Stepwise Tap™ — Fast EV Charging· Flathead Valley
Stepwise Tap™ — Fast EV Charging Without a Panel Upgrade
Most homes can add a 48A Level 2 EV charger without an expensive service upgrade. The Stepwise Tap™ is a UL-listed Energy Management System that manages your panel load automatically — giving you fast charging at a fraction of the cost.
A smarter way to add EV charging
Adding a new EV charger often pushes an electrical panel past its limits — which normally means a panel upgrade costing $3,000–$6,000, plus utility delays and added labor.
Stepwise Tap™ eliminates all of that.
The Tap is a smart device that automatically manages your charger’s load. When your home’s usage increases — AC, dryer, oven, hot tub — Stepwise intelligently adjusts the charging so you never overload your panel..
Result:
- Install 48A fast charging even on “full” panels
- Charge 2–3× faster than a basic 24A outlet
- Avoid an expensive panel upgrade
- Installed cleanly in about 2 hours
Benefits List
- 2–3× faster charging vs standard 24A outlets
- Skips the need for a panel upgrade (save $3–$6K)
- Safe & certified — UL‑listed, USA‑made
- Future‑proof — supports multiple EVs & future appliances
- Real-time usage monitoring
Stepwise Tap™ Installation Pricing
EV Charger + Stepwise Tap™ EMS Installation: $1,515
- Stepwise Tap™ supplied by CMB Electric
- Charger supplied by customer
- 2-week lead time on the Tap
- Permit and inspection included
- Installed in approximately 2 hours
Not sure if the Stepwise Tap™ is right for your home? Our EV Charger Evaluation ($125, credited toward the install) covers a site visit and capacity assessment.
Stepwise Tap™ vs. Full Panel Upgrade — Which One Do You Need?
Both are safe, code-approved solutions. The right choice depends on your panel's condition, your planned loads, and your long-term goals.
Stepwise Tap™ is likely the right fit when:
- You're adding an EV charger and your panel is full or nearly full
- Your panel is in good condition but lacks available capacity
- You want to avoid the cost of a full panel upgrade
- Only one major new load is being added
- Your usage patterns allow for managed, flexible charging
A panel upgrade is likely the right fit when:
- Your panel is outdated, unsafe, or obsolete (Federal Pacific, Zinsco)
- You're adding multiple new high-demand systems
- You're planning significant long-term electrical expansion
- Your panel has no available breaker space at all
- Insurance or inspection has flagged the existing panel
Need Electrical Help in the Flathead Valley?
Same-week scheduling available. Flat-rate pricing on most service calls. Licensed master electrician — Kalispell, MT.