The price of electricity is not the same around the clock. India's electricity rules now apply time-of-day (ToD) tariffs to many consumers, with cheaper rates during solar hours and higher rates in the evening peak. For charging sites, this turns timing into money.
How time-of-day tariffs work
Under a ToD tariff, the day is divided into periods with different energy rates. Solar hours, when generation is plentiful, are typically cheaper. Peak hours, usually in the evening, are more expensive. Exact periods and rates are set by each state's electricity regulator and DISCOM, so they vary from place to place.
Check your own DISCOM's current tariff order for the exact ToD periods and rates that apply to your connection category.
What smart charging does with it
- Shifts flexible charging: vehicles that will be parked for hours, such as fleets at depots, are charged in cheaper periods.
- Reduces peak demand: spreading charging lowers the maximum demand recorded on the bill.
- Uses solar on site: charging is timed to match rooftop solar generation where it exists.
- Protects departure times: schedules are built around when each vehicle must leave, so savings never cost service.
Who benefits most
| Site | Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Fleet depots | Large, predictable loads that can be moved into cheaper hours |
| Workplaces | Daytime parking aligns well with solar hours |
| Housing societies | Overnight charging can be staggered to avoid evening peaks |
| Public fast charging | Less flexible, but pricing can encourage off-peak use |
Passing savings to drivers
Public operators can reflect ToD costs in their own prices, offering lower rates at off-peak times. That encourages drivers with flexibility to charge when energy is cheap and the grid has capacity, and keeps chargers busier through the day.
How PxT can help
PxT Energies' smart charging platform schedules charging around ToD tariffs, solar generation and departure times. Read more in our guide to getting more chargers onto the same grid connection.