EV CHARGING GLOSSARY
Your Guide to Key Terms
Navigating the EV charging landscape can be complex. We’ve created this glossary to help you understand key terms and make informed charging decisions for your business.
A
Glossary A
AC
An alternating current (AC) is an electric current that periodically reverses direction, unlike a direct current (DC), which flows in one direction. It is the form of electrical power most commonly delivered to homes and businesses. AC is preferred for power distribution because it can be easily transformed to different voltages, making it efficient for long-distance transmission.
AC Charging (Alternating Current Charging)
AC charging is a method that uses alternating current to charge an EV’s battery. AC charging is typically slower than DC charging (max output for AC chargers is typically 19 kilowatts vs. 350 kilowatts for DC chargers) and is commonly used for home and workplace charging.
AC Level 1 Charging
AC Level 1 charging is the slowest level of AC charging, using a standard 120-volt household outlet. This method can add about 3-5 miles of range per hour of charging.
AC Level 2 Charging
AC Level 2 is a faster AC charging method that uses a 240-volt outlet, similar to those used for large appliances. Level 2 charging can add about 12-80 miles of range per hour, depending on the vehicle and charger power output.
AC Level 3 Charging
AC Level 3 is a term sometimes used to refer to DC Fast Charging, although it is not an official designation.
B
Glossary B
Battery Management System (BMS)
An electronic system that monitors and manages the performance, safety and charging/discharging of an EV’s battery pack.
Battery Swapping
A method of quickly replacing a depleted battery with a fully charged one, rather than waiting for the battery to charge. This is not widely available for passenger EVs but is used in some fleet applications.
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)
A vehicle that relies solely on an electric battery for power, with no internal combustion engine.
C
Glossary C
CCS
Combined Charging System (CCS) is one of the charging standard protocols in the U.S. and Canada. You may hear charging stations or ports referred to as CCS stations.
CHAdeMO
CHAdeMO or “CHArge de MOve” is one of the charging standard protocols in the U.S. and Canada. You may hear charging stations or ports referred to as CHAdeMO stations. Very few EVs in the U.S. still use CHAdeMO, with the most popular being the Nissan Leaf.
Charger Efficiency
Charger efficiency refers to the effectiveness of an EV charger in converting electrical energy from the grid into stored energy in the vehicle’s battery with minimal losses.
High charger efficiency ensures that most of the input energy is used for charging the battery, reducing waste and operational costs. Efficient chargers are crucial for improving the overall energy performance of EVs and supporting sustainable energy use. EV charging is generally 85-95% efficient.
Charging Hardware
The physical charging stations that supply electrical power for charging EVs, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).
Charging Infrastructure
Charging infrastructure is the equipment and software that provides electric power to recharge EVs. This includes charging stations, connectors, power conversion, distribution and metering hardware, as well as the software systems that manage charging sessions, payments and energy use.
A robust charging infrastructure is essential for the widespread adoption of EVs, enabling convenient and efficient recharging options for drivers.
Charging Network
A charging network is a coordinated system of EV charging stations managed by a central operator to provide seamless access and services to EV drivers. Charging networks are typically powered by a software platform that includes a driver app that allows drivers to locate stations, initiate and pay for charging sessions, and monitor charging status.
Charging networks facilitate widespread EV adoption by offering reliable, accessible and interoperable charging solutions across various locations.
Charging Port
The receptacle on an EV where the charge connector plugs in.
Charging Speed
Charging speed refers to the rate at which an EV can be recharged, typically measured in kilowatts (kW) or in range per hour. It varies based on the type of charger and vehicle with slower Level 1 chargers adding around 2-5 miles of range per hour, Level 2 chargers adding 10-30 miles and DC Fast Chargers adding 60-200 miles.
Faster charging speeds reduce the time required to recharge an EV, enhancing convenience and usability for drivers.
Charging Station
A charging station is hardware that supplies electrical power for charging EVs, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).
Charging Station Firmware (FW)
Firmware is software embedded in a charging station by the hardware manufacturer that controls how the unit physically operates—managing core functions such as power flow, safety checks, error handling and communication with external systems. The hardware manufacturer is responsible for creating, updating and maintaining this firmware.
Connector
The physical interface that connects the charging station to the EV. Common connectors include the SAE J1772 (Type 1), Mennekes (Type 2 – mainly used in Europe), Combined Charging System (CCS) and North American Charging System (NACS).
CPO
A Charge Point Operator (CPO) is an entity responsible for the installation, management and maintenance of EV charging stations. They ensure the infrastructure is operational, manage user access and handle billing and customer service.
