Clear answer
Clear answer, explained.
Charge scheduling software distributes charging across lower-demand periods, preventing the demand spikes that increase monthly billing. For facilities with battery storage, the storage system can buffer EV charging demand during peak hours.
A properly designed charging system does not materially increase a facility's demand charges — but an unmanaged one can. This is why the electrical profile is assessed before any charger is specified.
Key points
What this means in practice.
- Unmanaged EV charging can trigger peak demand charges when multiple vehicles charge simultaneously
- Demand charges in Ontario are measured over 15-minute intervals and can represent 30–50% of the electricity bill
- Charge scheduling software distributes charging across lower-demand periods to prevent demand spikes
- Battery storage can buffer EV charging demand during peak hours, further protecting the demand charge
- A properly designed charging system does not materially increase a facility's demand charges
- The electrical profile is assessed before any charger is specified — load management is part of the design, not an afterthought
When this applies
Best-fit environments.
- You are planning a commercial EV charging deployment and want to understand the impact on your electricity bill
- Your facility already has high peak demand charges and you want to ensure EV charging does not worsen them
- You are evaluating whether load management software is necessary for your deployment scale
- You have an existing battery storage system and want to understand how it interacts with EV charging demand
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