The growing wave of electric vehicle adoption brings with it a new range of terminology to become familiar with. In this article, we simplify some of the most commonly used abbreviations and phrases related to EV charging and explain their meanings.

1. kW or kWh?

It’s easy to confuse kilowatts (kW) with kilowatt-hours (kWh) since both are related units of measurement. However, they measure different things. A kilowatt (kW) measures power, which is the rate at which your vehicle is charging. In contrast, a kilowatt-hour (kWh) measures energy, indicating the total capacity of your EV’s battery, and consequently, how much range your electric car has. Think of kWh as the size of your fuel tank.

2. What is AC Charging?

Most private EV charging setups use AC chargers, where "AC" stands for "Alternating Current." Although all power used for EV charging starts as AC, it needs to be converted to DC (Direct Current) before your vehicle can use it. In AC charging, this conversion happens within the car, which is why AC charging tends to be slower but more cost-effective.

Type 2 Plugs: In Europe, the Type 2 plug is the standard for AC charging, as approved by the European Commission. Type 2 plugs can be single-phase or three-phase, with the latter featuring additional wires to support faster charging. At home, these plugs can provide up to 7.4 kW of power, while public charging stations might offer up to 22 kW, depending on your car’s capabilities and the grid’s capacity.

3-pin Plug: Some electric cars come with a cable—often called a ‘granny cable’—designed for use with a standard domestic plug socket. This method is useful if you’re staying overnight somewhere without a dedicated EV charger. However, we recommend using a Wallbox charger as your primary option, keeping the granny cable as a backup.

3. What is DC Charging?

DC (Direct Current) charging is typically found at fast-charging stations and is mainly available at public charging points. There are two main types of plugs for DC charging: CHAdeMO and CCS.

CHAdeMO: Developed in Japan, this rapid charging system supports high charging capacities and enables bidirectional charging, offering speeds up to 100 kW.

CCS: The CCS plug is an enhanced version of the Type 2 plug, featuring additional power contacts to support rapid charging. It can handle both AC and DC charging, with speeds of up to 350 kW.

4. What is Bidirectional Charging?

Bidirectional EV charging, as the name suggests, allows electricity to flow in two directions. Unlike traditional one-way chargers, where electricity only flows from the grid to your vehicle, bidirectional chargers enable energy to flow both ways. This means your EV can send power back to the grid, your home, business, appliances, or even another vehicle.

5. Single Phase Electricity

Single-phase electricity, which is common in most homes, involves the delivery of electricity through a single live conductor. EVs often charge using AC connectors in this manner, typically providing either 3.7 kW or 7.4 kW of power through a standard charging point.

6. Three Phase Electricity

Three-phase electricity, often found in larger commercial settings and at all ESB public charge points, involves the delivery of electricity through three live conductors simultaneously. This setup can provide higher power levels to vehicles that support three-phase charging, with power outputs ranging from 11 kW to 22 kW, depending on your car’s internal electronics.

7. Smart Charging

Smart charging for electric vehicles is designed to optimise the timing and rate of charging based on factors like grid demand, energy prices, and user preferences. The goal is to reduce the impact on the grid, maximise the use of renewable energy, and lower charging costs. Using advanced communication technology, smart charging allows for more efficient and flexible charging, including options like off-peak charging and load balancing.

Now that you're familiar with some of the key terms in EV charging, we trust that it will facilitate your transition into e-mobility and deepen your understanding of EV technology. For more insights on electric vehicles and to explore the latest charging options, Nevo is here to guide you through your journey, Ireland’s only dedicated electric vehicle platform.