EV Charging Glossary
The definitive reference for electric vehicle charging terminology, standards, and technical concepts.
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Alternating Current (AC)
An electric current that periodically reverses direction. Most domestic EV charging is AC, which the car's onboard charger converts to DC for battery storage.
Amperage (Amps)
The unit of measurement for the rate of electrical flow. Higher amperage allows for faster energy transfer, provided both the charger and vehicle support it.
Authentication
The process of verifying a user's identity before a charging session begins, typically via RFID card, mobile app, or Plug and Charge.
Battery Management System (BMS)
An electronic system that monitors and controls the charging and discharging of a battery, protecting it from damage and extending its lifespan.
CCS (Combined Charging System)
The standard connector for DC fast charging in Europe. It combines AC and DC pins in a single plug, supporting both slow and rapid charging.
Cellular Connectivity
A method of keeping EV chargers connected to the internet via mobile networks, removing the need for a Wi-Fi or ethernet connection.
DC Leakage Detection
A safety feature that monitors for unintended direct current leakage in a charging circuit, enabling the use of a lower-cost Type A RCD.
Delay Charge Mode
A charging mode that allows the user to set a specific start time for charging to begin, typically used to take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs.
Direct Current (DC)
Electric current that flows in one direction only. EV batteries store energy as DC. Rapid chargers supply DC directly, bypassing the onboard charger.
Dynamic Load Balancing
A system that automatically adjusts the power output of one or more chargers based on the total electrical load available, preventing circuit overloads.
Electric Vehicle (EV)
A vehicle powered entirely or primarily by electric motors, using energy stored in rechargeable batteries.
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
The technical term for a charging station. The EVSE manages the safe delivery of electricity from the grid to the vehicle.
Firmware
Software embedded in a hardware device. EV charger firmware can be updated remotely (OTA) to add features or fix bugs without physical intervention.
Ground Fault
An unintended electrical connection between a live conductor and earth. Modern chargers include protection to detect and interrupt ground faults immediately.
IEC 61851
The international standard governing the general requirements for conductive charging systems for electric vehicles.
Instant Charge Mode
A charging mode that begins charging immediately when the vehicle is connected, delivering power at the maximum available rate.
IP Rating
Ingress Protection rating. Defines how well a device is protected against solid particles and liquids. IP55 is the minimum recommended rating for outdoor EV chargers.
Kilowatt (kW)
A unit of power representing the rate at which energy is transferred. Chargers are rated by their maximum kW output, such as 7kW, 22kW, or 150kW.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
A unit of energy equal to one kilowatt of power sustained for one hour. Used to measure battery capacity and the volume of energy consumed during a charging session.
Load Balancing
The process of distributing electrical load across multiple circuits or chargers to stay within available capacity and avoid tripping circuit breakers.
Mode 3 Charging
The standard method for AC charging via a dedicated EV charging station. Defined by IEC 61851, it includes communication between the vehicle and charger.
Nominal Voltage
The standard operating voltage of an electrical system. UK domestic supply is 230V AC single phase.
OBC (Onboard Charger)
A converter built into the electric vehicle that transforms incoming AC electricity into DC to charge the battery. Its capacity limits the maximum AC charging speed.
OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol)
An open communication standard between EV charging stations and a central management system, enabling remote monitoring and control.
Off-Peak Charging
Charging an EV during periods of low electricity demand, typically overnight, when energy tariffs are cheaper.
OTA Update (Over-the-Air)
A wireless software update delivered to a device without requiring physical access. Allows EV chargers to receive new features and bug fixes remotely.
PEN Fault Detection
A safety feature that detects faults in the Protective Earth and Neutral conductor. Integrated PEN fault protection removes the need for a separate earth rod.
Phase
A component of AC electrical supply. Single-phase (230V) is standard in UK homes. Three-phase (400V) supports higher power and faster charging.
Plug and Charge (ISO 15118)
A technology that allows an EV to automatically authenticate and begin charging simply by being plugged in, without cards or apps.
Power Factor
A measure of how efficiently electrical power is being used. A power factor of 1 indicates perfect efficiency with no wasted energy.
RCD (Residual Current Device)
A safety device that rapidly disconnects power when it detects an imbalance in electrical current, protecting against electric shock.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
A technology using radio waves to identify and authenticate users. Commonly used with access cards to authorise EV charging sessions.
Single Phase
A standard UK domestic electrical supply using one live conductor at 230V. Supports charging rates up to 7.4kW with a 32A circuit.
Smart Charging
A system where the charger communicates with a management platform to optimise charging based on grid conditions, electricity price, or user preferences.
Solar Integration
The ability of an EV charger to use power generated by solar panels to charge a vehicle, reducing reliance on grid electricity.
Standby Power
The small amount of electricity consumed by a charger when it is idle and not actively charging a vehicle. Measured in watts (W).
Tethered Charger
A charging unit with a permanently attached cable. Convenient for home use as users do not need to carry their own cable.
Three Phase
An electrical supply using three live conductors, providing 400V AC. Enables higher power outputs above 7.4kW for faster commercial or fleet charging.
Type 1 Connector
A single-phase AC charging connector used primarily in older Asian and American electric vehicles. Less common in European markets.
Type 2 Connector
The standard AC charging connector for electric vehicles in Europe, capable of single or three-phase charging up to 43kW.
Type A RCD
A residual current device that protects against both AC and pulsating DC fault currents. Required when DC leakage detection is not built into the charger.
Type B RCD
A residual current device that protects against AC, pulsating DC, and smooth DC fault currents. Required in some installations without built-in DC detection.
UKCA Mark
UK Conformity Assessed marking. The UK equivalent of the CE mark, indicating a product meets UK safety and regulatory requirements.
Untethered Charger
A charging unit with a socket rather than a built-in cable. The user connects their own Type 2 cable, making it compatible with any Type 2 vehicle.
V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid)
Technology that allows an EV battery to discharge electricity back into the grid, turning the vehicle into a distributed energy storage asset.
Weatherproof Rating
A measure of a charger's ability to operate safely in outdoor conditions. IP55 or higher is required for external EV charger installations in the UK.