CPOs play a critical role in the EV ecosystem by providing reliable and accessible charging services for EV users.
CSM
Customer Success Manager: a term used by EV Connect to distinguish the lead contact for your property to receive support for your EV Connect services.
D
Glossary D
DC (Direct current) Charging
Direct current (DC) charging is a method of rapidly recharging EVs by directly supplying DC power to the vehicle’s battery, bypassing the vehicle’s onboard charger that typically converts AC to DC during AC Charging.
This enables much higher charging speeds, allowing EVs to gain significant range in a short period, often in just 20-30 minutes. DC Fast Chargers are typically found along highways and in commercial areas to provide quick and efficient charging for long-distance travel and high-demand scenarios.
DCFC
Direct Current Fast Charge, also known as Level 3 charging. These are the fastest available chargers on the market. DCFC can add about 60-200 miles of range in an hour or less, depending on the vehicle and charger.
Demand Charges
Fees charged by utility companies based on the highest amount of power drawn during a billing period, which can significantly impact the cost of operating DC Fast Chargers.
Driver CSAT
Customer Satisfaction Score for Drivers (0-100), a measure of how satisfied EV drivers are with their charging experience at a particular station or network. This is a critical KPI for charging networks.
E
Glossary E
Electric Vehicle (EV)
A vehicle powered wholly or partially by an electric motor and battery, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Electric Vehicle Autocharge
Autocharge is a streamlined EV charging method that automatically starts a charging session when an EV is connected to a compatible charger, based on the vehicle’s unique identifier. Unlike Plug & Charge, which relies on the ISO 15118 standard for secure, automatic authentication and payment processing without any user intervention, Autocharge typically uses the vehicle’s unique ID or VIN for session initiation and may still require a pre-established account with the charging network.
While both technologies aim to simplify the charging process, Plug & Charge offers a more integrated and secure solution for automatic billing and user authentication.
Electric Vehicle Fleet Management
Electric vehicle (EV) fleet management involves the administration and coordination of a fleet of EVs to maximize efficiency, reduce costs and ensure optimal performance. This includes scheduling, routing and monitoring vehicle usage, managing charging infrastructure, tracking maintenance and analyzing data to optimize operations.
Advanced software solutions play a critical role in fleet management by providing real-time insights, facilitating route planning, ensuring vehicles are adequately charged and minimizing downtime. Effective EV fleet management enhances productivity, supports sustainability goals and improves overall fleet performance.
eMSP
An eMobility Service Provider (eMSP) is a company that offers services to EV drivers, including access to a network of charging stations, billing and customer support. Unlike a charge point operator (CPO)—which is responsible for the installation, management and maintenance of the charging infrastructure—an eMSP focuses on providing EV drivers with seamless access to these networks, often through apps or cards that work across multiple CPO networks.
This distinction allows eMSPs to offer convenient and interoperable charging solutions, enhancing the overall user experience for EV drivers. eMSPs and CPOs are not mutually exclusive: oftentimes the same entity is both.
EV Charging Payment Gateway
A payment gateway is a technology that facilitates the secure transfer of payment information between a customer’s bank and a merchant’s bank, enabling online or electronic transactions. It encrypts sensitive data, such as credit card details, to ensure the safety of the transaction and provides various payment options like credit cards, debit cards and digital wallets.
Payment gateways are essential for processing payments in EV charging applications, ensuring efficient and secure financial transactions.
EV Charging Payments
EV charging payments encompass the systems and processes that facilitate the financial transactions between EV drivers and charging station operators. These payments can be processed through various methods including mobile apps, RFID cards, credit/debit cards and contactless payment options.
Advanced payment solutions integrate with charging management software to offer seamless, secure and efficient payment experiences, often incorporating features like real-time billing, subscription models and automated invoicing.
EV Charging Software
EV charging software manages and optimizes the charging process for EVs. It provides functionalities such as monitoring and controlling charging stations, billing and payment processing, user authentication and remote diagnostics. Additionally, it enables advanced features like load balancing, energy management and real-time data analytics.
This software is essential for enhancing the efficiency, reliability and user experience of EV charging networks, supporting both individual users and large-scale fleet operations.
EVSE
EVSE, or electric vehicle supply equipment, refers to the hardware and software components necessary to deliver electric power from the grid to an EV. This includes the charging stations, connectors, cables and associated control and communication systems that ensure safe and efficient charging. EVSE is critical for enabling the infrastructure needed to support the growing adoption of EVs.
G
Glossary G
GHG
Greenhouse gases—the gases that cause global warming and climate change including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and others. Because EVs don’t burn gasoline, they offset tailpipe emissions of CO2.
