The development prospects for electric vehicles continue to show strong growth worldwide, which has attracted more prospective purchasers and those interested in this thriving industry.
If you are new in the field of EVs or want to further explore industry knowledge, it is helpful to have a comprehensive understanding of the terminology in the field of electric vehicles, such as EV charging types, connectors, EVSE meanings, charging abbreviations, and related technologies.
With it, both current and future EV drivers can feel more confident participating in this transition to electrified transportation.
Basic EV Terminology
Understanding the definition of EV, basic electric vehicle types, and charging equipment lays the foundation for comprehending the overall EV landscape. Basic terminology includes:
1. Electric Vehicles
What does EV stand for? Simply put, it refers to the electric vehicle. According to the power source, electric vehicles can be divided into the following four types:
BEV: Battery Electric Vehicles depend completely on a battery for all motive power. It does not have an internal combustion engine and operates with zero emissions. BEVs are typically charged using household power sources or public charging stations.
PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles offer a limited electric-only range but are accompanied by a gasoline engine. They allow both electric and gas operations. PHEVs can travel a distance in pure electric mode and switch to hybrid mode after the battery runs out.
HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicles also combine internal combustion engines and electric motors, but the battery cannot be charged through plug-in charging. Electric motors and internal combustion engines can drive vehicles simultaneously or separately, and internal combustion engines can also charge batteries. Compared to traditional cars, HEVs can provide better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles run on hydrogen fuel cells. They emit just water vapor. This type of car usually has a longer range and requires a dedicated hydrogen refueling station.
2. EV Charging Stations
Electric vehicle charging stations can transfer electrical energy from the grid to the car battery. It can be divided into portable, AC and DC chargers. Here is a brief EV chargers explained:
AC EV Chargers: AC EV chargers provide alternating current power, which must be converted to direct current through an on-board charger to charge EVs. They include Level 1 and Level 2 options compatible with most EVs.
DC EV Chargers: DC EV chargers provide direct current, which can directly charge the EV batteries. It has high charging power and can provide fast charging services.
Portable EV Chargers: A portable EV charger is a small, lightweight charging device that can be carried around. It can charge EVs anywhere with a power outlet, making it ideal for travelers or car owners without fixed parking spaces.
3. Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
The EVSE meaning is electric vehicle supply equipment. EVSE typically includes charging stations, cables, power converters, security systems, etc. It can refer to all types of electric vehicle charging stations.
4. Charging Point Operator (CPO)
CPO refers to individuals or businesses who own, operate, or manage EV charging stations. They are responsible for the installation, maintenance, billing, and customer service of the charging station.
5. Charging as a Service (CaaS)
CaaS is an innovative charging service model. It refers to providing charging services to consumers, rather than selling chargers. CaaS providers are responsible for investing, constructing, and operating charging stations.
It reduces user investment costs, improves the utilization of charging points, and simplifies the charging process through centralized management.
EV Charging Types and Levels
There are two types of EV charging: alternating current (AC) charging and direct current (DC) fast charging.
1. AC Charging and DC Charging
AC charging refers to the conversion of AC power obtained from the power grid into DC power through an on-board charger and stored in the vehicle’s battery. This is because the power grid only provides AC power, while car batteries store DC power.
DC charging refers to the conversion of AC power into DC power at the charging station before entering the car. It allows for quicker recharging in minutes, which is ideal while away from home or on long trips.
2. Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 EV Charger
Next EVSE meaning you need to know is the EV charging types. Three levels include:
- Level 1 uses a standard 120V outlet, enabling overnight charging with the slowest recharge rates.
- Level 2 employs 240V power for improved charge speeds at multi-family homes and public stations.
- Level 3 refers exclusively to DC fast chargers that can replenish over 80% of battery capacity in under 30 minutes, which are typically located along highways and commercial areas.
Charging Interface and Protocol
Standardized interfaces and communication protocols are required to enable safe charging across networks around the world via EVSE. Here are the EVSE meanings for charging interface and protocol.
1. Charging Interface Classification
How power physically links an EV to charging equipment for energy transfer comes in various forms:
- J1772: This is the widespread North American AC charging standard used by many automakers and vehicles. This type of interface has a unique “J” shape, with a power input of 120V or 240V AC.
- CCS (Combined Charging System): It combines traditional J1772 with DC interfaces for fast charging, making it suitable for various electric vehicles. It’s commonly found in regions such as North America and Europe.
- CHAdeMO: This is a Japanese-developed DC quick charging standard. It remains common in Asia and some global regions.
- GB/T: This is the charging interface of the Chinese standard, suitable for electric vehicles and charging facilities in China.
- Tesla Supercharger: Tesla has its own charging interface and charging network, but the adapter can connect to other charging standards.
2. Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)
OCPP is an open communication protocol used for communication between EV chargers and charging station management systems.
It supports functions such as charging, remote control, charging station status monitoring, intelligent charging, firmware management, and user authentication.
Technical Parameters
Two key EVSE meanings used to rate EV charging equipment capacities are amperage and output power. Higher amps allow charging stations to push more electrical current into a vehicle’s battery per hour. The higher the current, the faster the EV charging speed.
Output power refers to how much energy can be delivered by the EV chargers over a fixed period, typically an hour. The charging speed is usually measured in kilowatts.
Intelligent Charging Technology
As EV adoption increases, smart solutions are emerging to enhance charging convenience and grid interoperability. Here are the EVSE meanings of intelligent charging technology:
1. Dynamic Load Balancing (DLB)
Dynamic load balancing is an intelligent charging technology that can adjust the power output of charging stations based on the real-time load of the power grid.
DLB can be divided into wireless DLB and wired DLB. The wireless DLB system consists of an electric vehicle charger, DLB box, signal transmitter, signal receiver, and control device.
Compared to wired DLB, it does not need to set transmission lines but transmits data through wireless communication.
2. Smart Charging
Smart charging technology optimizes the charging process by using advanced algorithms. It can adjust charging plans based on real-time electricity prices, battery status, user preferences, and other information to optimize cost-effectiveness and energy use.
3. V2G
Vehicle-to-grid refers to using the vehicle’s battery as a storage unit. The energy stored in the batteries will be used for energy exchange between the EV batteries and the power grid.
This EVSE meaning helps to balance supply and demand, improving the reliability and efficiency of the power grid. It can also bring economic benefits to car owners.
4. Wireless Charging
Wireless charging, currently in the development stages, could further increase convenience by removing cables.
Wireless charging technology uses electromagnetic fields to transmit electrical energy without the need for cable connections. Electric vehicles only need to park on the charging pad to start charging.
EVB Charger Provides Professional EV Charging Solutions
Now you know almost all the EVSE meanings. If you’re interested in this thriving industry, selecting a professional EV manufacturer is helpful to starting an EV business. EVB Charger comes to your aid as a leading EV charger provider.
With years of experience, we offer comprehensive charging options, such as portable, AC and DC chargers.
Our technologies, such as wireless dynamic load balancing, smart charging, and the capability to be compatible with most EV models, make our product the first choice for many people.
Our charger is compatible with the OCPP 1.6J protocol, allowing seamless data transmission between charging points and management systems, making your business more convenient.
Conclusion
Understanding basic EVSE meaning terminology and the EV acronym is an important step for anyone seeking to better understand electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Learning about the EVSE definition can enhance confidence for current owners and those considering making the switch to an EV.
For smart charging stations, visit EVB Charger’s website, and you can find the most suitable one for your business!
