EV Charging Terminology

2G is a legacy mobile network generation sometimes used by older connected devices and chargers. It is normally considered alongside site connectivity, router/modem configuration, signal availability and ongoing remote support.

3G is a third-generation mobile network technology that was historically used by some EV charge points and cellular modems for backend communication. In the UK it should now be treated as a retired legacy technology, with major operators having switched off or decommissioned 3G service and new deployments expected to use 4G, 5G or fixed connectivity.

4G is a mobile network generation commonly used for EV charger cellular data connectivity. It is normally considered alongside site connectivity, router/modem configuration, signal availability and ongoing remote support.

5G is a newer mobile network generation offering higher potential capacity and lower latency than previous mobile technologies. It is normally considered alongside site connectivity, router/modem configuration, signal availability and ongoing remote support.

6 mA DC leakage detection identifies residual direct current at a level that may affect the operation of upstream RCDs. It is normally assessed during product selection, circuit design, installation verification and maintenance of EV charging equipment.

AC charging supplies alternating current to the vehicle, with conversion to DC handled by the vehicle's on-board charger. It is normally assessed alongside charging mode, AC/DC architecture, power rating, connector type and how the charger shares or delivers power.

Access control determines who can use a charger and under what conditions, using tools such as RFID, apps, Plug & Charge or backend permissions. It is normally considered alongside charge point management systems, OCPP support, firmware updates, reporting and remote diagnostics.

Accessibility describes how usable EV charging equipment and its surrounding environment are for people with different physical, sensory or cognitive needs. It is normally checked against mounting method, exposure, durability, access requirements and the conditions at the installation location.

Active Load Management (ALM) is a load control approach that monitors available electrical capacity and actively adjusts EV charging demand in response to changing site conditions. It may use live measurements, control rules or backend commands to reduce, increase or redistribute charger output.

The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) sets requirements for public alternative fuels infrastructure, including EV charging access, consumer information, payment and infrastructure deployment. For UK audiences, it should be read with both the EU AFIR framework and the UK Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulations that still influence public charging terminology.

App control allows users or installers to control, configure or monitor charging through a mobile application. It is normally considered alongside charge point management systems, OCPP support, firmware updates, reporting and remote diagnostics.

Autocharge allows a charger or backend platform to recognise a vehicle automatically, usually through vehicle-side communication identifiers, so a charging session can begin without the user presenting an RFID card, opening an app or scanning a code.

Backend refers to the software platform or server-side system that manages charger communication, user access, transactions and reporting. Often used as an accessible term alternative to CPMS. It is normally considered alongside charge point management systems, OCPP support, firmware updates, reporting and remote diagnostics.

Backend support means a charger can connect to a management platform for monitoring, control, data reporting or commercial operation. It is normally considered alongside charge point management systems, OCPP support, firmware updates, reporting and remote diagnostics.

Bidirectional charging allows energy to flow both into and out of an EV battery through compatible charging equipment. It is normally assessed alongside vehicle compatibility, export permissions, grid connection requirements and the supported communication standards.

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology used for local charger setup, commissioning or user control. It is normally considered alongside site connectivity, router/modem configuration, signal availability and ongoing remote support.

BS 7671 is the UK national standard for electrical installations, covering the design, erection, inspection, testing and verification of low-voltage electrical systems. Section 722 contains specific requirements for supplies to electric vehicles.

Built-in overcurrent protection means the charger includes internal protection against excessive current under specified conditions. It is normally assessed during product selection, circuit design, installation verification and maintenance of EV charging equipment.

Cable length is the usable length of a tethered charging cable or supplied charging lead. It is normally checked against vehicle compatibility, socket or cable arrangement, installation design and the intended user group.

CB Certification refers to the IECEE CB Scheme, an international system for recognising electrical product safety test reports and certificates between participating certification bodies. A CB certificate is normally supported by a CB test report against relevant IEC standards.