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As electric vehicle sales continue to hit new records, more people are embracing the convenience and flexibility of charging their cars while they're parked. Unlike the traditional need to visit a gas station, the idea of starting each day with a fully charged battery is highly appealing. According to our research, **64% of current EV drivers charge their vehicles at home**, highlighting how deeply this practice has become part of everyday life.
However, charging your car from home is still a relatively new concept that brings up many practical questions. Did you know that **65% of EV drivers consider energy efficiency the most important factor when choosing an EV charger**? This shows that managing the power used for home charging is a real concern for many.
To help manage energy use and keep costs under control, homeowners are increasingly turning to **smart EV charging solutions**. Terms like *peak shaving* and *load shifting* are often mentioned, but there's a lot of confusion around what they really mean. In fact, these concepts are sometimes mistaken for features like *dynamic load balancing*. That’s why we’re here to break it all down in simple terms, without getting too technical.
Both *peak shaving* and *load shifting* are well-established terms in the energy industry, long before the rise of electric vehicles. They were originally used in industrial settings to reduce energy costs by managing electricity usage more efficiently. But now, as more people charge their cars at home, these strategies are being adapted for residential use—though on a much smaller scale.
So, let’s take a closer look at what these terms mean and how they can be applied to smart EV charging at home.
### What is Load Shifting?
The term "load shifting" might sound complicated, but it's actually quite straightforward. It refers to the practice of moving energy consumption to different times of the day, typically to take advantage of lower electricity rates.
In the energy world, “load†means the amount of electricity being used at any given time. When demand is high, so is the strain on the grid—and the cost. By shifting some of your energy use to off-peak hours, you can save money.
For example, if your utility company offers cheaper electricity during late night or early morning hours, you could schedule your EV charging during those times. A smart charger can automatically do this for you, making the process seamless and efficient.
Of course, it’s not always easy to shift your charging times to fit your daily routine. That’s where peak shaving comes in handy.
### What is Peak Shaving?
Peak shaving is another energy management strategy, but instead of shifting energy use, it focuses on reducing the overall demand on the grid during peak times.
This is done by either turning off non-essential equipment or using local energy sources—like solar panels or battery storage—to supplement the power supply. The goal is to avoid spikes in electricity demand, which often lead to higher costs and strain on the grid.
While traditionally used by large businesses, this approach is becoming more accessible for households, especially with the growing popularity of solar energy and home battery systems. With smart EV chargers, you can even combine stored solar energy with grid power to charge your car during high-demand periods—without increasing your energy bill.
### What About Dynamic Load Balancing?
Another feature often confused with peak shaving and load shifting is *dynamic load balancing*. This function helps distribute available power across multiple devices, ensuring that no single appliance overloads the system. It adjusts automatically based on changes in power demand, helping prevent outages and optimizing energy use.
While similar in purpose, dynamic load balancing is more about managing power distribution than reducing costs or avoiding peak times.
### The Difference Between Load Shifting and Peak Shaving
To summarize:
- **Load shifting** moves energy use to cheaper, off-peak times.
- **Peak shaving** reduces the total demand on the grid during high-use periods.
Both can be used together to create a more efficient and cost-effective charging experience.
### Final Thoughts
Smart EV charging is more than just convenience—it's about managing energy use wisely. Whether you're looking to cut costs, reduce your environmental impact, or simply make the most of your home's energy resources, understanding these concepts can help you make smarter decisions.
If you want to learn more about smart EV charging or how to better manage energy at home, check out our full guide on **EV smart charging**.