H
Glossary H
HEV
HEV
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery. This dual system allows the vehicle to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by using the electric motor for low-speed driving and the engine for higher speeds or when extra power is needed.
HEVs can automatically switch between or combine power sources, offering improved fuel economy and lower environmental impact compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Home Charging
EV charging using a Level 1 or Level 2 charger at a residential location, typically overnight.
I
Glossary I
ICE
Acronym for internal combustion engine, referring to gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicles.
ICE-ing
When an ICE vehicle parks in an EV charging space.
Idle Fees
EV charging idle fees are charges levied by some charging networks when an EV remains connected to a charger after charging is complete, to discourage charger hogging and encourage turnover.
Interoperability
EV charging interoperability is the ability of different charging networks and systems to work together seamlessly, allowing EV drivers to use multiple networks with a single account or payment method. Interoperability is closely related to standards like OCPI and OCPP.
Both OCPI and OCPP are essential for achieving interoperability in the EV charging ecosystem, making it easier for users to access and utilize a wide range of charging stations and services without compatibility issues.
ISO 15118
The ISO 15118 standard sets the protocols for communication between EVs and charging stations. ISO 15118 facilitates the secure, automatic exchange of data necessary for charging authorization and payment processing, allowing EVs to authenticate themselves and initiate charging sessions without manual intervention.
ISO 15118 enables Plug & Charge, where a driver plugs in and the vehicle authenticates and handles payment automatically. It also enables bidirectional charging. This standard ensures interoperability and security, making Plug & Charge a reliable and user-friendly solution for EV drivers.
K
Glossary K
Kilowatt (kW)
A unit of power equal to 1,000 watts, commonly used to measure the output of EV chargers and the power consumption of EVs.
Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)
A unit of energy equal to the amount of energy consumed by a 1-kilowatt load over one hour, used to measure the energy capacity of EV batteries and the amount of energy delivered during charging.
L
Glossary L
Lithium-Ion Battery
The most common type of battery used in modern EVs, known for its high energy density and long lifespan.
Load Balancing/Energy Management
Load balancing and energy management are software-controlled systems that distribute available electrical power across multiple EV chargers to prevent exceeding a site’s electrical capacity. They help businesses such as property owners, fleets and charge point operators install more chargers without costly infrastructure upgrades and reduce demand charges by smoothing out peak usage. These systems can also prioritize charging—especially for fleets—so vehicles reach required charge levels on schedule. In many cases, the software adjusts charging speeds in real time based on total site load, utility rates or operational needs.
M
Glossary M
Managed Charging (Smart Charging)
Smart charging is an advanced method of managing EV charging that optimizes energy use and grid stability through intelligent communication and control systems. It allows for dynamic adjustment of charging rates based on factors such as grid demand, energy prices and the availability of renewable energy. Smart charging enhances efficiency, reduces costs and supports the integration of EVs into the energy system by balancing load and preventing grid overloads.
Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR)
The average time it takes to resolve issues or malfunctions at an EV charging station, from the moment the problem is reported to the moment it is fixed.
Mobile Charging
Mobile or “rescue charging” refers to portable charging solutions designed to provide emergency power to EVs that have depleted their batteries and are unable to reach a stationary charging station.
These mobile units can be transported to the EV’s location, offering a quick recharge to enable the vehicle to continue its journey to a permanent charging facility. Mobile charging services enhance convenience and provide peace of mind for EV drivers, ensuring they are not stranded without power.
N
Glossary N
NACS
The North American Charging Standard (NACS) is a proprietary charging connector standard developed by Tesla for EVs in North America. It combines AC and DC charging capabilities in a compact and user-friendly design, allowing for high-power delivery and efficient charging.
NACS has been adopted by Tesla vehicles and is increasingly being supported by other automakers and charging networks, promoting a more unified and streamlined charging experience across the region.
Network Roaming / EV Roaming
EV charging network roaming, or EV roaming, enables EV drivers to access and use charging stations across different networks with a single account or membership. This interoperability is facilitated by agreements between charging network operators and the use of standardized communication protocols like OCPI. Roaming enhances convenience for EV users, allowing them to charge their vehicles at a wider range of locations without the need for multiple subscriptions or payment methods, thereby supporting greater flexibility and ease of travel.
Charge point operators using the EV Connect software platform benefit, too: by piggybacking on EV Connect’s roaming agreements, they gain access to a huge pool of drivers.
NEVI
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) is a program established by the U.S. federal government to fund the deployment of a nationwide network of fast EV charging stations. Funding is provided for up to 80% of allowable project costs.
