Smart EV home charging: Dynamic load balancing explained [2023 update]

Home EV charging is becoming more common

As more people switch to electric vehicles, home charging is becoming the preferred option for many. According to recent studies, over 67% of EV owners currently charge their cars at home, and there's a good reason for that. Charging at home is not only more convenient but also cheaper than using public stations.

Managing the power used by your EV is important though. If not handled properly, high-energy charging can strain your home’s electrical system. Fortunately, smart charging solutions like dynamic load balancing help optimize energy use and keep your electricity bill under control.

One of the most useful features in this category is dynamic load balancing.

Avoid Power Overload

Understanding how dynamic load balancing works starts with recognizing the problem it solves. Electric circuits have a limit on how much power they can handle. When too many high-power devices are used at once, it can cause an overload and trip the circuit breaker. This is not only inconvenient but also disruptive.

Dynamic load balancing helps prevent this by continuously monitoring the power being used. It then intelligently distributes the available capacity to different appliances, ensuring everything runs smoothly without overloading your system.

How Much Power Do You Need to Charge an Electric Car?

Electric vehicles require a significant amount of power. A typical home EV charger can deliver between 7,400 and 22,000 watts, which is far more than most household appliances. For example, a dishwasher typically uses between 1,050 W and 1,500 W.

On average, an EV consumes about 200 Wh per kilometer. If you drive around 12.4 km daily, that’s roughly 2.48 kWh per day. In a month, that adds up to about 74.46 kWh, which could cost around €18 depending on local electricity rates.

Disclaimer: These figures are approximate and may vary based on driving habits and local conditions.

Do You Need to Upgrade Your Power Supply for a Home Charger?

Installing an EV charger can add a heavy load to your home’s electrical system. If your current setup isn’t designed for it, you may need to upgrade. However, upgrading can be costly and time-consuming.

Dynamic load balancing offers a smart alternative. It helps manage power usage so you don’t have to upgrade your electrical system. This makes it a valuable feature for homeowners looking to save money and avoid unnecessary work.

How Does Dynamic Load Balancing Work?

Dynamic load balancing constantly monitors the energy usage in your home. It then dynamically allocates the available power to different appliances, including your EV, to ensure nothing exceeds safe limits.

For instance, if your washer and dryer are running while your car is charging, the system might slow down or stop the car’s charging to free up space for the other appliances. Once they’re done, the charging resumes at full speed.

This also applies if you have multiple EVs. The system can distribute power between them or prioritize one based on your preferences.

Not All Charging Stations Have Dynamic Load Balancing

While many smart chargers offer basic features, not all include dynamic load balancing. However, it's a highly beneficial feature that can enhance your home’s energy efficiency and avoid unnecessary upgrades.

The EVBox Livo is one of the latest and most advanced home charging solutions that supports dynamic load balancing and other smart functions.

Benefits of Dynamic Load Balancing

No Overloading

Dynamic load balancing ensures that your EV doesn’t exceed safe power levels, preventing circuit overloads and protecting your home’s electrical system.

No Meter Box Adjustments Needed

You can continue using your existing power connection, as the system intelligently manages the distribution of energy. This avoids the cost and hassle of installing a new meter or upgrading your circuit.

Responsive Charging Speed

The charging speed of your EV automatically adjusts based on your home’s current energy usage, ensuring optimal performance at all times.

Charging Flexibility

With dynamic load balancing, you can choose when to charge your EV without worrying about overloading your home. If you have multiple EVs, you can even prioritize one over the others.

Smart Electricity Management

Dynamic load balancing allows you to monitor and adjust your EV’s charging based on your energy preferences, helping you stay in control of your electricity use.

Dynamic load balancing is a powerful tool that ensures efficient and safe electricity use at home. It helps avoid costly upgrades and keeps your energy costs under control.

If you're interested in learning more about home EV charging, check out our complete guide to EV charging at home for more information.