AC Charging (Alternating Current)
A method of charging where the electric current alternates direction periodically. AC chargers are typically slower and are used for home or workplace charging.
Power from the grid is always AC, so all electric vehicles convert this power into (DC) Direct Current to store in the vehicle’s battery.
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
A vehicle powered entirely by electricity, without an internal combustion engine.
CHAdeMO
A DC fast charging standard, primarily used by Japanese vehicle manufacturers, older electric and some heavy goods vehicles. The abbreviation stands for "CHArge de MOve". These are becoming less common and are being replaced by Type 2, which is the European standard, or CCS.
Charging cable
Connects electric vehicles to a charging point. These can be tethered (permanently attached to an EV charge point) or untethered (the driver uses their own cable to plug into both the vehicle and charge point).
Charging speed
The rate at which an EV can be charged, measured in kW. Higher kW indicates faster charging.
A typical electric car (60kWh battery) takes just under 8 hours to charge from empty to full using a 7kW charging point. Home charging points typically have a power rating of 3.7kW or 7kW.
Many drivers will top up rather than fully discharging and recharging their vehicle battery.
Fast chargers range from 7kW to 22kW charging power and can often be found in places like supermarkets, attractions and near shops and amenities where vehicles can park for an hour or more.
Rapid chargers (up to 150kW) are capable of charging an electric vehicle, depending on the model, to 80% in around 30 minutes. All rapid chargers have tethered cables.
Ultra rapid chargers (up to 220kW) are the fastest way to charge an electric vehicle. These types of chargers are often found at motorway services or close to major routes. Depending on the model, you can charge an electric car to 80% in as little as 10-15 minutes. They have tethered cables and use DC power.
Combined Charging System (CCS)
This is a charging standard that combines a Type 2 connector with additional contacts for both AC and DC charging. Adopted as the EU standard for fast DC charging.
EV connector types
DC Charging (Direct Current)
A method of charging where the electric current flows in one direction. DC chargers are faster and are often found at public charging stations for quick top-ups.
DNO
A Distribution Network Operator is a company licensed to distribute electricity in the UK. These companies own and manage the systems of cables and towers that distribute electricity to homes and businesses. For large installations and when you connect any kind of electricity generation to the grid, you need to get permission from the relevant DNO.
Dynamic load balancing/load management
Dynamic load balancing uses software to control the distribution of power according to need and efficiency. It can be programmed to respond to changes in real-time, such as multiple electric vehicles arriving to charge up, while maintaining sufficient power supply for other uses.
For example, a workplace charging system may prioritise distributing electricity to offices during the day, then switch to support overnight electric vehicle charging.
Dynamic pricing
Pricing model where the cost of EV charging changes along with electricity prices. Useful for encouraging off-peak charging.
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
Complete set of equipment used to charge an electric vehicle, including:
EV charger
Electrical conductors
Communications protocols that deliver energy to the vehicle
Software
Other related equipment
All EVSE equipment needs to meet an international standard for EV charging equipment IEC 61851-1.
Energy Management System (EMS)
Software and hardware that monitors, controls, and optimises energy consumption. A good EMS will use real-time data to work out the best ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills.
Granny charger
The slowest form of EV charger, which uses a 13A 3-pin domestic socket, to charge a vehicle at 2.3kW. Often provided as an emergency charging option.
Home Charging Point
An EV charge point installed at a residence, typically for overnight charging.
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
The type of engine used in traditional petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
Energy unit representing power used over time. Used to describe EV battery capacity or energy consumption.
Load balancing or load management
Software used to control how much power is available across multiple electric vehicle charge points. Used to prevent overloading the power supply. For example, if a workplace has five electric vehicle charging points, but only has enough available power to charge four at full capacity, load-balancing software can distribute the power evenly at a lower rate if five vehicles are plugged in and charging.
Load balancing can be static (based on defined rules about usage or time of day or dynamic.
Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)
Open Charge Point Protocol is an open-source communication standard for EV charge points and EV charging software or networks. Basically, it functions as a common language that different bits of software and hardware use to allow vehicles and charge points to start and stop charging and to manage charging networks.
PEN-fault technology
Identifies issues with Protective Earth and Neutral conductor to prevent electric shock. Some electric charge points have built-in PEN-fault technology, eliminating the need to install additional earth rods.
Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)
Vehicle capable of running on both electricity and petrol/diesel, with a rechargeable battery.
Public charging station
Location for EV charging, typically found in car parks, shopping centres, and motorway service stations.
Range anxiety
The fear that an electric vehicle will run out of power before reaching an EV charge point.
Regenerative braking
This technology, built into some electric vehicles, converts braking energy into electricity to recharge the car's battery. EV drivers also call this ‘single pedal’ driving because regenerative braking avoids the need to use the brake pedal.
RFID Card
Radio Frequency Identification card used to activate and pay for charging at some EV charge points.
Smart charger
An EV charge point that also has a network connection that allows it to collect and share data between the vehicle and the power grid. With smart chargers, charging can be monitored remotely and charging times optimised. Smart chargers can also manage when to use power from solar panels and other energy sources, not just the grid.
Type 1 Connector
An AC charging plug common in North America and parts of Asia. Also known as a Level 1 charger, uses a 120V outlet.
Type 2 Connector
An AC charging plug standard in Europe. Common in public charging stations and recommended for faster home charging.
Vehicle to Grid (V2G)
This is the process of sending excess power from a vehicle back to the grid at peak times. So, if there’s battery power in a vehicle, a customer can plug it in and send this energy back to the grid.
Vehicle to Home (V2H)
Allows EV owners to use their vehicle battery like a home battery storage system, with two-way charging. Similar to V2G, in that excess power in a vehicle battery can be diverted for use elsewhere. The difference is that, rather than sending it back to the grid, V2H allows energy to be diverted into a home.
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV)
A vehicle that doesn't emit exhaust gas or other pollutants. Includes BEVs and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), but not PHEVs.