PowerSmart dynamically adjusts your EV Charger's charging rate to prevent panel overloading by monitoring system usage with an Emporia Energy Monitor. This allows the installation of a 48A EV Charger without electrical service panel upgrades. PowerSmart can manage single or multiple EV Chargers simultaneously.
Pre-requisites for PowerSmart Setup
Before proceeding to set up PowerSmart, ensure the following:
Obtain PowerSmart software for your charger. PowerSmart comes pre-installed on Emporia Pro Level 2 EV Chargers. For Emporia Classic Level 2 EV Chargers, a paid software upgrade is required:
Energy Monitor + Software Upgrade (for Classic EV Charger owners): $200
Software Upgrade Only (for existing energy monitor and EV charger owners): $125
Install the Vue Energy Monitor (Vue 2 or Vue 3) to monitor the electrical panel that the EV Charger is wired to.
Confirm the Service Rating of your panel to ensure PowerSmart can manage the maximum current (typically your main breaker size, e.g., 100A, 150A, 200A).
Configuration Settings
Enabled: Toggle to activate/deactivate PowerSmart. Recommended to keep enabled when PowerSmart is required.
Energy Monitor: Select your Vue 2 or Vue 3 device to monitor your system's energy consumption.
Service Rating: Enter your electrical service panel's amperage rating (typically your main breaker size, e.g., 100A, 150A, 200A).
Minimum Guaranteed Charge Rate: Specify the available amperage in your service panel before installation of the EV Charger. PowerSmart will allow the charger to draw up to this amount regardless of real-time Energy Monitor measurements.
PowerSmart for Multiple Chargers
When managing multiple EV Chargers, PowerSmart requires additional configuration:
Minimum Guaranteed Charge Rate: Total amperage available for all EV charging across your panel. PowerSmart will distribute this capacity among active chargers.
Individual Charger Limits: Each charger maintains its maximum charge rate setting, which PowerSmart will not exceed even when capacity is available.
Dynamic Distribution: When multiple EVs are charging, available power is automatically distributed based on:
Equal sharing among chargers with the same service rating
Proportional allocation based on individual charger ratings
Real-time adjustments as vehicles complete charging or are plugged in
System Requirements for Multi-EVSE
All chargers must have PowerSmart capability or an upgrade
A single Vue energy monitor can manage multiple chargers
The electrical panel must have sufficient total capacity for the minimum charging requirements (6A per charger minimum)
All chargers must be on the same electrical panel being monitored
Important: How PowerSmart Affects Other Emporia Features
PowerSmart prioritizes electrical safety and will override other energy management features when necessary:
Manual charge rate adjustments are disabled while PowerSmart is active
Schedules (Time of Use) are respected, but PowerSmart may reduce rates during scheduled charging to maintain safe capacity
Peak Demand Management is overridden by PowerSmart for safety reasons
Excess Solar Management works complementary with PowerSmart without interference
FAQs and Troubleshooting
Q: What happens if the Minimum Guaranteed Charge Rate is set too high?
Setting amperage above the breaker's continuous charging limit may cause system inefficiencies and pose safety risks. Always ensure your settings align with your panel's actual capacity and consult a licensed electrician if unsure.
Q: Can I manually adjust the charge rate while PowerSmart is active?
No, manual charge rate adjustment is disabled while PowerSmart is active to maintain safe limits based on real-time service load. PowerSmart automatically optimizes your charging rate.
For more information about PowerSmart, including how it works, cost savings, and feature limitations, see our main PowerSmart article.
Feedback and Suggestions
This knowledge base is part of our ongoing effort to help you maximize your energy management capabilities. If you found this article unclear or feel we could provide additional helpful information, please don't hesitate to contact our customer support team. We value your feedback and continuously strive to improve our guides.