Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is the equipment that delivers electricity from the building’s supply to an electric vehicle: the conductors, connectors, plugs, controls and enclosure, often called a charging station. Most people simply say “charger.”
Technically, for AC charging the actual charger is inside the car: the onboard charger converts AC power to DC for the battery, and the EVSE supplies the power safely and tells the car how much it may draw. For DC fast charging the conversion happens in the station, so the station is the charger.
Levels of EVSE
- Level 1. A standard 120-volt outlet with a portable cord. Slow, but enough for many vehicles parked all day or overnight.
- Level 2. A 208/240-volt circuit, the standard for workplaces, homes, multifamily buildings and most public parking.
- DC fast charging. High-power stations that convert power to DC and charge in tens of minutes, used along highways and for fleets.
Choosing EVSE for a parking facility
- Match power to dwell time: long stays need Level 2, not fast charging. See dwell time.
- Count ports, not cabinets, when comparing equipment.
- Plan the electrical service and load management before choosing hardware.
The Parkonomics view
The right EVSE is the cheapest equipment that fills the battery while the car is parked anyway. In most garages that is Level 2, well managed.
Related terms: Charger, Charging Port, Connector, DC Fast Charging, EVSE Installed