The terminology around EV charging can feel like alphabet soup. Let us take you through the ABCs and break down some common charging terms that you may encounter for the first time when looking for EV charging solutions or when taking over the management of EV chargers at your building.
Amperage: The one-word term for “electrical current,” which is measured in amperes (amps). It describes the amount of electrical charge that is flowing.
Behind-the-Meter: “Behind-the-meter” refers to energy production and storage systems that directly supply homes and buildings with electricity. For example, solar panels produce energy that is separate from the grid, and thus does not need to be counted by a meter before being used, so they are considered to be positioned ”behind the meter.”
Charging Station Management System (CSMS): A CSMS is technology that allows for the management and optimization of electric vehicle charging operations. ChargeLab’s CSMS support electric fleets, public and corporate charge stations, multi- and single-family solutions, and more.
Direct current fast charging (DCFC): DCFC chargers use a direct current to quickly recharge an EV at a rate of 3 to 20 miles of range per minute. They are commonly used in public charging networks for their fast speeds and driver turnaround times.
Electric vehicle (EV): EVs are vehicles that are either partially or fully powered on electric power.
Firmware: Firmware is software that is embedded in hardware that controls its functionality. ChargeLab’s OpenOCPP supports partners with the development of their electric vehicle charger firmware.
Grid: The electrical grid generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to end-consumers, such as industrial buildings, commercial buildings, residences, and electric vehicles.
Hardware monitoring: Monitoring and maintaining a charging network with high uptime is a challenge, but critical to success. ChargeLab’s Spark™ uses AI and machine learning to help teams monitor their hardware closely, keeping them reliable and functional.
Interoperability: Interoperability is the ability of charging stations to communicate with a CSMS, regardless of manufacturer, using the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) standard. ChargeLab has verified over 100 OCPP chargers from over thirty manufacturers, and we’re compatible with any OCPP hardware.
J1772: The J1772 plug is the Society of Automotive Engineers’ North American standard plug for Level 2 AC charging.
Kilowatt hour: A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a composite unit of energy that represents the amount of power used over time. kWh is a common billing unit for electrical energy delivered to consumers by electric utilities.
Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS): LCFS is an emissions market rule designed to incentivize carbon replacement with low-carbon alternatives. These programs exist in specific geographic regions, such as British Columbia and California.
Maintenance: A comprehensive maintenance plan can help EV charging businesses ensure their chargers remain operational by creating a consistent and positive charging experience.
North American Charging Standard (NACS): Previous known as the Tesla connector, this AC and DC plug standard is starting to be adopted by car manufacturers in North America.
Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP): OCPP is an open standard communication protocol for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. It defines interactions between EV charging stations and a central system, helping to facilitate security, transactions, diagnostics, and more.
Port: A port provides power to charge one vehicle at a time, though it may have multiple connectors or connector types.
QR code stickers: ChargeLab adheres stickers to the front of chargers that show a Display ID and a QR code, which drivers can scan with a smartphone to start a charging session.
Rewards: ChargeLab Rewards is a program for eligible single-family homeowners in Canada where participants earn 3¢ per kWh when they charge at home.
Service Organization Control (SOC): SOC 2 Type II is considered the security gold standard. As SOC 2 Type II compliant software, ChargeLab’s cloud-based CSMS adheres to the strictest standards for protecting sensitive consumer data.
Trust Center: ChargeLab’s Trust Center provides resources on security and compliance in all our products.
Uptime: EV charger uptime represents the percentage of time that an EV driver can arrive at a charging station, plug in their vehicle, and successfully charge it. At its core, it measures the reliability of charging infrastructure.
Voltage: Voltage describes the “pressure” that pushes electricity. The amount of voltage is indicated by a unit known as the volt (V), and higher voltages cause more electricity to flow to an electronic device.
Workplace charging: Providing workplace charging as an amenity attracts tenants to lease office space, achieve sustainability goals, provide charging for employees who can’t charge at home, and build loyalty and corporate culture.
eXperience: In ChargeLab’s survey of EV drivers on their public charging experience, drivers consistently rank the factors of a good charging experience as good speed, payment convenience, accessibility and location, cleanliness/maintenance, brand, and easy user interface.
Y (Wye) configuration: A configuration of a polyphase power system that has three voltage sources connected to a neutral point, which improves flexibility and better supports EV charging load balancing.
Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP): ZEVIP provides funding towards the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations across Canada.