An off-peak charge brings a new range high

Off-peak charging.

Another 10 days and another charge at an off-peak rate results in a new range high for 2026. A week of 80 to 90 degree weather left the Kia Niro with a 298 mile range. This was extrapolated from the 247 miles showing at 83% end point and is an increase of 6 miles from the last charge.

But the better part was that the charges were at the lower $0.44 kWh rate shortly after 10 pm available from Electrify America (EA). I’m a bit of a night owl, so this was not difficult to do.

Further, another five EV drivers came and went during my time, taking advantage of the lower rate and charging at a higher rate of speed than the Niro. The car once again topped out at about the same 77 kW (75 kW showing).

The Niro came in at 15% and the others may have needed less, but most EVs charge more quickly. For the record, the I had accepted the Niro‘s slow pace for two reasons: first, that I would be using a Level 2 charger at home 99% of the time and second, I had accepted slower Level 3 charging with my previous Polestar 2 during the first two years of the lease.

The company offered free charging from EA in that period, and EA’s nearby DC chargers consistently underperformed. Their stations in the area have been upgraded since and I’ve witnessed vehicles charging at up to 200 kW. The chargers themselves are rated at 350 kW.

Regardless, while drivers of gas and diesel powered vehicles are suffering with climbing prices, those of us in the EV world are getting an over 30% break in some places.

For now…

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