There are strong standards for projects including a minimum charging port size of 150kW, minimum project size of 4 stations per site, minimum connector uptime of 97%, Buy America requirements on station hardware, ISO 15118 capability, quarterly and monthly reporting requirements, and more.
Non-Networked Charger
A charging station that is not connected to a charging network, often free to use but without the ability to reserve, monitor or pay for charging sessions remotely.
O
Glossary O
OCPI
The Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) is a protocol that allows for the exchange of information between different charging networks and service providers, facilitating roaming, payment processing and data sharing.
OCPP
The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is a standardized communication protocol between EV chargers and central management systems, enabling interoperability and ensuring that chargers from different manufacturers can be managed and controlled by a single system.
OEM
Original equipment manufacturer. Depending on the context, this may be referring to an automaker like GM or Ford, or to a charging station manufacturer like PowerCharge or Zerova.
Off-Peak Charging
Charging an EV during times of low electricity demand, often at night, when electricity prices may be lower.
On-Board Charger
A device built into an EV that converts AC power from the grid to DC power to charge the vehicle’s battery. DC Fast Charging bypasses the on-board charger to directly charge the battery with DC power.
P
Glossary P
Peer-to-Peer Charging
Peer-to-peer (P2P) charging is a decentralized model where individual EV owners or businesses offer their private charging stations for use by other EV drivers. Through a digital platform or app, users can find, reserve and pay for charging sessions at these privately owned chargers. P2P charging expands the available charging infrastructure, promotes community engagement and can provide additional income for charger owners while offering EV drivers more convenient and flexible charging options.
Plug & Charge
Plug & Charge (also known as Plug and Charge) is a seamless EV charging technology that allows EV drivers to simply plug their vehicle into a compatible charging station and begin charging without the need for additional authentication or payment steps. Utilizing secure communication protocols, the vehicle and charger automatically exchange the necessary information to authorize the session and process payment. This technology enhances the convenience and user experience of EV charging by eliminating the need for RFID cards, apps or manual payment methods.
Plug & Charge is a feature enabled by the ISO 15118 standard, which sets the protocols for communication between EVs and charging stations. ISO 15118 facilitates the secure, automatic exchange of data necessary for charging authorization and payment processing, allowing EVs to authenticate themselves and initiate charging sessions without manual intervention. This standard ensures interoperability and security, making Plug & Charge a reliable and user-friendly solution for EV drivers.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
A vehicle that combines an electric motor and battery with an internal combustion engine, allowing it to operate on either electricity or gasoline.
PlugShare
A popular mobile app and website that helps EV drivers find and navigate to nearby charging stations, as well as share their experiences and photos of the stations.
Public Charging
EV charging at publicly accessible stations, including those at parking garages, shopping centers and along highways. Public charging stations are visible and discoverable for drivers using mapping programs like Google Maps, onboard navigation systems, driver apps like PlugShare and EV network driver apps like EV Connect.
R
Glossary R
Range anxiety
Driver fear that their EV will run out of charge before they reach their destination, and no charger will be available.
Range per Hour
Range per hour, also known as charging speed, refers to the distance an EV can travel based on one hour of charging. This metric varies depending on the type of charger and the EV’s efficiency, with Level 1 chargers adding around 2-5 miles of range per hour, Level 2 chargers adding 10-30 miles and DC Fast Chargers adding 60-200 miles. It provides a practical measure of how quickly an EV can regain driving range during a charging session.
Regenerative Braking
A system in EVs that captures energy normally lost during braking and uses it to recharge the battery, improving overall efficiency.
S
Glossary S
SAE J1772
SAE J1772 is a widely adopted standard for EV connectors in North America, specifying the physical, electrical and communication protocols for AC charging. It defines the connector interface used between an EV and the charging station, ensuring compatibility and safety across different EV models and charging infrastructure.
The J1772 standard supports both Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging, making it a key component in the development and deployment of consistent and reliable EV charging networks.
Station CSAT
Customer Satisfaction score, a measure of how satisfied EV drivers are with a specific charging station’s performance, cleanliness and overall experience. This is a critical KPI for charging networks.
Station Uptime
Station uptime is the percentage of time that an EV charging station is operational and available for use, often expressed as a percentage of the total time in a given period.
T
Glossary T
Time to Answer
The mean time to reach a human being when calling into a call center. This is a critical metric for EV charging networks. EV Connect’s Time to Answer is less than 30 seconds.
U
Glossary U
Utilization
Utilization is the percentage of time that an EV charging station is actively being used by a vehicle, calculated by dividing the total charging time by the total available time.
