Learn about EV charging load management, optimizing load balancing, and top vendors in the field.
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EV charging load management balances energy demand throughout the day, reducing peak usage and optimizing charging. It creates equilibrium across sites and shifts charging sessions to less expensive times. This ensures efficient charging for vehicles using multiple charge points.
Load balancing systems regulate the energy delivered by EV chargers and offset peak demand. They communicate with infrastructure, charge points, and EVs, and can be static or dynamic. EV load balancing reacts to changes and requirements, optimizing energy consumption in real-time. Vendors include Picafuel, Tridens Technology, eDRV, and GreenFlux.
Load balancing for EV charging providers ensures each charge point has the right amount of energy, maximizing efficiency and customer satisfaction. It enables charging 24/7 and reduces the burden on the grid during peak demand periods.
Load balancing also allows providers to access off-peak electricity and store it onsite to meet high demand without paying peak-hour rates. By managing demand, providers can avoid fines and ensure reliable service.
A charge management system enables operators to control power usage for multiple EVSE units on the same circuit. The system balances electricity usage among stations by following a pre-set protocol. By allowing stations to communicate, a steady electrical current is provided to each EVSE.
Smart EV chargers with load-balancing capabilities include the PowerFlex, Zappi, and Wallbox Pulsar Plus. Tesla’s Gen 3 charger also features power-sharing technology.
Load-sharing EV chargers provide a steady stream of power in two ways: equal distribution or first-in, first-charged.
Equal distribution shares amps equally among the active EV chargers. For example, four 40-amp chargers on an 80-amp panel would each get 20 amps, and three active chargers would get 26 amps.
First-in, first-charged distribution depends on when charging begins. The first station gets full capacity, and others receive power based on availability. Once a station completes charging, its load moves to the next in line.
Choosing between load-sharing types depends on how chargers will be used. Fleet managers may prefer equal distribution to charge all vehicles over a longer period. Apartment managers, on the other hand, may prefer first-in, first-charged to minimize charging time and make stations available for other tenants.
Investing in load-sharing EV chargers can save time, money, and effort in the long run. Whether adding multiple charging stations immediately or later, load-sharing technology optimizes charging and reduces peak demand, benefiting property owners and EV owners alike.
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