Your Go-to EV Charging Glossary
Quick Answer
This glossary covers the core terminology used across EV charging, organised into four areas: charging levels (Level 1 at 1 to 2.4 kW for overnight home use, Level 2 at 7 to 19 kW for daily home and public charging, Level 3 DC fast charging at 50 kW and above for highway and fleet use), key protocols (OCPP for charger-to-backend communication, OCPI for cross-network roaming, OSCP for grid capacity forecasting, and ISO 15118 for Plug & Charge and V2G), connector and pricing standards (CCS for fast charging up to 500 kW, kWh-based pricing), and access models (home, public, and fleet charging each with distinct infrastructure and business logic). Understanding these terms is the foundation for evaluating hardware, selecting a CPMS, structuring roaming agreements, and building commercially viable EV charging services.
This article covers each of these points in detail.
The world of electric vehicles (EVs) runs on electricity... and industry lingo!
From OCPP to Level 3 fast chargers, there are plenty of acronyms that decide how quickly you’re back on the road, and what it costs.
Skip the tech lecture. In the next few minutes you’ll learn which charging standard gets you 100 km of range before your coffee is gone, which acronym hides the lowest kWh price, and how to spot a truly “future-proof” charger port.
🔌 Charging Levels Demystified
Ever heard of ChargePoint Levels?
What does ChargePoint Level 1 mean? And what About Charge Point Level 2 and 3?
Let’s break them down below.
ChargePoint Level 1 Charger
Think of this as your EV's slow and steady charger. Plugging into a standard 120V outlet, it adds about 4–5 miles of range per hour. Perfect for overnight charging at home.
ChargePoint Level 2 Charger
Stepping up the game, Level 2 chargers use a 240V outlet, delivering 25–50 miles of range per hour. Ideal for daily use at home or public charging spots. ChargePoint's latest Level 2 models even support bidirectional charging, allowing your EV to power your home during outages.
ChargePoint Level 3 Charger (DC Fast Charger)
When time is of the essence, Level 3 chargers come to the rescue. Also known as DC Fast Chargers, they can add up to 100 miles of range in just 20 minutes. ChargePoint's Express 250, for instance, delivers up to 62.5 kW, making it a powerhouse for quick top-ups.
Read our quick guide to Chargepoint Levels to learn more about them and decide which level makes the most sense for your home, fleet or business.
⚙️ Key Charging Technologies
Behind every smooth charging experience is a set of powerful protocols and platforms. Here are the ones you need to know:
OCPP
What does OCPP mean? Open Charge Point Protocol
The universal language between EV chargers and management systems. OCPP guarantees interoperability, allowing different charging stations and networks to communicate seamlessly. The latest version, OCPP 2.0.1, brings enhanced security and smart charging features.
OSCP
What does OSCP mean? Open Smart Charging Protocol
OSCP provides a 24-hour forecast of grid capacity, enabling smart charging decisions. It helps balance energy loads, delivering efficient and sustainable charging.
OCPI
What does OCPI mean? Open Charge Point Interface
OCPI facilitates roaming between different charging networks. With OCPI, you can use various charging stations without juggling multiple apps or accounts.
eMSP
What does eMSP mean? E-Mobility Service Provider
eMSPs offer services like charging station access, billing, and customer support. They act as intermediaries between EV drivers and charging networks, enhancing the user experience.
CPMS
What does CPMS mean? Charge Point Management System
The backend system that monitors, controls, and manages charging stations. CPMS handles tasks like session tracking, billing, and maintenance alerts.
ISO 15118
ISO 15118 is the international standard that enables Plug & Charge functionality, allowing your EV to automatically authenticate and start charging upon connection. It also supports vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication, paving the way for energy sharing between EVs and the grid.
Plug & Charge
No cards. No apps. Just plug in and charge automatically. Powered by ISO 15118, Plug & Charge lets the EV and charger recognize each other instantly, so authentication and billing happen in the background. It's the closest thing to a frictionless charging experience.
⚡ Charging Connectors & Rates
Not all plugs (or pricing models) are created equal. From connector types to charging costs, here’s what actually affects your speed, compatibility, and wallet at the charging station.
CCS Quick Charger
The Combined Charging System (CCS) is a fast-charging connector standard. CCS quick chargers can deliver up to 500 kW, significantly reducing charging time.
Charger Port
The physical interface on your EV where the charging connector plugs in. Different EVs may have varying port types, so always make sure that your electric vehicle is compatible with the charging station.
ChargePoint kWh Rate
The cost of charging your EV is often calculated per kilowatt-hour (kWh). ChargePoint's kWh rate varies by location and energy provider, so it's advisable to check the rate before charging.
🔐 Charging Models by Access Type
EV charging setups aren’t one-size-fits-all. The way a driver accesses a charger (whether at home, in public, or as part of a fleet) changes the tech behind it, the user experience, and the business model.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Home Charging
Private, personal, and super convenient. These chargers live in driveways, garages, or shared parking in apartment buildings. They’re not open to the public, but they offer the lowest cost and maximum control for EV drivers; especially when paired with smart charging features or solar setups.
Public Charging
Street-side, on-the-go, and open to everyone. Public chargers are found in city centres, retail parking lots, and along highways. They come in all speeds (Level 2 to DC fast) and typically support multiple payment and roaming options. Ideal for top-ups during errands or road trips.
Fleet Charging
Tailored for commercial operations. Fleet charging happens in depots or on business premises, serving anything from delivery vans to company cars. These setups prioritize uptime, scalability, and smart load management. They are usually managed through a CPMS to keep everything efficient and trackable.
Final Thoughts
Understanding EV charging shouldn’t be a guessing game. Now you know which terms shape the speed, cost, and convenience of every session.
Want to see how this all comes to life in real-world EV charging? Explore how we make it simple at eMabler.
From OCPP integrations to CPMS and beyond, we help EV Charging providers build smarter charging experiences.