AmpUp, a provider of intelligent electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has concluded the initial pilot of its Adapt managed charging program in Connecticut, showing that coordinated EV charging can lower grid demand more than three times more efficiently than a standard peaker plant during summer heat waves.
Developed through the Connecticut Innovative Energy Solutions (IES) Program, Adapt highlights how EV charging infrastructure can be leveraged as a flexible grid resource. The program ran from April to June 2025 and demonstrated a new model for integrating shared and public Level 2 EV chargers into utility grid services.
For engineers and utilities, the program provides a data-driven example of how to optimize charging loads, reduce peak demand, and maintain driver satisfaction.
Operating across more than 180 commercial sites, the program used AmpUp’s software platform to strategically pause or delay charging between 4–8 PM. EV drivers received wallet credits in the AmpUp app, while site hosts were compensated for making their chargers available.
This dual-incentive model resolved the challenge of aligning utility, driver, and property owner interests in public charging environments.
Program results:
- More than 5,400 kWh shifted from peak to off-peak hours across 650+ sessions.
- Average cost of demand reduction was under $0.50/kWh, over three times cheaper than traditional peaker plant operations.
- More than 85% of drivers rated the program positively, showing that managed charging can be implemented without disrupting user experience.
For engineers, the Adapt program underscores the role of software in enabling scalable EV load management.
By combining real-time data, predictive analytics, and open hardware compatibility, the program demonstrated a path to more resilient charging networks and reduced dependence on high-emission peaker plants, while maintaining reliable EV driver access to charging.
Filed Under: Charging, Technology News