Terms beginning with A
A
AC Charging
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
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
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)
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.
Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR)
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
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
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.