RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia's largest electric utility is asking state regulators to approve a pilot program that would provide a break to electric car owners who charge up their vehicles during off-peak hours.

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Virginia Dominion Power presented its proposal Wednesday in Richmond to the State Corporation Commission. Commissioners did not immediately act on the proposal.

Only a handful of electric vehicles travel Virginia roads. But Dominion estimates that thousands will be operating in the state in a couple years, and more than 86,000 by 2020.

Under the program proposed by Dominion, customers who charged their vehicles between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. would be charged 34 cents - enough for a 40-mile commute.

During peak hours, that rate would increase to $1.23.