Can I Install an EV Charger Without Upgrading My Electrical Panel?
Installing a Level 2 EV charger at home is one of the most convenient ways to charge an electric vehicle. But many Canadian homeowners have the same concern:
Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel or service before installing an EV charger?
The answer is: not necessarily.
Depending on your home’s existing electrical capacity, the EV charger you choose, and the applicable electrical requirements, an EV Energy Management System (EVEMS) may allow you to install an EV charger without an expensive electrical panel or service upgrade.
Why Can an EV Charger Require a Panel Upgrade?
A Level 2 EV charger can add a significant electrical load to a home.
When an electrician evaluates an EV charger installation, the home’s existing electrical service and loads must be considered. If there isn’t enough available capacity for the additional EV charging load, a conventional solution may be to upgrade the electrical service or panel.
That can add considerable cost and complexity to an EV charger installation.
But a panel upgrade isn’t always the only solution.
What Is an EV Energy Management System (EVEMS)?
An EV Energy Management System, or EVEMS, manages the electrical power available for EV charging based on the home’s electrical load.
Instead of assuming that the EV charger and other major household loads will operate at full capacity simultaneously, an EVEMS monitors the electrical load and controls EV charging when necessary.
This can allow homeowners to make better use of their existing electrical service capacity while keeping EV charging within the permitted electrical limits.
How Can EVEMS Help Avoid a Panel Upgrade?
The principle is straightforward.
When sufficient electrical capacity is available, the EVEMS allows the connected EV charger to operate.
If household electrical demand becomes too high, the EVEMS can interrupt the EV charging load. Charging can resume when sufficient capacity becomes available again.
For many homes, this can provide an alternative to upgrading the electrical service solely to accommodate an EV charger.
ATC-201 and ATC-202 EVEMS
Our ATC-201 and ATC-202 EV Energy Management Systems are designed for residential EV charger installations.
The ATC-202 supports 60A to 200A electrical services and features continuous load monitoring with an LCD display, allowing the electrical load information to be easily viewed.
The ATC-201 and ATC-202 can help homeowners install EV charging equipment without an unnecessary electrical panel or service upgrade, where permitted by the applicable installation requirements.
Both products are Made in Canada.
Is EVEMS Right for Every Home?
Not every home needs an EVEMS, and an EVEMS does not automatically eliminate the need for an electrical upgrade in every installation.
The existing electrical service, panel capacity, household loads, EV charger rating and applicable electrical requirements should all be evaluated before installation.
A qualified electrician can perform the necessary assessment and determine whether an EVEMS is an appropriate solution for your home.
Before You Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
If you’re planning to install a Level 2 EV charger and have been told that your home may require an electrical panel or service upgrade, it may be worthwhile to ask whether an EV Energy Management System (EVEMS) can be used instead.
For some homeowners, EVEMS can provide a practical way to add home EV charging while continuing to use the existing electrical service.
Learn more about the ATC-201 and ATC-202 EVEMS at TimelyEV.