Terms are sorted alphabetically. Scroll through or jump to what you need.
AC – Alternating Current
AC (Alternating Current) is the standard power from the electrical grid. Every household outlet and most public AC chargers deliver AC. The car converts it to DC internally through its onboard charger. Typical power levels: 3.7 kW (single-phase), 11 kW (three-phase), up to 22 kW (three-phase max). More: AC vs DC explained
AFIR – Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation
An EU regulation that's gradually requiring public fast chargers to offer card payment directly at the terminal (no app, no membership needed). By 2027, this applies to every charger above 50 kW. Good news for occasional public chargers.
Battery (Traction Battery)
The traction battery is the heart of any EV, a lithium-ion pack that stores the energy that drives the motor. Capacities range from roughly 40 kWh (city cars) to 100+ kWh (Tesla Model S, BMW iX). More: EV battery lifespan
Blocking/Idle Fee
A fee some charging networks apply once a vehicle finishes charging but stays plugged in and parked. Typically €0.05–0.15/min starting 5 minutes after the session ends. More: Charger blocked: what to do
CCS – Combined Charging System
CCS (Combo 2 in Europe) is the dominant DC fast-charging standard. It combines the Type 2 connector with two additional DC pins. Power: 50–350 kW. Every modern European EV uses CCS2. More: EV connectors in Europe explained
CHAdeMO
A Japanese DC fast-charging standard, used mainly by the Nissan Leaf (through 2023) and Mitsubishi. Steadily declining in Europe. More: Connector types
DC – Direct Current
DC (Direct Current) feeds power straight into the battery, bypassing the onboard charger, which is why DC fast-charging power (50–350 kW) is so much higher than AC charging (capped at 22 kW). More: AC vs DC charging
kW – Kilowatt
A charger's power output is measured in kW. More kW generally means faster charging, but the car itself limits the actual speed: its onboard charger (AC) or battery management system (DC) caps how fast it can accept power. A 350 kW charger doesn't help if your car maxes out at 100 kW.
kWh – Kilowatt-hour
The kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the unit of energy. An EV with a 60 kWh battery can typically drive 190–250 miles depending on consumption (15–20 kWh/100km). Public charging is usually billed per kWh (e.g. €0.49/kWh). More: Calculating EV energy consumption
Charging Curve
The charging curve shows how charging power changes as the battery fills up (state of charge). Most EVs charge fastest between 10% and 80%. Beyond that, power gets throttled to protect the battery. Practical rule of thumb: charge to 80% at DC fast chargers.
OCPI – Open Charge Point Interface
A protocol for exchanging data between different charging networks, enabling roaming (for example, charging at an Ionity station with an EnBW card). OCPI underpins open roaming platforms like Hubject and Gireve.
OCPP – Open Charge Point Protocol
The communication protocol between a charger and the network's backend system. OCPP 1.6 is the current standard; OCPP 2.0.1 enables bidirectional charging (V2G). Mostly relevant to operators and technicians.
Phase Imbalance
Germany's grid runs on three phases. Single-phase AC charging (e.g. 3.7 kW) only draws from one phase. Over long charging sessions, that can create an imbalance on the local grid, which is why grid operators recommend three-phase charging (11 kW) through a proper home charger. Not a practical issue for most households.
Regenerative Braking (Recuperation)
Regenerative braking recovers braking energy as electricity. When decelerating, the electric motor works as a generator and feeds power back into the battery. Depending on driving style and settings, this adds roughly 10–20% to real-world range.
Roaming
Charging at a different network using your own charging card, similar to cell phone roaming. For example, charging at Ionity or Aral pulse with an EnBW card, usually at a roaming rate (slightly more expensive). More: EV charging card comparison
SOC – State of Charge
SOC is the battery's current charge level as a percentage. Most manufacturers recommend charging to 80% daily and reserving 100% for long trips. Regularly driving below 10% accelerates battery wear.
Type 2 (Mennekes)
Europe's AC charging standard. Nearly every EV sold in Europe has a Type 2 port. Power: 3.7–22 kW. Mandatory for public AC chargers in the EU since 2014. More: EV connectors in Europe explained
V2G – Vehicle-to-Grid
Vehicle-to-Grid means feeding power from the battery back into the grid, turning the EV into a mobile power source. Still uncommon, but a growing area of interest. More: Bidirectional charging explained
Wallbox (Home Charger)
A home charger (often called a "wallbox" in Europe) is a wall-mounted AC charging unit (typically 11 kW) for home use. Faster and safer than a household outlet. Cost: €800–2,000 including installation. More: Home EV charger installation guide · Best home EV chargers 2026
More terms added on request. This glossary is updated regularly. → All guides · Find charging stations
