Schneider Electric has introduced a new 48-amp home EV charger, the Schneider Charge, designed to address the costly challenge of insufficient electrical panel capacity. The charger uses built-in dynamic load management, via the SmartAmp system, to monitor a home's real-time electricity usage and automatically adjust the EV's charging rate up or down. This can allow many homeowners to install Level 2 charging without the need for expensive electrical panel or service upgrades, which Schneider estimates can cost between $2,000 and $6,500.
“As homeowners buy EVs and add high-power electric technologies, many are realizing their existing electrical systems were not built for that level of demand,” said Shawn Bonacorsi, head of electrification solutions at Schneider Electric’s North America operations. “Schneider Charge helps remove that installation hurdle by enabling safe, reliable Level 2 charging within a home’s existing electrical capacity.”
The charger's SmartAmp system uses current transformers to measure a home's electricity use in real time. It can temporarily reduce the EV's charging speed when other large loads, such as dryers or ovens, are active, and increase it again when demand drops. This load-management function operates independently of Wi-Fi and does not require a separate monitoring device.
The Schneider Charge is certified under UL 3141, a standard covering power-control equipment designed to prevent electrical overloads. UL Solutions notes that such systems can offer a less expensive alternative to panel or utility-service upgrades. However, a professional electrician must still assess the home's wiring, panel, service capacity, and local code requirements to determine if a managed-load installation is viable, as acceptance depends on the local authority having jurisdiction.
The charger delivers up to 11.5 kW at 48 amps, comes with a 25-foot cable and a choice of J1772 or NACS connectors. The initial model is hardwired; a plug-in version is expected in early 2027.
The Schneider Charge app allows drivers to monitor charging, adjust settings, and schedule charging for off-peak electricity rates. It supports OCPP 1.6, an open communications standard, to enable future integration with utility and grid-service programs. Schneider is partnering with home electrification installer Qmerit to provide installation support. The charger is now available in the US and Canada through authorized distributors and Schneider Electric's online marketplace; pricing has not yet been disclosed.
This solution directly lowers the barrier and cost for EV charger installation, which is crucial for accelerating charging infrastructure deployment. For businesses involved in EV infrastructure, property development, or fleet electrification, this technology can reduce installation costs and simplify project logistics, making EV adoption more accessible for residential and commercial customers. The ability to avoid costly panel upgrades can also shorten project timelines and improve return on investment for charging station projects.
Efficient EV charging infrastructure depends on reliable energy storage. Our battery solutions can integrate with smart charging systems to optimize load management and provide backup, using our online tool for rapid configuration support.
