smart charging during EV awareness month

we’re encouraged to conserve electricity — especially during extreme weather events like heatwaves and cold fronts — to help prevent power grid overload. but with growing popularity of electric vehicles (evs), an important issue arises: how do we balance energy conservation with ev charging, especially during peak times? read more to learn:

• how to conserve energy when charging an ev.

• tips to increase ev charging efficiency.

• the basics of ev charging and grid impact.

why energy conservation matters :the electric grid is most strained during sudden, high-demand periods — like hot summer afternoons when air conditioners are running full blast. these spikes in usage can overwhelm the system.

the ev equivalent? everyone plugging in their cars at 5:30 p.m. after work. that’s why timing matters. being mindful of when and how we use electricity helps keep the grid balanced.

do evs put a strain on the grid? if every vehicle on the road were electric, electricity demand could increase by up to 30%. historically, electricity production grew by about 4% annually from 1960 to 2000. at that pace, it would take around 6.5 years to scale up enough energy production to support full ev adoption — but in reality this shift will happen more gradually. for example, in california — home to more than 1 million evs — charging accounts for less than 1% of grid demand, even during peak hours.

with thoughtful planning and infrastructure, evs don’t pose a major threat to the grid. grid improvements such as upgrading transmission lines, expanding energy storage and implementing smart grid technologies work together to help the grid meet increased energy demand.

smart charging for ev owners

charge during off-peak hours : off-peak times, like overnight, are ideal for ev charging. electricity is often cheaper, and you’ll reduce strain on the grid. some evs even allow you to schedule charging during these hours automatically.

do you have solar panels? consider charging during peak sunlight hours, if your system can handle both home use and vehicle charging.

avoid daily full charges: unless you’re preparing for a long trip, charging 80–90% is often considered better for battery health. similarly, avoid letting the battery drop below 20%. this helps preserve long-term performance.

explore bidirectional charging: some evs support bidirectional charging and allow your car to send power back to your home or the grid. this turns your ev into a backup battery during outages and can help reduce overall grid demand.

use public chargers: many workplaces, shopping centers and grocery stores now offer ev charging stations. these fast chargers typically power up to 80% in 15–45 minutes — great for when you work, run errands or take road trips.

take advantage of utility incentives: check with your electric utility for rebates, discounts or time-of-use programs that can reduce your ev charging costs and improve efficiency.

the bottom line

you can drive an electric vehicle and support a stable energy grid. charge during off-peak hours, avoid daily full charges, take advantage of smart features like bidirectional charging, and explore available incentives. with a few small changes, ev owners can be part of the energy conservation solution.