PowerFlex and Caltech Pioneer Campus-Wide Adaptive Electric Vehicle Charging

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is renowned for its leadership in scientific research and innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in technology and sustainability. Caltech continually seeks out forward-thinking solutions that support both its academic mission and its responsibility to the planet.

The Challenge

Meeting Growing Demand for Campus EV Charging

As electric vehicle adoption accelerated among students, faculty, and staff, Caltech faced the challenge of providing reliable and accessible charging infrastructure across its Pasadena campus. The institute needed a solution that could accommodate a rapidly increasing number of EV drivers, including those requiring fast charging, without the need for costly and disruptive electrical upgrades. Caltech sought a partner who could deliver a scalable, future-proof system that would not only meet current demand but also support ongoing research and sustainability initiatives.

PowerFlex’s Solution

Cross-Campus EV Charging With Adaptive Load Management

INSTALLATION TYPE

EV Charging

INSTALLATION SIZES

211 Level 2 Chargers
6 DC Fast Chargers

LOCATION

Pasadena, CA

PowerFlex partnered with Caltech to deploy more than 200 Level 2 EV chargers and 6 DC Fast Chargers across multiple parking garages on the Pasadena campus. Leveraging PowerFlex’s Adaptive Load Management® (ALM) software, the system allowed for a greater number of chargers to be installed with less infrastructure investment compared to traditional methods. The ALM technology dynamically manages power distribution based on real-time demand, building load, and available capacity, enabling Caltech to support a large and growing EV community without costly electrical upgrades. In addition to expanding charging access, the smart system is also helping Caltech advance its own research on EV charging, further reinforcing the university’s leadership in sustainability and innovation.

“Sustainability is important at Caltech. Caltech has a reputation for being a leader in science technology. We’re trying to be equally world-class in building, operating, and maintaining our physical campus.”

John Onderdonk

Chief Sustainability Officer, California Institute of Technology