From the Desk of Aaron Li, CEO of Pando Electric

Why Pando Chose a Networked Level 2 Outlet Over a Level 1 Solution

As we continue to transform the EV charging landscape for multifamily communities, it’s essential to address one of our industry's most fundamental questions: Why should we focus on a networked Level 2 smart outlet instead of a more basic Level 1 alternative? The answer lies in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety—all critical pillars for delivering a superior EV charging experience. 

1- Cost Comparison: Breaking Down the Myths

At first glance, Level 1 charging may appear to be the more affordable option due to lower upfront hardware and installation costs. Level 1 chargers often require minimal infrastructure, as they can be plugged into standard 120V outlets using lower-gauge wiring and less electrician time. However, Pando Electric’s Smart Outlet changes the game.

Thanks to our Adaptive Load Management technology and Daisy Chaining installation setup, the costs of installing our Level 2 Smart Outlets are now on par with Level 1 solutions. By intelligently balancing energy usage across multiple outlets, we significantly reduce the electrical infrastructure upgrades typically associated with Level 2 installations. This means multifamily properties can achieve premium Level 2 performance without the hefty price tag often associated with traditional Level 2 setups. On the one hand, we can retrofit level 2 charging into existing buildings without upgrading the electric panel and transformer capacity; on the other hand, we use daisy-chaining to save feeder, conduit, and labor costs so that we can minimize the total upfront cost.

Something we proved with our Woodland Creek installation. 

2- Charging Speeds: The Game-Changer

One of the biggest limitations of Level 1 charging is its speed. Operating at approximately 1.3 kW, a Level 1 charger can take upwards of 100 hours to charge an EV from 0% to 100%. While this may suffice for daily driving—providing about 40 miles of range overnight—it falls short for drivers who need to charge their EVs quickly. This limitation often leads to range anxiety, especially for multifamily residents who rely on reliable and rapid charging at home.

In contrast, Pando’s Level 2 Smart Outlets deliver 9.6 kW of power (50% higher than the Level 2 standard of 6.6 kW), enabling a full charge from 0% to 100% in 8 hours - providing more than 300 miles overnight. This means that even if a resident returns home with a nearly depleted battery, they can wake up to a fully charged vehicle the next morning. By alleviating range anxiety, our solution empowers EV drivers with the confidence to embrace electric mobility without compromise.

There are some companies marketing level 2 charging outlets that can only achieve 16A charging current and 4.8 kW output. This is a low charging speed, producing about half the mileage (150mi) overnight as a Pando Smart Outlet. This means that many driving scenarios are not covered and are now asking EV drivers to compromise their driving habits, making driving an EV less desirable instead of more.

Further, the lower-grade feeder and conduit to carry the current, and the lack of an adaptive load management system, make it impossible for future upgrades. We do not recommend a low current low power level 2 charging outlet, since it is effectively a level 1 system incapable of handling all your driving needs.

3- Supporting OCPP and CTEP

CTEP, the standard that makes revenue-grade metering possible, gives the Pando Smart Outlet the potential to qualify for utility incentives to lower the $/kWh rate. Again, giving EV drivers a break on their monthly bills makes driving an EV more desirable.

OCPP makes interoperability possible with all other chargers, meaning that property owners can add different kinds of stations to their properties without the worry of managing multiple systems. This also gives the property more flexibility if they want to switch providers (if one is failing them or going out of business). 

No other smart charging outlets provide similar features. The Pando Smart Outlet is the only one in the market that does so. 

Why did we do this? Simply put, the long-term value of our customers' investment, the long-term happiness of the EV drivers, and the superiority of our hardware and software allow us to bring future innovations to market easily.

4- Dumb Outlets vs. Intelligent Solutions

Safety and operational efficiency are paramount when considering EV charging infrastructure. While traditional “dumb” outlets—such as those found at your local hardware store—might seem like a quick and cheap solution, they pose significant risks and inefficiencies:

1. Safety Concerns: Standard outlets are not designed for repeated plug/unplug cycles or the weight of a charging cable. Additionally, they lack the built-in protections necessary for EV charging, such as current monitoring and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) breakers. This makes them more prone to overheating and potential fire hazards.

2. Energy Accountability: Dumb outlets cannot monitor or bill for energy usage, leading to significant cost inefficiencies. For example, properties that rely on these outlets can lose an estimated $2,000 per EV per year due to unmonitored energy consumption. In contrast, Pando Smart Outlets feature energy-grade meters with full CTEP certification, ensuring precise energy tracking and billing.

3. Networked Advantages: Unlike dumb outlets, our Smart Outlets offer a fully networked solution, enabling real-time monitoring, load balancing, and predictive maintenance. These features not only enhance the user experience but also reduce operational costs for property managers.

4. Durability: Pando Smart Outlets can withstand over 15,000 cycles of plug/unplug, giving it 40 years of usable life under normal working conditions.

   
   

5- The Pando Difference

At Pando Electric, our mission is to deliver intelligent, cost-effective, and future-ready charging solutions for multifamily communities. This is THE ultimate solution for the mass adoption of EVs.

By choosing a networked Level 2 outlet over a Level 1 alternative, we’ve created a solution that:

• Matches Level 1 installation costs through advanced load management and daisy-chaining capabilities, without compromising speed.

• Delivers 7x faster charging speeds, ensuring a full overnight charge and eliminating range anxiety.

• Ensures safety, cost efficiency, and durability with built-in protections, precise energy monitoring, and the ability to last a lifetime.

The Pando Smart Outlet embodies our commitment to innovation and reliability, making it the clear choice for multifamily communities looking to support EV adoption. Together, let’s drive the future of electric mobility forward.

Aaron Li

CEO, Pando Electric