Heures Creuses: How to Save on EV Charging in France
“Heures creuses” (off-peak hours) are special times when electricity is cheaper—usually at night or weekends. Smart EV drivers can save big by charging during these periods.
What are Heures Creuses?
- Set by your electricity provider (EDF, Engie, etc.)
- Typically 8 hours per day, often between 22:00 and 6:00
- Lower rates, sometimes half the daytime price
How to Benefit
- At home: Set your EV or wallbox to charge only during heures creuses
- Public charging: Some networks offer off-peak rates at night—check the app or station info
- Use a smart charging app (like ChargeMatcher) to schedule sessions for the cheapest hours
Tips
- Check your electricity bill or provider’s website for your exact heures creuses
- Combine with dynamic tariffs for even more savings
- If you have solar panels, coordinate charging for maximum benefit
Charging during heures creuses is one of the easiest ways to cut your EV running costs in France. Set your schedule, use the right app, and enjoy cheaper, greener driving!