EV Charging Glossary
Key terms and definitions for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
EV Charging Levels
Understanding Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (DC fast) charging speeds.
NEVI Program
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure formula program funding EV chargers nationwide.
DCFC (DC Fast Charging)
High-power direct current charging that can add 100+ miles of range in under 30 minutes.
J1772 Connector
The standard Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging connector used by most EVs in North America.
CCS (Combined Charging System)
The dominant DC fast charging connector standard in North America, combining J1772 with DC pins.
CHAdeMO
A DC fast charging standard developed in Japan, now declining in North America.
Tesla Supercharger
Tesla's proprietary DC fast charging network, the largest in North America.
Range Anxiety
The fear of running out of battery charge before reaching a charging station.
Level 2 Charging
240V AC charging delivering 12-80 miles of range per hour, the backbone of daily EV charging.
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment)
The technical term for EV charging stations and the equipment that delivers electricity to vehicles.
Smart Charging
Intelligent EV charging that optimizes timing, cost, and grid impact using data and connectivity.
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)
Technology enabling EVs to send stored energy back to the electrical grid.