Transformer-Level Automated Load Management for EV Charging in Multi Unit Dwellings

Grid Decarbonization and Decentralization Low Carbon Transportation

GoPowerEV Inc.

Recipient

Palo Alto, CA

Recipient Location

13th

Senate District

23rd

Assembly District

closed

Completed

Project Status

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Project Result

GoPower has developed an Automated Load Management (ALM) Gateway that provides local, real-time control for dynamic power management of EV charging within existing electrical constraints. The ALM Gateway is progressing through UL 3141 safety certification, supporting alignment with emerging power control system requirements. The team is actively working to deploy and validate the transformer-based ALM system in operational utility environments. In parallel, GoPower has sourced and integrated a distribution transformer monitoring solution to enable real-time visibility into upstream secondary distribution grid capacity.

The Issue

Deployment of EV charging in multifamily housing is often delayed or made cost-prohibitive due to electrical capacity constraints at building panels and upstream distribution equipment. Traditional planning and permitting rely on conservative, static load assumptions that frequently trigger costly infrastructure upgrades even when actual coincident demand would remain within safe operating limits. As a result, many multifamily properties are unable to deploy sufficient EV charging to meet resident demand, slowing equitable access to transportation electrification.

Project Innovation

This project will develop and demonstrate electric vehicle charging automated load management system that adjusts charging load considering real-time distribution transformer monitoring data. The project demonstration will address the unique charging needs of multi-unit-dwelling customers and drive increased adoption of upgrade-deferring technology for electric vehicle charging in California.

Project Benefits

Transformer-based automated load management (ALM) increases EV charging capacity by actively managing load within existing electrical infrastructure limits and using real-time measurements at the distribution transformer to align charging demand with actual grid capacity rather than conservative static assumptions. This approach can reduce or defer costly panel, service, and transformer upgrades while maintaining safety and reliability, making it especially well-suited for multifamily housing where many chargers share constrained upstream equipment. With fast, failsafe local control and cloud-based coordination that provides visibility and accountability for utilities and property operators, transformer-based ALM enables faster, lower-cost deployment of EV charging as adoption expands to the mass market.