EV Charging Glossary

1. Electric Vehicle (EV): A vehicle that runs on electricity stored in its battery and is propelled by electric motors.
2. Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE): Also known as a charging station, EVSE is the infrastructure used to supply electricity to charge an electric vehicle's battery.
3. Charging Cable: A cable used to connect the EV to the charging station or power source, allowing electricity to flow from the source to the vehicle's battery.
4. AC Charging: Alternating Current (AC) charging is the process of supplying electricity to an EV using an AC power source. This is the most common method of EV charging, usually found at homes, workplaces, and public charging stations.
5. DC Charging: Direct Current (DC) charging is a faster charging method that supplies electricity directly to the vehicle's battery. DC fast charging stations are typically found along highways and enable rapid charging.
6. Kilowatt-Hour (kWh): A unit of energy measurement used to quantify the capacity of an EV battery and the amount of electricity consumed during charging. It represents the amount of energy needed to power a device for one hour at a rate of one kilowatt.
7. Charge Point: A physical location where EVs can connect to a charging station to replenish their battery power.
8. Level 1 Charging(USA): The slowest charging level, typically done using a standard household electrical outlet (120 volts in North America). Level 1 charging is convenient for overnight charging but has lower power output. These are known as 'granny' Chargers and are typically less than 3kW 0-100% could take 20+hours.
9. Level 2 or AC Charging: A charging level that requires a dedicated EVSE and typically uses a 240-volt power supply. Level 2 charging is commonly installed at homes, workplaces, and public charging stations. It is between 7 and 22kW however the 22kW units require 3 phase electrical supply. Whilst in Europe these are known as fast chargers they are pretty slow.
10. Level 3 Charging: Also known as DC Rapid and Ultra Rapid charging, Level 3 Charging provides high-power DC electricity directly to the EV battery. It allows for faster charging times, typically in the range of 30-60 minutes to reach 80% charge. Most chargers are restricted by the available grid supply those by ZPN Energy in the UK are designed to store energy off-peak or from renewable sources to provide full power on demand.
11. Charge Port: The location on an electric vehicle where the charging cable is connected to charge the battery.
12. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): A type of electric vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery. PHEVs can be charged from an external power source and also use gasoline.
13. Battery Management System (BMS): A system that monitors and manages the charging and discharging of the EV battery. It ensures safe and efficient operation, controls temperature and protects against overcharging or discharging.
14. State of Charge (SoC): A measure of the amount of energy remaining in the EV battery, usually represented as a percentage. A higher SoC indicates a higher charge level.
15. Demand Response: A system that allows utilities to adjust the charging speed of multiple EVs based on grid conditions and electricity demand. It helps balance the load on the grid and can incentivize EV owners to charge during off-peak hours.
16. Smart Charging: The use of advanced technology and software to optimize EV charging, considering factors such as energy prices, grid demand, and charging station availability. Smart charging aims to maximize charging efficiency and minimize costs.
17. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): A technology that enables bidirectional energy flow between an EV battery and the electrical grid. EVs can discharge power back to the grid during periods of high demand or provide grid stabilization services.
18. Plug Types: Various connectors are used to physically connect the charging cable to the EV. Common plug types include Type 1 (J1772), Type 2 (Mennekes), CHAdeMO, CCS (Combined Charging System), and Tesla Supercharger.
19. RFID: Radio-Frequency Identification is a technology used to authenticate and authorize access to EV charging stations. Users often have an RFID card or key fob to initiate charging.
20. kWh Cost: The cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour consumed during the charging process. It determines the financial cost of charging an electric vehicle.
21. Mobile Charger: A type of charger that can be used in an off-grid or mobile environment such as a recovery truck or van
22. Telemetry: Telemetry is often used to relate back to the state of the charger of the vehicle or charger
23. CSMS: Charge Station Management System, a software system to manage charge points

Remember, the EV charging industry is constantly evolving, and new terms may and will emerge over time.