The glossary of terms below is intended to provide a simple explanation of terms specific to electric vehicle charging. View ‘Related Information’ for a more technical explanation of these terms/concepts.
| Term | Definition | Related Information |
| AC (alternating current) charging | A charging system that supplies the vehicle with alternating current so the vehicle must convert the power from the network (AC) to the power stored in the battery (DC). This type of charging is typically slower than DC charging. | How an electric vehicle’s charging system works |
| BEV (battery electric vehicle) | A vehicle that runs on battery power and has no alternate/supplementary fuel source. The most common "BEV" in New Zealand the Nissan Leaf. | Types of vehicles(external link) |
| Charging station | The pillar, box, or wall-mounted unit that distributes electricity to an electric vehicle | Charging equipment |
| Connector | The end of the supply cable that plugs into the vehicle inlet. These are fancier than a standard plug, as they tell the charging station that a safe connection has been made and charging can go ahead. | Charging equipment |
| DC (direct current) charging | A charging system where the charging station converts the power from the network (AC) to the power stored in the battery (DC). This type of charging is typically faster than AC charging. | How an electric vehicle’s charging system works |
| Fast (rapid) charge | High capacity charging that can (vehicle dependent) charge a vehicle in as fast at 20 minutes. | Charging rate terminology |
| ICE (internal combustion engine) | A vehicle that burns fuel for motive power - traditional petrol, or diesel vehicles. To be "iced" is to have a non-electric vehicle blocking access to a charging station. | |
| Inlet | The socket on the vehicle that the supply cable (connector-end) is plugged into. | Charging equipment |
| Installer | An electrical worker who is working within their ability and can prove that they are qualified. | Installing charging stations |
| Interoperability | The ability for drivers to move seamlessly from once charging station to another. | |
| Mode | A graded system (1 to 4) that describes the safety protocol of a charging method. From an unprotected socket outlet (1) to a high capacity AC to DC charging station (4) with built in control devices. | Acceptable charging stations |
| Off-road installation | Beyond the road or road reserve (this may be publicly or privately owned land). | Getting consent |
| On-road installation | On a public road or within the road reserve. | Getting consent |
| Operator | The person who is responsible for making sure the charging station is working properly and it is safe. | Operating a site |
| PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) | A vehicle that has dual fuel sources; battery power and an alternate/supplementary fuel source | Types of vehicles(external link) |
| Plug | The end of the supply cable that plugs into the charging station. | Charging equipment |
| RCD (residual-current device) | A safety switch that will kill the power immediately if something goes wrong. | Installation |
| Slow charge | Low capacity charging can take ages to top up your vehicle. | Charging rate terminology |
| Socket outlet | A plug socket on a charging station that a driver can plug their own supply cable into. | |
| Supply cable | The cable that runs from the charging station to the vehicle, providing electricity to charge. A "tethered" supply cable is a fixed cable that is part of the charging station. |
Charging equipment |
