Overview
ChargeBoost™ is a utility-integrated electric vehicle charging solution that enables homeowners to install high-speed EV chargers without costly electrical service upgrades. By connecting an Emporia EV Charger directly with your utility-provided Smart Meter, the system intelligently manages your home's electrical load in real time. ChargeBoost operates as an Automatic Load Management System (ALMS) under the National Electrical Code (NEC), continuously monitoring your home's power usage to ensure your electrical service is never overloaded.
Note: ChargeBoost is currently available as a pilot program with PG&E and requires an Itron Riva Smart Meter.
Who Is ChargeBoost For?
ChargeBoost is designed for:
Homeowners who want to install a Level 2 EV charger without expensive electrical panel upgrades
Homes with 100A or 150A electrical service, where traditional high-speed charger installation would require costly service upgrades
Households with high baseline electrical loads where adding an EV charger would otherwise exceed panel capacity during peak usage times
How ChargeBoost Works
ChargeBoost uses a permission-based approach that prioritizes the safety of your electrical panel above all else. The system continuously communicates with your utility's Smart Meter to monitor real-time power availability and adjust charging speed accordingly.
Safe Mode (8 Amps Default)
When your EV Charger is first installed—or if it loses connection with the Smart Meter—it automatically operates in Safe Mode at a maximum of 8 Amps. This firmware-locked low-power state ensures the charger adds minimal load to your panel, keeping your home safe regardless of what other appliances are running.
Boost Mode (Up to 48 Amps)
The charger communicates directly with your utility's Smart Meter over a secure local network. When the Smart Meter detects sufficient available power (for example, when high-draw appliances like your dryer or air conditioner are off), it sends a "Boost" signal to the charger, allowing it to increase charging speed up to the maximum rate configured by your installer.
Automatic Protection
If the connection between the Smart Meter and the Charger is interrupted for any reason, the charger immediately reverts to Safe Mode at 8 Amps.
Information for Electrical Inspectors
Code Compliance
System Type: Utility-integrated ALMS
Fail-Safe Mechanism: Firmware-enforced 8A default charging rate
Load Calculation: Per NEC 625.42(B), calculated load is based on ALMS settings, not maximum nameplate rating
Manufacturer Compliance Statement (PDF)
Inspection Guidelines
During final inspection, you may observe the EVSE charging at only 8 Amps if utility Smart Meter provisioning has not yet been completed. This is expected behavior and confirms proper fail-safe functionality. Key points:
The EVSE will not exceed 8A until the utility completes digital provisioning
Circuit breaker should be sized for maximum potential load (e.g., 60A breaker for 48A maximum boost rate)
8A Safe Mode operation demonstrates proper fail-safe functionality
Frequently Asked Questions
"Why is my car charging slowly at 8 Amps after installation?"
Your charger is operating in Safe Mode because the Boost signal from your Smart Meter is not yet active. This occurs during initial setup before utility provisioning is complete, or if there's a communication issue. Contact your installer or Utility provider to verify provisioning status.
"What happens if my internet or Wi-Fi goes down?"
If communication is lost, the charger automatically reverts to Safe Mode at 8 Amps until the connection is restored, ensuring your electrical system remains protected.
"Do I need to upgrade my main electrical panel?"
In most cases, no. ChargeBoost monitors your home's actual energy usage and adjusts charging speed automatically, eliminating the need for expensive service upgrades.
"How long does it take to provision the Smart Meter connection?"
Provisioning timelines vary. Your installer will coordinate with your Utility provider to complete this process. During this period, your charger will operate in 8A Safe Mode.
"Can I manually override the charging speed?"
No. The charging speed is automatically managed based on real-time Smart Meter data, which enables safe operation without a panel upgrade.
Feedback and Suggestions
At Emporia, our goal is to help you understand ChargeBoost™ and make the most of smart EV charging without costly panel upgrades. If you have any feedback on this article or questions about our EV chargers, please don't hesitate to reach out to our customer support team.