Electric Vehicle (EV) Language

Congratulations on the purchase of your new electric vehicle! Now that you own an electric vehicle, you need to get the lingo down. The EV world is sort of like Starbucks. There is a whole new EV language to familiarize yourself with. Here’s a good start:

Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE)

Electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) is the charging station hardware that connects to the electrical power source to supply energy for recharging of electric vehicles.

EVSE Product Manufacturer

A company that manufactures EV charging station hardware.

Electric Vehicle Service Provider (EVSP)

An Electric Vehicle Service Provider (EVSP) is a company that provides the connectivity network for EV charging stations. Connecting to a central server, the EVSP manages the software and database that enable operation of the charging station.

Level 1 Charging

Level 1 Charging is the slowest form of EV charging. Level 1 charging uses a plug to connect to the onboard charger using a standard household (120v) outlet. This charging set up provides 2 and 5 miles per hour and is suitable for those who travel less than 40 miles a day and can charge the vehicle overnight. 

Level 2 Charging

Level 2 charging uses EVSE to provide power at 220v or 240v up to 30 amps. This level of charging adds 10-25 miles in an hour of charging at home or at a public charging station.

DC Fast Charging

Also referred to as Level 3 charging, DC Fast charging delivers an 80% charge in 30 minutes.

On-Board Charger

An onboard charger is a charging device for Level 1 and Level 2 charging that comes factory-installed from the manufacturer. The onboard charger converts AC power from the electrical power source to DC power that charges the battery in the electric vehicle.