⚡Load Balancing, Explained

Smarter Power Distribution Minus the Costly Upgrades and Grid Strains

As EV adoption accelerates, multi-residential and commercial property managers and owners are feeling the pressure to keep up.

Charging infrastructure is often underplanned, not future-proofed, or unable to keep up with growing demand.

Upgrading electrical capacity whether at the breaker, panel or transformer level, is often costly, complex and disruptive to implement.

What is Load Balancing?

Load balancing controls how much power is distributed across multiple EV chargers on a  shared circuit.

It may be ideal for properties that want to operate multiple charging ports without running the risk of breaker trippage and charger downtime.

🛜Think of it like Wi-Fi bandwidth sharing, but for electricity

Let’s say you’re at a coffee shop with access to its private Wi-Fi network:

One user gets full speed. Add ten more, and the network shares capacity so everyone stays connected at a functional speed especially during peak times when demand spikes (usually between 8-11am).

Your Wi-Fi experience may be throttled especially during peak hours with clear usage spikes when more users are transiting through and getting connected.

The same goes for EV chargers all connected to the same circuit.

✅ Why Properties Implement Load Balancing:

• Avoid costly electrical upgrades especially if you’re a retrofit:  Support more charging ports on existing infrastructure without costly new panels or electrical service upgrade

• Prevent breaker trips: Automated controls (Dynamic load balancing)  eliminate the risk of overloaded circuits

• Reduce utility demand charges: Smoothing consumption peaks keeps monthly bills in check

• Maximize charger access:  More drivers can charge reliably without competing for limited ports

  
  

🚗 What EV Users Experience:

• More chargers available, less competition, less risk of downtime and subsequent user complaints

• Steady (if opting for low-power solution)  overnight trickle charging , often sufficient for residents who are plugged in 10+ hrs overnight

• Variable but consistent speeds depending on demand - peak times, time of usage, seasonality, driver type (ie. resident vs. guest)

Static and Dynamic Load Balancing -  Understanding The Difference:

1. Static Load Balancing

   Compatible for balancing a combination of L1, L2, L3 OCPP Plugzio devices

Static load balancing is a straightforward approach to load balancing,  setting a fixed limit on how much each charger can draw  configurable via Plugzio’s cloud management software.

Since the power is capped, each charger operates within its assigned limit regardless of whether other chargers are in use. Chargers with sufficient current will be able to start a session.

Scenario:

• Dial down a Level 2 Artemis 48A charger from current 48A > 32A often at time of installation.

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2. Dynamic Load Balancing

   Compatible for balancing a combination of L1, L2, L3 OCPP Plugzio devices

   
   

Real-time load balancing  across chargers, automatically adjusting based on demand and each device’s thresholds (min/max varies by model).

All configuration is managed through the Plugzio dashboard, with chargers required to be online and fully connected for dynamic balancing to work.

💡Though typically recommended to be shared between 2 chargers.  In some layouts, up to 4 chargers can be dynamically balanced (ie. shared circuit across a quad of parking spaces).

The Perks?

With Plugzio, dynamic load balance can be dependent on time of day, seasonality, number of devices, user/account type adjusting the charger’s draw so the total never exceeds your building’s available capacity,

For EV drivers/end users, a benefit here is the ability to cap charge levels to optimize their battery longevity (typically to 80%).

Scenario:

Let’s say we have 2 cars plugged into  2 x Level 2 48A Plugzio Artemis devices on a 60A breaker. 

Applying the 80% rule, the available capacity is 48A total, shared across both chargers:

• Device A turns on, Device B is off = Device A gets the full 48A

• Device A and Device B are both on  = Both Devices A & B get an even 24A

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How to Implement Load Balancing with Plugzio

For Plugzio managers looking for further guidance on how to get set up in the management dashboard, we’ve rounded up a  few comprehensive resources to support you through your setup process.

Head over to our step by step breakdown along or connect with Plugzio’s support team for assistance at help@plugzio.com:

• [Support Article] Load Balancing Level 1 and Level 2 Device Overview

• [Support Article] Setting up a Load Balancing Group with Plugzio