Descriptions for common technical terms related to electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
If you would like further assistance with any technical terminology please contact SWITCH EV.
Glossary of EV Technical Terminology:
AC | Access Fobs | Back Office | Charge Point Types | DC | Emerging Technologies | EV | Fast Charge | Interoperability | Li-ion | PHEV | Plug Types | Plugged in Places | Rapid Charge | Standard Charge
AC
The standard type of electricity in homes and the most effective way of powering an EV. In AC circuit the voltage swings between positive and negative meaning current flows in both directions (hence 'alternating')
Access Fobs / Cards
The physical ‘key’ to access charging points to enable the EV driver to ‘plug in’ their electric vehicle with the charging point. Issued by used by EV infrastructure operators usually as part of a membership scheme. Access to EV Infrastructure managed by Switch EV will require an access fob issued by ourselves or an operating partner.
Back Office / Operating System Functionality
Refers to the features available to an EV infrastructure operator within a back office system used to manage a network or singe charge point. Examples of the functionality maybe to monitor electricity usage, errors with the charge point, and to support pre-booking. The Switch EV back office / operating system support a number of functions as well as ability to support added functionality.
Charge Point Types
Refers to the charging technology hardware configuration such as, single socket, double socket, column type, wall mounted, self-contained, and daisy chained. During the planning stages will help identify based on a number of criteria such as location and available electricity supply what charge point types are suitable for your requirements.
DC
A form of electricity where current only flows in one direction. This is the form of electricity produced by batteries and the most common system used in EV conversions.
Emerging and alternative technologies.
Describes new technologies used to facilitate the operations for charging electric cars, for example battery swapping and contact less charging.
EV
Electric Vehicle: usually referring to registered passenger vehicles but can refer to any vehicle that is powered exclusively by an electric drive train.
Fast Charge (7kw)
Typically refers to a standard charge point which has the capability to charge an average mainstream electric car in three to four hours.
Future Proofing
Describes the process of trying to anticipate future developments so that any current action and decisions can be taken to minimise any possible negative consequences. In association with electric vehicle infrastructure, Switch EV will always follow this process during all stages of EV infrastructure development.
Interoperability
The ability to communicate and use information from diverse systems and hardware and create a network that serves the purpose of the connected parties. In relation to EV infrastructure Switch EVs back office / operating system can communicate with different manufacturers charge points an example of interoperability is to enable EV drivers enrolled in one membership scheme to use different charging posts from different manufacturers.
Li-ion
Lithium Ion Or Lithium-ion polymer battery are a type of rechargeable battery in which lithium ions move from the negative electrode (anode) to the positive electrode (cathode) during discharge, and from the cathode to the anode when charged. Commonly used in electric vehicles.
PHEV
A vehicle with a plug-in battery and in internal combustion engine (ICE).
Plug types
Various plug types used for charge points with an electric vehicle, most common types are 3 pin, Menekes, Commando and are associated with different charging point types and the voltage it can support.
Plugged-In Places
UK government scheme to trial a range of charging technologies in regions around the UK. Switch EV has supported these projects helping to create strategies for EV infrastructure planning and aims to support all the regional schemes.
Rapid Charge
Rapid charge tends to occur at dedicated charge points/bays in supervised areas. Typically a rapid charger will fully charge the average pure-electric car in around 30mins.
Standard Charge (3kw)
Typically refers to charging from a domestic or standard charge point that will take approximately six to eight hours to charge an average mainstream electric car.
For technical advice relating to your electric vehicle charging infrastructure requirements please contact SWITCH EV