Time-of-Use management: Efficient energy management that saves costs and supports renewables

The expansion of EV charging infrastructure also increases the requirements for efficient energy management. A key feature here is Time-of-Use (TOU) management. But what does this mean and why is it becoming increasingly important for Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and EV drivers alike?

What is Time-of-Use management?

Time-of-Use management (TOU) refers to the targeted control of energy consumption and charging processes depending on the time of day and electricity prices.

Electricity tariffs today are often dynamic. That means that at certain times, for example at night or when there is a high level of renewable energy being fed into the grid, electricity is cheaper. Meanwhile, at peak times, it is more expensive. TOU management uses these price fluctuations to optimally control charging processes.

Why is Time-of-Use management important?

With electric vehicle sales increasing and charging infrastructure growing, the electricity grid is under greater strain. At the same time, electricity prices are fluctuating more and more.

For Charge Point Operators and fleet operators, those who react flexibly to price changes can save costs, reduce the strain on the grid and operate more sustainably.

Advantages for CPOs:

• Cost savings: By selectively shifting charging to favourable time windows, operating costs are reduced.
• Grid stability: Charging at peak loads is avoided, which reduces the risk of overloads.
• Competitive advantage: Attractive prices and sustainable operational management appeal to a broader customer base.

Advantages for EV drivers:

• Cheaper charging: Those who are flexible can benefit from lower charging prices.
• Greener charging: Charging at times when there is a lot of renewable energy means a smaller carbon footprint.
• Transparency: Clear information on charging times and costs creates trust.

Virta Hub: The smart solution for Time-of-Use management

Virta is currently working on an innovative solution that integrates Time-of-Use management directly into the back-end of the charging infrastructure, without the need for any additional hardware. The control system is based on dynamic electricity tariffs and is easy to operate.

This is how Time-of-Use management works in Virta Hub:

1. Add a new rule: You can create individual TOU rules with just a few clicks.
2. Select spot price market: Select the desired spot price market. The hourly spot prices are usually published daily for the following day.
3. Define times and days: Define the days and times on which the rule applies.
4. Spot price limits & power behavior: Define the price limits and the charging behavior of the charging stations. For example, you can reduce the charging power if prices are high.
5. Assign charging station groups: The rules can be applied flexibly to individual stations or entire groups and can be activated or deactivated at any time.

The advantages of Virta at a glance:

• No additional hardware required: Everything runs via the backend.
• Part of the all-in-one solution: Integrated into the comprehensive Virta ecosystem.
• Can be used across borders: Works across different countries and electricity markets.
• Easy to use: Intuitive interface, quick to set up.
• Scalable: Suitable for individual locations or large networks.

Example 1: Finavia saves Time-of-Use management with Virta

Virta has already implemented a customized TOU solution for the Finnish airport operator Finavia. With the help of Virta Congestion Management based on spot prices, Finavia can specifically reduce charging power during peak times and flexibly adapt charging to dynamic electricity prices .

The result? Significantly reduced energy costs and more efficient operation of the charging infrastructure.

"We can adjust the charging power when the energy system has limited capacity. That's how we ensure that our power grid remains stable," explains Reijo Särkkä, System Manager at Finavia.

Example 2: Prototype implementation with E.ON

As part of the NeX25 New Energy Experience 2025 on September 10 in Munich, a partner event of the IAA Mobility, Virta presented an innovative prototype for Time-of-Use management together with its long-standing partner E.ON.

This solution shows how smart control of charging processes can lead to both cost savings and better integration of renewable energies.

Find out more about Virta at NeX25 and our featured products here.

Conclusion

Time-of-Use management is a central building block for advanced load management and efficient energy management in electromobility. Together with strong partners, Virta is already developing innovative solutions that make both CPOs and EV drivers fit for the mobility of tomorrow.