New EV Charging Method Cuts Costs for Drivers and Grid

Electric vehicle owners might soon save serious money on charging thanks to new research that's solving two problems at once.

Jackson Morgan, a doctoral candidate at Utah State University's ASPIRE center, led a study that figures out the smartest times to charge EVs. His method considers both electricity prices and how much the local grid can handle at any moment.

The results are promising. Morgan's approach reduces energy costs for drivers, smooths out demand on the grid, and cuts the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades. In some cases, EV owners save even more by extending their charging sessions slightly to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates.

"The methods we developed can reduce energy costs, reduce grid capacity needs and smooth out demand on the local distribution network," Morgan said. He pulled together real-world data from both power grids and actual EV usage patterns to make sure his solution works in practice, not just on paper.

The research comes at the perfect time. As more Americans switch to electric vehicles, the strain on local power grids keeps growing. Charging stations need smarter systems to handle increased demand without requiring massive infrastructure investments.

Morgan presented his findings in October at the 2025 North American Power Symposium in Hartford, Connecticut. The power systems community welcomed his work, which forms part of his doctoral dissertation and builds on ASPIRE's Charging Stations of the Future project.

The Ripple Effect

This research could accelerate EV adoption across the country. Lower charging costs mean more people can afford to switch from gas-powered vehicles, which improves air quality and reduces emissions for everyone.

Commercial charging station operators benefit too. The optimization system improves their profitability while passing savings directly to customers. That creates a win for businesses investing in charging infrastructure and drivers who use it.

Hongjie Wang, Morgan's co-advisor and an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, emphasized the broader impact. The research outcome has potential to reduce EV ownership costs and facilitate widespread transportation electrification, which aligns with both ASPIRE's mission and society's environmental goals.

Morgan brought practical experience from utility company internships into his research, ensuring the solutions address real-world challenges rather than theoretical problems. His connections with other researchers at the conference will help refine the technology further.

The future of electric vehicle charging just got brighter, one optimized session at a time.