EV Charging Terminology

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.

A CE Declaration is a declaration that a product meets the applicable EU requirements for placing that product on the EU market. In many cases, this declaration can be issued by the manufacturer themselves, depending on the applicable legislation and conformity assessment route.

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.