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 choice. According to recent studies, over 67% of EV drivers charge their cars at home. Why? Because it's more convenient, cost-effective, and often faster than using public stations.

However, managing the power demand of an EV charger can be tricky. High-power charging can strain your home’s electrical system if not properly controlled. That’s where smart solutions like dynamic load balancing come in handy.

Dynamic load balancing helps manage electricity use efficiently by monitoring the power draw of all devices on your circuit and adjusting the EV’s charging accordingly. This prevents overloads and keeps your home running smoothly even when multiple high-energy appliances are in use.

Avoid Power Overloads

Electric circuits have limits. If too many devices draw power at once, it can overload the system and trip your circuit breaker. This is especially true when you're charging an EV, which can consume up to 22,000 watts—far more than most household appliances.

Dynamic load balancing helps prevent this by intelligently distributing power between your EV and other devices. For instance, if you start the dishwasher while your car is charging, the system may reduce the EV’s charging speed to avoid exceeding the circuit’s capacity.

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

Charging an EV requires a significant amount of power. A typical home EV charger can deliver anywhere from 7,400 to 22,000 watts. In comparison, a dishwasher uses around 1,050 to 1,500 watts. This means that charging your EV alone can use as much power as running several other appliances simultaneously.

On average, an EV consumes about 200 Wh per kilometer. If you drive 12.4 kilometers a day, that’s roughly 2.48 kWh per day. Over a month, that adds up to about 74.46 kWh, which could cost around €18 in Europe based on average electricity prices.

While these numbers are approximate, they give a good idea of what to expect when charging at home.

Disclaimer: These figures are estimates and may vary depending on driving habits and local electricity rates.

Do You Need to Upgrade Your Electrical System?

Adding an EV charger can significantly increase the load on your home’s electrical system. In some cases, you might need to upgrade your power connection to handle the additional demand. However, this can be costly and time-consuming.

Dynamic load balancing offers a smarter alternative. Instead of upgrading your system, it monitors power usage and adjusts the EV’s charging output to stay within safe limits. This means you can enjoy efficient charging without the hassle of major electrical work.

How Does Dynamic Load Balancing Work?

Dynamic load balancing constantly monitors the energy consumption of all devices on your circuit. When the total load approaches the limit, it reduces the power going to your EV to make room for other appliances. Once those appliances are turned off, the EV resumes or increases its charging speed.

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

Not all EV chargers have this feature, but it's definitely worth considering if you want to maximize your home’s energy efficiency and avoid unnecessary upgrades.

Do All EV Home Charging Stations Have Dynamic Load Balancing?

No, not all smart EV chargers include dynamic load balancing. However, it’s a valuable feature that can save you money and prevent overloads. Our EVBox Livo charging station is designed with this functionality, along with many other smart features to enhance your charging experience.

Benefits of Dynamic Load Balancing

No Overloading

Dynamic load balancing ensures that your EV charging never exceeds safe limits, protecting your home’s electrical system from overloads.

No Meter Box Adjustments Needed

You can keep using your existing power connection, as dynamic load balancing manages the distribution of energy efficiently. This avoids the need for costly upgrades to your electrical system.

Responsive Charging Speed

The charging speed of your EV is automatically adjusted based on current energy usage, ensuring optimal performance without any manual intervention.

Charging Flexibility

With dynamic load balancing, you can charge your EV anytime without worrying about overloading your home. Even during peak hours, your EV will charge efficiently.

Smart Electricity Management

Dynamic load balancing helps monitor your home’s energy use, allowing you to track and adjust your EV charging based on your preferences and needs.

Dynamic load balancing is a powerful tool that makes home EV charging safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective. Whether you're charging one or two EVs, this feature ensures smooth operation without the need for expensive upgrades.

If you want to learn more about home EV charging, check out our complete guide to EV charging at home for detailed insights and tips.