EV Charging Terminology

Scheduled charging allows charging to start, stop or prioritise at specific times set by the user, vehicle, charger or backend. It is normally considered alongside charge point management systems, OCPP support, firmware updates, reporting and remote diagnostics.

A Self-Funded Model is an EV charging commercial arrangement in which the site owner, host or customer funds the capital cost of the charging infrastructure rather than relying on CPO capital. The funder may own the charging assets and can separately procure installation, backend, maintenance, payment and CPO services. Commercial structures vary, and a self-funded site can still appoint a CPO to operate the network.

A server is a system that provides services, data or applications to clients, including charger management platforms and backend systems. It is normally considered alongside site connectivity, router/modem configuration, signal availability and ongoing remote support.

A shuttered socket includes a mechanical shutter or barrier over live contacts when no plug is inserted. It is normally assessed during product selection, circuit design, installation verification and maintenance of EV charging equipment.

A SIM card identifies a device on a mobile network and enables cellular data connectivity for compatible chargers. It is normally considered alongside site connectivity, router/modem configuration, signal availability and ongoing remote support.

Simultaneous charging means more than one vehicle can charge at the same time from a multi-outlet charger or grouped charger system. It is normally assessed against site capacity, maximum demand, charger grouping and the behaviour expected when electrical demand changes.

Single-phase charging uses a single-phase AC supply, commonly found in many UK domestic and small commercial installations. It is normally assessed alongside phase availability, circuit capacity, protective devices, cable sizing and DNO/site constraints.

Smart charging adjusts charging behaviour based on time, grid conditions, tariffs, user settings or available capacity. It is normally considered alongside charge point management systems, OCPP support, firmware updates, reporting and remote diagnostics.

Standard or slow charging describes lower-power charging, typically associated with domestic or long-dwell AC charging. It is normally assessed alongside charging mode, AC/DC architecture, power rating, connector type and how the charger shares or delivers power.

Standard Plus or fast charging describes higher-power AC charging, often around 7 kW to 22 kW depending on supply and charger capability. It is normally assessed alongside charging mode, AC/DC architecture, power rating, connector type and how the charger shares or delivers power.

Static load management applies fixed charging limits or predefined capacity allocations rather than continuously responding to measured site load. It is normally assessed against site capacity, maximum demand, charger grouping and the behaviour expected when electrical demand changes.

A support page is an online manufacturer or provider page for help, technical support, FAQs, downloads or contact routes. It is normally used to keep manufacturer, product, support and procurement information consistent across charger listings.

Surge protection reduces the risk of damage from transient overvoltages caused by lightning, switching events or network disturbances. It is normally assessed during product selection, circuit design, installation verification and maintenance of EV charging equipment.

A network switch connects multiple wired Ethernet devices on a local network. It is normally considered alongside site connectivity, router/modem configuration, signal availability and ongoing remote support.