EV Charging Terminology

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.

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.

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.

Contactless payment allows users to pay for charging using a bank card, phone or compatible contactless payment method. It is normally assessed alongside measurement accuracy, payment records, tariffs, transaction data and legal metrology requirements.

A display screen is a visual interface on a charger used to show instructions, status, tariff, payment or fault information. It is normally assessed alongside authorisation method, user experience, accessibility, payment flow and support requirements.

A dynamic QR code is generated for a specific charger, session, user journey or payment flow, rather than being a fixed code printed permanently on the charger. The code can direct the user to the correct session or payment process and may expire after use or after a defined time.

Fault indication is how a charger shows that a fault, error or abnormal condition has been detected. It is normally assessed alongside authorisation method, user experience, accessibility, payment flow and support requirements.

An integrated payment terminal is a built-in card or contactless payment device on the charger.

The controls, indicators or access methods a user interacts with on or through a charger. It is normally assessed alongside authorisation method, user experience, accessibility, payment flow and support requirements.

An LED status indicator uses lights or colours to show charger state, availability, fault status or charging progress. It is normally assessed alongside authorisation method, user experience, accessibility, payment flow and support requirements.

NFC is short-range wireless communication used for contactless identification or payment, commonly through cards, phones or tokens.

PAS 1899:2022 is the UK accessible charging specification covering the design of public charge point environments, charger placement, physical accessibility and user information. It focuses on making public EV charging more usable for disabled and older drivers.

Plug & Charge allows a compatible vehicle and charger to authenticate automatically through the charging connection without separate RFID or app steps. It is normally assessed alongside interoperability, supported protocol versions, firmware support and backend compatibility.

The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 are UK regulations for public EV charge points covering contactless payment, payment roaming, price transparency, open data, helplines and rapid charge point reliability. They apply to relevant public charging provision across the UK.

EV charging infrastructure available for use by members of the public, including on-street, rapid, destination and en-route charging. It is normally assessed alongside authorisation method, user experience, accessibility, payment flow and support requirements.

Radio Frequency Identification is a contactless identification method commonly used with RFID cards, fobs or tags to authorise charging. It is normally assessed alongside authorisation method, user experience, accessibility, payment flow and support requirements.

User authentication verifies who is allowed to start, stop or access a charging session. It is normally considered alongside charge point management systems, OCPP support, firmware updates, reporting and remote diagnostics.