EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) is the formal industry term for the complete system — conductors, connectors, control electronics, and software — that safely delivers electricity from the grid to an electric vehicle. The U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 625 defines it as the equipment installed specifically to transfer energy between premises wiring and an EV. In everyday language, EVSE is what most people call an “EV charger.”
EVSE vs. Charger: What the Terminology Means
In AC charging (Level 1 and Level 2), the EVSE is a smart safety interface, not the actual charger. It delivers alternating current to the vehicle, monitors for ground faults, and communicates how much current is available, while the vehicle’s onboard charger performs the AC-to-DC conversion. In DC fast charging, the power converter lives inside the station itself, which is why DC stations are larger, more expensive, and technically the real chargers.
The distinction matters for procurement: specifications, code compliance, and safety certifications all reference EVSE, so buyers who understand the term can evaluate equipment correctly.
EVSE Charging Levels
| Level | Power | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 120 V AC, 1.2–1.9 kW | Household outlet charging, plug-in hybrids, short commutes |
| Level 2 | 208–240 V AC, 3–22 kW | Home, workplace, hotel, and destination charging |
| DC Fast Charging | 400–1,000 V DC, 50–500+ kW | Public stations, highway corridors, fleet depots |
EVSE also covers the connector standards that vary by region — NACS, CCS, CHAdeMO, and GB/T — and the communication layer. OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is the standard that lets commercial EVSE connect to charging management software for remote monitoring, billing, and load balancing, and it is effectively non-negotiable for any multi-station deployment.
Where to Learn More
This entry covers the definition. For the full treatment of charging levels, connectors, and how to choose equipment:
- Types of EV chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging
- DC vs AC EV charging: the technical difference explained
- Related glossary terms: Level 1 charging, OCPP, and Charging Management System (CMS)
Specifying EVSE for a commercial project? Contact Klitv’s engineering team for guidance on power levels, connectors, and OCPP-compliant hardware.