EV Charging Terminology

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.

Charging mode describes the method by which an electric vehicle is connected to an electrical supply for charging. It covers whether charging is AC or DC, whether dedicated EV supply equipment is used, whether control communication is present, and what level of protection or control exists between the supply and vehicle.

Charging Mode 1 is basic AC charging where an electric vehicle is connected directly to a standard socket-outlet without dedicated EV control communication or dedicated EVSE control functions.

Charging Mode 2 uses a standard AC socket-outlet with an in-cable control and protection device between the supply and the vehicle. It is typically seen in portable charging leads rather than fixed charge points.

Charging Mode 3 uses dedicated AC electric vehicle supply equipment with control pilot communication between the charger and vehicle. The charger manages connection state, available current signalling and safety-related control functions.

Charging Mode 4 uses dedicated DC charging equipment that supplies DC power directly to the vehicle battery through a DC charging interface. The charger carries out the AC-to-DC conversion outside the vehicle.

Combined Charging System (CCS) is an EV charging system and connector family designed to support both AC and DC charging through a common vehicle inlet concept. Its two main connector variants are CCS1 (Combo 1), used mainly in North America, and CCS2 (Combo 2), which is the relevant CCS format for most UK and European EV charging.

DC charging supplies direct current to the vehicle battery from off-board charging equipment. It is normally assessed alongside charging mode, AC/DC architecture, power rating, connector type and how the charger shares or delivers power.

A dual outlet charger provides two charging outlets from one charger body or assembly. It is normally checked against vehicle compatibility, socket or cable arrangement, installation design and the intended user group.

EN 61851 is the UK-relevant BS EN IEC standard series for conductive EV charging systems, covering EVSE requirements, charging modes, control functions and safety principles for AC and DC charging. In UK terminology it is often referenced through BS EN IEC adoption and manufacturer compliance declarations.

EN 61851-1 is the general requirements part of the EV conductive charging system standard series. On EVCP Info, it links related terminology to the relevant regulatory, standards or compliance framework used by UK-focused audiences.

EN 61851-21-1 covers electromagnetic compatibility requirements for EV on-board chargers when conductively connected to an AC or DC supply. On EVCP Info, it links related terminology to the relevant regulatory, standards or compliance framework used by UK-focused audiences.

EN 61851-21-2 covers EMC requirements for off-board EV charging systems when conductively connected to an EV. On EVCP Info, it links related terminology to the relevant regulatory, standards or compliance framework used by UK-focused audiences.

EN 61851-22 is a legacy part of the EN 61851 series relating to AC electric vehicle charging stations. On EVCP Info, it links related terminology to the relevant regulatory, standards or compliance framework used by UK-focused audiences.

EN 61851-23 covers DC EV charging stations and the requirements for DC energy transfer between the supply network and electric vehicles. On EVCP Info, it links related terminology to the relevant regulatory, standards or compliance framework used by UK-focused audiences.

EN 61851-24 covers digital communication between a DC EV charging station and an electric vehicle for DC charging control. On EVCP Info, it links related terminology to the relevant regulatory, standards or compliance framework used by UK-focused audiences.

High Power Charging refers to very high-output DC charging intended to add energy quickly during short stops. It is normally assessed alongside charging mode, AC/DC architecture, power rating, connector type and how the charger shares or delivers power.

ISO 15118-10 specifies requirements for wireless power transfer communication within the vehicle-to-grid communication framework. On EVCP Info, it links related terminology to the relevant regulatory, standards or compliance framework used by UK-focused audiences.

Maximum charging rate is the highest charging power a charger can deliver under its rated conditions, usually expressed in kW. It is normally assessed alongside phase availability, circuit capacity, protective devices, cable sizing and DNO/site constraints.

Megawatt Charging System (MCS) is a high-power DC charging system developed for heavy-duty electric vehicles, particularly electric trucks and other applications that need very large amounts of energy transferred during short charging stops. It uses a dedicated high-current connector and is being standardised internationally, including within the IEC 61851 series.

Mode 1 charging is basic AC charging from a standard socket without dedicated EV charging control or protection built into the supply equipment. It is normally assessed alongside charging mode, AC/DC architecture, power rating, connector type and how the charger shares or delivers power.

Mode 2 charging uses a cable with an in-cable control and protection device between a socket outlet and the EV. It is normally assessed alongside charging mode, AC/DC architecture, power rating, connector type and how the charger shares or delivers power.

Mode 3 charging uses dedicated AC EV supply equipment with control signalling between the charger and the vehicle. It is normally assessed alongside charging mode, AC/DC architecture, power rating, connector type and how the charger shares or delivers power.

Mode 4 charging uses off-board DC charging equipment to supply DC power directly to the vehicle battery. It is normally assessed alongside charging mode, AC/DC architecture, power rating, connector type and how the charger shares or delivers power.

The number of independent charging outlets available on a single charge point or charging unit. It is normally checked against vehicle compatibility, socket or cable arrangement, installation design and the intended user group.

Power output is the electrical power a charger can deliver to an EV, normally stated in kilowatts. It is normally assessed alongside phase availability, circuit capacity, protective devices, cable sizing and DNO/site constraints.

Power sharing divides available charging power between multiple outlets or chargers, often reducing output when more vehicles are connected. It is normally assessed against site capacity, maximum demand, charger grouping and the behaviour expected when electrical demand changes.

Rapid charging generally refers to higher-power charging intended to add significant range in a shorter period, commonly using DC infrastructure. It is normally assessed alongside charging mode, AC/DC architecture, power rating, connector type and how the charger shares or delivers power.