EV Charging Terminology

A datasheet is a technical document summarising a charger's key electrical, mechanical, communication and compliance specifications. It is normally used to keep manufacturer, product, support and procurement information consistent across charger listings.

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.

Derating is the reduction of charger output or performance under certain conditions, such as high temperature, supply limits or component protection. It is normally assessed alongside phase availability, circuit capacity, protective devices, cable sizing and DNO/site constraints.

EV charging provided at locations where vehicles are parked for a period, such as hotels, retail sites, leisure venues or car parks. It is normally used to match charger features to the intended environment, utilisation pattern and user group.

Diagnostics are the tools, messages, logs or checks used to identify charger faults, performance issues or communication problems. It is normally considered alongside charge point management systems, OCPP support, firmware updates, reporting and remote diagnostics.

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.

EV charging equipment intended primarily for homes, driveways, garages or private residential parking. It is normally used to match charger features to the intended environment, utilisation pattern and user group.

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.

Dynamic load management adjusts charger output in real time based on measured site demand or available capacity. It is normally assessed against site capacity, maximum demand, charger grouping and the behaviour expected when electrical demand changes.

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.