EVSE

Glossary

What is Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) for EV Charging?

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) contributes to the infrastructure required for electric vehicle charging, guaranteeing dependable and effective power delivery. EVSE is essential for preserving operating efficiency, cutting downtime, and optimizing energy management with features like smart charging and dynamic load control, especially for electric fleets.

Systems for electric vehicle supply equipment frequently use sophisticated software to monitor and control a number of charging stations. For electric fleet operators to keep an eye on energy consumption, plan and coordinate charging sessions, and steer clear of peak demand fees, this is crucial. Furthermore, by supporting many charger types and brands, EVSE contributes to the scalability of both electric fleets and charger sites, providing flexibility and future-proofing as the fleet grows and changes.

What is the difference between EVSE and EVCS?

The infrastructure that supplies electrical energy for recharging electric cars, comprising hardware such as cables and connections as well as related software for energy management and smart charging, is referred to as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, or EVSE.

An electric vehicle charging station, or EVCS for short, is a physical place or establishment where an EVSE is installed and an EV may be charged. An EVCS may contain extra features like real-time usage monitoring and payment processing, in addition to having one or more charging stations.

What is the difference between EVSE Type 1 and Type 2?

Type 1:

The Type 1 connector is designed for single-phase charging. It typically supports slower charging speeds, from 3kW to 7.4 kW, making it suitable for residential and lower-power commercial applications. Type 1 chargers are more common in North America and Asia as well.

The Type 1 plug includes a design with 5 pins along with a latch which inhibits movement of the plug while charging.

Type 2:

In contrast, the Type 2 connector is designed for both single-phase and three-phase charging and is widely adopted in Europe as the standard. It supports faster AC charging speeds, up to 22 kW at home charging and 43kW at public charging stations. Type 2 EVSE can also accommodate DC fast charging, making it a versatile and efficient choice for both residential and commercial charging stations.

The Type 2 plug has 7 pins and does not include a latch, but rather, vehicles that utilize Type 2 have a locking pin in the charging port of the vehicle.

What is level 1 electric vehicle supply equipment?

Level 1 EVSE provides the most basic form of EV Charging by using a standard household electrical outlet, which typically delivers 120 volts of AC power. Level 1 EVSE is ideal for overnight charging at home, as it delivers a very slow charging rate of around 2-5 miles of range per hour.

However, level 1 charging is the most accessible and least expensive option. Level 1 charging is best suited for drivers with low daily mileage or those who have ample time for charging. Level 1 EVSE does not require any installation which allows a low barrier of entry for new EV owners.