saver Choice Plus and SRP E-27 tariffs. Vehicle efficiencies from EPA fuel economy ratings.

Related Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in Arizona?

For a Tesla Model 3/Y driving 1,000 miles/month on APS off-peak rates, home charging costs approximately $368/year ($31/month). That's about 3.1¢/mile — compared to 12.5¢/mile for a 28 MPG gas car.

What is the cheapest time to charge on APS?

Super off-peak: 10am-3pm every day at $0.0935/kWh. This is the cheapest electricity APS sells and it aligns with peak solar production. Set a charge timer to this window if you can.

Does an EV increase my demand charge on SRP?

It can. A Level 2 charger draws 7.2-9.6 kW. If it runs during on-peak hours (2-8pm weekdays), it could spike your measured peak demand and add $100+/month in demand charges. Always charge overnight on SRP. Consider a home battery to buffer the demand spike.