Dynamic Pricing Outperforms Time-of-Use in California EV Charging Pilot with 98% Energy Delivered Off-Peak

A dynamic pricing-based pilot program with MCE and SVCE demonstrates enhanced grid flexibility and estimated customer savings of $200/year on average versus Time-of-Use Rates alone.

PALO ALTO, CA – June 02, 2025  – New results from a smart EV charging pilot program, funded by the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) REDWDS initiative and implemented in partnership with MCE and Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE), highlight the significant potential of dynamic price signals in optimizing electric vehicle charging. Developed and powered by ev.energy, ChargeWise California's first phase tested how dynamic pricing and active managed charging can improve grid stability, lower energy costs, and boost renewable energy use in California.   

The pilot's findings highlight that dynamic price signals, when combined with automated charging management, offer a substantial improvement in managing EV charging compared to traditional Time-of-Use (TOU) rates. This approach achieved up to 98% EV charging load delivered off-peak, significantly outperforming the 60-70% typically achieved by TOU rates alone, or the 90% achieved by combining TOU with managed charging programs.

Initial Insights from ChargeWise California:

1. A Dynamic Approach Outperforms Time-of-Use for EV Loads: Dynamic grid integration with managed charging marks a major leap beyond traditional TOU pricing, delivering up to 98% of EV load at off-peak times through hourly price signals and active control. By aligning charging with cheaper, cleaner energy like midday solar, ChargeWise California saved customers $10–20/month and shifted up to 30% of charging to solar-rich hours. It also smoothed demand by avoiding the secondary peaks (sometimes called “timer peak” or “snapback peak”) often triggered by rigid TOU schedules.
   ‍
2. Lower Bills for Everyone: Dynamic pricing can already save EV drivers around $200 per year by cutting energy costs, but it can also benefit utility customers who do not drive EVs by lowering total system costs. ev.energy estimates aligning rates with grid-wide and local distribution signals will unlock over $1,000+ in annual system value per EV. Phase 2 of ChargeWise California will see ev.energy partnering with utilities to tap into the full value of flexible charging.
   ‍
   
3. Dynamic Rates Are Not Equitable at the Whole-Home Level: Not all customer loads can respond to a dynamic price. Applying dynamic rates to all customer load risks repelling customers without the full suite of flexible tech like home batteries, solar, and EVs, increasing cost for those less able to shift usage. The innovative submetering solution developed through ChargeWise California provided targeted incentives for customers to dynamically optimize their EV load, acting as an “add-on” to their standard rate. This “rate add-on” or “type-of-use” approach ensured equity and resulted in high participation, with 1,000+ customers enrolled in 2 months, and over 50% living in disadvantaged communities. 
   ‍
   
4. Programs Amplify the Impact of Rates: Dynamic rates unlock participant and system value only when paired with smart, customer-focused programs. This initiative saw the dynamic pricing integrated into MCE and SVCE’s managed charging program. Combining dynamic pricing with automation and clear customer engagement makes participation easier, reveals value for both customers and the grid, and drives greater system-wide impact.

"Enrolling in MCE Sync was incredibly easy, and it has made managing my EV charging so simple. I love being able to track my energy consumption and see how much I'm saving each month. It's reassuring to know I'm charging with clean energy during off-peak times and making a positive impact, all while keeping more money in my pocket!", said Franco Maynetto, MCE Sync participant.

“The early results highlight just how impactful dynamic pricing can be in reshaping EV charging to support a cleaner, more flexible grid,” said Nick Woolley, CEO and Co-Founder of ev.energy. “To fully realize the value of managed charging, we need an approach that is equitable, dynamic, system-aligned, and built through collaboration. That means designing solutions which precisely target flexible load, while making it easy for all customers to benefit—especially those in underserved communities. By utilities, aggregators, and policymakers working together in programs like ChargeWise California, we can create a path to unlock flexibility and deliver sustained reductions to electricity rates, with no negative consequences.”

“Silicon Valley Clean Energy is thrilled to see the insights and results coming out of this innovative dynamic pricing pilot,” said Monica Padilla, SVCE CEO. “Helping our customers charge off-peak to lower their bills and align their charging with when energy is cleanest is not just valuable for our community, but for the broader California energy ecosystem."

"As local electricity providers, the flexibility to innovate helps us meet the needs of our communities while advancing the California’s clean energy goals. Combining targeted dynamic pricing with managed charging can significantly shift peak load and reduce costs, especially for residents and businesses in underserved communities. This pilot is proof that building partnerships with companies like ev.energy, backed by support from the CEC, is crucial for creating a dynamic, efficient, and equitable energy future for all Californians. We will continue to track the value of combining managed charging with dynamic versus time of use rates," said Alice Havenar-Daughton, Vice President of Customer Programs at MCE.

The initial findings demonstrate the crucial need for the energy industry to adopt a collaborative, holistic approach that considers all aspects of the energy system, including distribution, wholesale, capacity, and ancillary services. By prioritizing equitable program design and adaptive learning through testing, energy companies can optimize grid efficiency, integrate renewables, and lower customer bills. 

To learn more, visit the ev.energy website or get in touch.

Notes to the Editor

• The 98% energy delivered off-peak figure from dynamic pricing and managed charging is based on a combination of programs in California with a dynamic pricing tier on ev.energy’s platform.
• The 60-70% off-peak TOU-only figure is based on previous ev.energy research that took into account data for TOU participants across the US and the UK.
• The TOU and managed charging off-peak figure of 90% is an average across live California-based programs powered by ev.energy.

‍

About ev.energy

ev.energy is a Certified B Corporation® with a mission to make EV charging greener, cheaper, and smarter for utilities and their customers. Its end-to-end software platform wirelessly connects to a range of electric vehicles and chargers to intelligently manage EV charging while working with utilities to put cash back in customers’ wallets for charging at grid-friendly times. With a global base of utility, vehicle OEM, and EVSE partners, ev.energy manages more than 200,000 EVs on its platform each day. Learn more at https://www.ev.energy/. 

Media contact: press@ev.energy

About Silicon Valley Clean Energy

Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a not-for-profit, community-owned agency providing electricity from renewable and clean sources to more than 280,000 residential and commercial customers in 13 Santa Clara County jurisdictions. As a public agency, net revenues are returned to the community to keep rates competitive and promote clean energy programs. Silicon Valley Clean Energy is advancing innovative solutions to fight climate change by decarbonizing the grid, transportation, and buildings. Learn more at svcleanenergy.org

About MCE

MCE is a not-for-profit public agency and the preferred electricity provider for nearly 600,000 customer accounts and 1.5 million residents and businesses across Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano Counties. Setting the standard for clean energy in California since 2010, MCE leads with 60–100% renewable, fossil-free power at stable rates, serving a 1,400 MW peak load, significantly reducing greenhouse emissions, and reinvesting millions in local programs. For more information about MCE, visit mceCleanEnergy.org, or follow us on your preferred social platform @mceCleanEnergy.