Making the most out of DC smart charging [2023 update]

Charging possibilities have developed rapidly

Electric mobility has grown quickly over the last few years. At the same time, EV charging infrastructure has also evolved, becoming much more than just hardware.

This is where smart charging comes into play.

In this article, we’ll explain what smart EV charging is and how it relates specifically to DC charging.

What is smart charging?

Smart charging, also known as intelligent charging, refers to a range of features that optimize EV charging infrastructure and minimize the impact on your location's electrical system. It allows for better management of power usage and ensures efficient energy distribution.

We asked Jelle van Doornik, our product manager and smart charging expert, to explain what smart charging really means in one of our REVOLUTION Podcast episodes.

“Smart charging is an umbrella term for many different features that all aim to influence the energy consumption of the vehicle. Instead of just charging as fast as possible, the charging rate can be adapted based on different factors. That can be sustainability, costs, or dividing the energy over other vehicles or appliances that are there. Smart charging is all about dividing the electricity in the smartest way possible.” – Jelle van Doornik, Product Manager at EVBox.

Essentially, smart charging aims to optimize the available energy at your location and helps you make the most of your DC fast charging infrastructure.

A (load) balancing act

One of the main challenges smart charging helps solve is balancing power loads between individual charging stations and between your charging infrastructure and the rest of your location.

EV charging, especially DC fast charging, is incredibly power-intensive and can strain your grid connection if not managed properly.

Load balancing can intelligently manage the power distribution between your DC fast charging stations, the grid, and your location. There are two main types of power distribution: cluster load balancing and dynamic load balancing.

Cluster Load Balancing

Cluster load balancing refers to power distribution between charging stations. Let’s take a look at how this works with a simplified example. Imagine you have a total power capacity of 300 kW for fast charging at your location, and three DC charging stations installed, each with a maximum output of 150 kW. If two are in use, both get 150 kW. But if the third is used, you need 450 kW, which exceeds your limit. Cluster load balancing automatically lowers the output of the other two stations so all three can share 100 kW each.

Dynamic Load Balancing

Dynamic load balancing monitors changes in energy use on your circuit and allocates the available capacity to different appliances automatically. For example, if heavy machinery uses 100 kW, and your charging stations are already using all available power, dynamic load balancing slows down the charging process to free up space for the other devices.

Simultaneous Charging

Simultaneous charging is a smart feature that allows multiple cars to charge at the same time from a single station. It divides the available power between the vehicles, ensuring they all charge without exceeding the station’s maximum output.

For instance, if a station has a maximum output of 150 kW and two cars plug in, it splits the power evenly, giving each 75 kW. If one car can only take 50 kW, the other gets 100 kW instead of splitting equally unnecessarily.

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) Technology

V2G technology allows bidirectional charging between an EV and the grid, enabling the vehicle’s battery to act as a power source. This is particularly useful for large fleets and workplaces with many vehicles. In case of a power cut, these vehicles can provide backup power, and they can also store excess renewable energy generated by solar panels or other sources.

What does smart charging mean for businesses?

Smart charging maximizes the value of your DC fast charging investment. Load balancing ensures maximum utilization of your stations without overloading your power supply, while simultaneous charging allows more vehicles to charge at the same time. This makes your charging infrastructure more efficient and cost-effective.

Smart charging for smart businesses

Not all DC charging stations are the same, and the best option for your business depends on your specific needs. We offer a variety of charging stations designed to take full advantage of smart charging, supporting businesses of all sizes in their electrification journey. For detailed specifications and use cases, check out our DC charging stations tailored for every business looking to go green.