Load management — when the smart fix beats the big fix.

Load management systems share electrical capacity between two big loads — typically the EV charger and another major appliance (electric dryer, electric range, central A/C). When one is running, the other steps down. Total panel load stays under 100% capacity. Cost: $1,420 typical. Avoids the $3,800–$6,400 panel upgrade.

TYPICAL COST

$1,420 – $2,200

DURATION

2 – 3 hours

PERMITS

Sometimes — depends on system

WARRANTY

5-year mfr · 2-year install

How it works

A load management device monitors the current on both connected circuits. When the EV charger is in use, the device reduces or pauses the other appliance. The result: two high-amp loads sharing one circuit without exceeding panel capacity.

What systems network installers carry

DCC-10 by RVE — most popular. Switches between EV charger and dryer or range. $1,420 installed.
Tesla Powerwall Gateway — integrated load management for homes with Powerwall + Tesla EV. Higher cost, but tied into broader home energy management.
NeoCharge Smart Splitter — outlet-level sharing for 14-50 outlet installs. $580 installed; budget option.
Span Smart Panel — premium whole-home load management with app monitoring. $4,200+ installed; aspirational tier.

When load management makes sense

You have a 100A or 125A panel and want a Level 2 EV install
Your other big loads (dryer, range, A/C) aren't used while you charge overnight
You're not planning further electrification (heat pump, etc.) in the next 5 years
Panel upgrade cost ($4k+) would push the EV install out of budget

When to do the panel upgrade instead

You're planning multiple electrification upgrades
You have two EVs (load management between two chargers + another appliance is complex)
You want maximum future flexibility
You're already doing other electrical work — bundling saves $1k+

The network's principle on this: load management is almost always cheaper than a panel upgrade, but it's not "future-proofing." If you're staying in the home long-term and planning multiple electrification upgrades, the panel upgrade is the better investment. Talk through both at the free panel check.