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How does the energy management algorithm in RVE products work?

June 10, 2026

9 minutes

The HUB, the DCC+, and the SMP+ form a smart energy management system that dynamically manages the charging of multiple electric vehicles. This system is designed to protect the electrical infrastructure while maximizing the use of available energy.

Find out below how its unique load-shedding algorithm works to provide an optimal charging experience for all users.

Load Shedding Logic

RVE has developed a smart load shedding algorithm that adjusts energy distribution in real time based on several parameters:

  • the building’s available electrical capacity
  • the number of vehicles charging
  • the energy already consumed by each charging station
  • the distribution of charging stations across the different electrical phases
  • battery preheating requirements prior to charging
  • limiting fluctuations in the electrical infrastructure

This algorithm is the result of more than 11 years of research and development. It was designed using statistical data on average charging times observed in North America, combined with internal data collected by RVE (see references).

This energy management approach is used across all RVE solutions. In the case of SMP+, the algorithm plays an even more important role, as it must manage multiple charging stations connected to the same shared power source. 

Energy sharing with an SMP+

An electric vehicle driver travels an average of between 52 and 67 km per day (~15 kWh). 

With a 32-amp charging station (~6.6 kW), daily charging typically takes between 1 and 3 hours, depending on usage. This means there is plenty of time to charge overnight.

If the building’s electrical capacity is limited, the SMP shuts down certain charging stations to protect the electrical infrastructure and automatically adjusts power distribution based on charging needs and the building’s electrical safety.

Example

4:00 p.m. – Three cars plugged in
Three residents return home from work and plug in their vehicles. There is enough available capacity in the building, so the three cars begin charging normally.
6:00 p.m. – Three new cars are plugged in, bringing the total to six
Three other residents arrive and plug in their cars as well.

But this time, the building’s capacity is more limited because it’s rush hour; people are cooking, taking showers, and doing laundry. As a result, electricity demand is high.

Load shedding to protect the electrical infrastructure
The system disconnects power among the first three cars connected, based on energy consumption and the power limit of the electrical infrastructure specified by the electrician.
Depending on the load distribution and available capacity in the electrical infrastructure, vehicles that have received the least amount of energy will be given priority for resuming charging.
The building's capacity is available again
The system waits a few minutes before activating a new charging station or group of charging stations.
It then activates a new charging station or group of charging stations one by one, with a few minutes' interval between each one.
If the electrical load remains high for an extended period
The system applies a rotation rule based on real-time data.
The charging stations that were paused earlier are reactivated, while the others are deactivated.

FAQ

How long will my vehicle be charging before its load is shed?

The charging duration before load shedding depends on several real-time factors. If the building’s available electrical capacity is exceeded, the system prioritizes equity among users. The charging stations that have already received the most energy will be cut off first, to allow those that have received less energy to continue charging.

When will my vehicle start charging again?

As soon as electrical capacity becomes available, the system automatically restores power to the charging stations. If capacity remains limited for an extended period, the system implements a smart rotation cycle. This cycle takes several factors into account:

  • the building’s current energy capacity, 
  • the number of active charging stations, 
  • the amount of energy already delivered to each vehicle, 
  • the electrical phases to which the charging stations are connected.

This ensures a fair and optimal distribution of the available energy.

What is the probability that my vehicle will be charged? What distance (in km) will my vehicle be able to travel?

The amount of energy your vehicle receives depends on the charging station’s power output, the vehicle’s onboard charger, the electrical capacity of the infrastructure, the number of vehicles charging at the same time, and so on.

In a residential setting, a vehicle plugged in at night will almost always be fully charged by the next morning. This statement is based on statistical data on the average charging time observed in North America, as well as on internal statistical data available to RVE. The building’s energy demand decreases overnight, allowing all plugged-in vehicles to complete their charge. You can therefore count on maximum range the following morning.

How does billing work with SMP+, and what are the different pricing options?

SMP+ enables accurate billing certified by Measurement Canada, based on the actual energy consumed by each charging station (in kWh). To enable this feature, SMP+ must be connected to the Internet.

Monthly usage reports are available free of charge via the Connect portal with the standard plan. For fully automated user billing, the RVE Payment option is available with the premium plan. This plan also includes the extended warranty covering RVE equipment.

Does charging work on a “first come, first served” basis?

No, the system implements a smart rotation cycle. This cycle takes several factors into account:

  • the building’s current energy capacity, 
  • the number of active charging stations, 
  • the amount of energy already delivered to each vehicle, 
  • the electrical phases to which the charging stations are connected.

This ensures a fair and optimal distribution of the available energy.

Does the charging station always provide either 100% power or 0%, or is the power shared between the vehicles (e.g., 32 A divided into 2 x 16 A)?

The SMP+ does not distribute power simultaneously or equally among vehicles. Power is managed in cycles: a group of vehicles is supplied with 100% of the available power for a given period, after which charging is paused for those vehicles to allow others to charge at full power in turn. This allows the full power to be distributed based on the vehicles, the size of their batteries, and user consumption.

Energy distribution with an SMP+

Power sharing with networked charging stations

Why does the charging power delivered to the vehicle decrease toward the end of the charging cycle?

Just like cell phones, electric cars automatically reduce their charging power when the battery is nearly full—around 80%.

Why is the SMP+ experience better than that of networked charging stations?
  • Technological independence (compatible with all panels and charging stations);
  • Fair energy distribution based on real-time needs;
  • Billing per kWh certified by Measurement Canada;
  • Helps avoid costly infrastructure upgrades;
  • Compatibility with the HUB for building- and site-wide power management;
  • Constant electrical infrastructure protection, independent of an internet connection for optimal reliability  ;
  • 0 A safety current (fail-safe): complete power disconnection in the event of a failure or emergency;
  • Smart dynamic energy management, based on vehicle power; requirements and charging needs while prioritizing available electrical capacity.

References

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