Schneider May Have a Workaround for a Panel Upgrade to Accommodate An EV Charger

Schneider Electric’s new 48-amp home EV charger is designed to address one of the most expensive challenges that can come with installing Level 2 charging: discovering that a home requires an electrical panel or service upgrade.

The new Schneider Charge uses built-in dynamic load management to monitor a home’s electricity consumption and automatically adjust the EV’s charging rate. This can allow some homeowners to install Level 2 charging without exceeding their existing electrical capacity.

Schneider estimates that electrical panel and service upgrades can cost $2,000 to $6,500 or more, depending on the home and required work.

“Schneider Charge helps remove that installation hurdle by enabling safe, reliable Level 2 charging within a home’s existing electrical capacity,” said Shawn Bonacorsi, head of electrification solutions at Schneider Electric’s North America operations.

How Schneider Charge Manages Electrical Load

The charger’s SmartAmp system uses included current transformers to measure household electricity consumption in real time. When major loads such as an electric dryer or oven increase demand, SmartAmp can temporarily reduce the EV’s charging rate. When household demand falls, the charger can increase the charging rate again.

The system continues operating if the home’s Wi-Fi connection goes down and does not require a separate monitoring device or gateway.

Schneider Charge delivers up to 11.5 kW at 48 amps, although actual charging speed depends on the EV’s onboard charger. It includes a 25-foot cable and is available with either a J1772 or NACS connector. The initial model requires hardwiring, while a plug-in version is planned for early 2027.

The charger is part of a UL 3141-certified system designed to prevent electrical overloads. However, whether load management can eliminate the need for a panel or service upgrade depends on the home, local electrical codes and approval from the authority having jurisdiction. An electrician must still evaluate the home’s wiring, panel and service capacity.

App Controls and Future Grid Programs

The Schneider Charge app allows drivers to monitor charging, adjust settings and schedule charging during periods when electricity rates are lower.

The charger also supports OCPP 1.6, an open communications standard that can connect charging equipment with management platforms and potentially support future utility and grid-service programs.

Schneider is working with home electrification installer Qmerit to provide installation support. Schneider Charge is available in the United States and Canada through authorized distributors and Schneider Electric’s online marketplace. Pricing was not disclosed.