Emporia, a Colorado-based smart home energy management technology company, has introduced its intelligent Load Management for Emporia EV Chargers to its growing portfolio of cost-saving products. Homeowners across the U.S. are embracing the future of transportation by switching to electric vehicles (EVs). However, for those with limited electrical panels, typically rated at 100 amps, installing a Level 2 EV charger has been a challenge. Depending on an existing home’s setup and location upgrading to a 200 AMP can cost anywhere from $1,280-$5,000! Smart panels on the market today start at $3500 before installation, taxes and shipping, clearly illustrating how quickly costs can escalate.
The public charging network is still developing, and is often unreliable, making home charging the most preferred among EV owners. This groundbreaking solution not only complies with existing National Electric Code standards but also allows customers to install the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger without the need for expensive panel upgrades.
How does it work?
Your electrical panel serves as the heart of your home’s electrical system, distributing power to various appliances and devices. However, older homes often have panels with limited capacity, typically 100 amps. Imagine being at home at 6 p.m. when dinner is being made on the stove, Netflix is streaming, lights are on in the house and a load of laundry is going. Each of those require power and there’s simply not enough left over to charge a car in the garage which is why the panel needs to be upgraded to allow for the increased power coming into the home and why it can get costly quickly.
Now, with Emporia’s intelligent Load Management product, power can be diverted where it’s needed all without any intervention. Now, your charger will understand it can begin to draw power during the middle of the night when all of the lights are off, laundry is done and the only thing running is likely the HVAC system. In this scenario there’s enough power left over to charge an EV. Being able to accomplish this with the existing electrical setup sounds simple, but it’s the result of more than a year of engineering and testing to ensure reliability and safety.
Is it Safe?
Yes, absolutely. The product has undergone extensive texting and both the Level 2 EV charger, and the in-panel monitor have been certified by UL, a third-party regulatory agency within the United States. The Load Management software is also compliant with the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 70 National Electric Code.
Emporia’s Load Management product includes an in-panel monitor and Level 2 Charger will retail for $599 from emporiaenergy.com and Amazon.