EV Dictionary: Charging

800V Architecture

A high-voltage electrical system that operates at approximately 800 volts instead of the conventional 400V. 800V architecture enables faster charging, lighter wiring, and improved efficiency.

Battery Preconditioning

The process of heating or cooling the battery to its optimal temperature before DC fast charging. Preconditioning significantly improves charging speed, especially in cold weather.

CCS (Combined Charging System)

A charging connector standard that supports both AC and DC charging through a single port. CCS is the dominant fast-charging standard in Europe and widely used in North America.

Charge Curve

A graph showing how an EV's DC charging power (kW) varies across different battery states of charge (SoC). The charge curve reveals real-world charging speed better than peak power alone.

DC Fast Charging

High-power charging that delivers direct current (DC) straight to the battery, bypassing the car's on-board charger. DC fast chargers can add significant range in 15–45 minutes.

NACS (North American Charging Standard)

A compact charging connector originally developed by Tesla that is becoming the standard in North America. NACS supports both AC and DC charging through a single smaller connector.

On-Board Charger (OBC)

A component inside the EV that converts AC electricity from home and public AC chargers into DC electricity that can be stored in the battery. The on-board charger's power rating limits AC charging speed.

State of Charge (SoC)

The current charge level of an EV battery expressed as a percentage, similar to a fuel gauge. 100% means fully charged, 0% means empty.

V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid)

Technology that allows an EV to send stored electricity back to the power grid. V2G enables EVs to function as mobile energy storage, supporting grid stability and potentially earning revenue for the owner.

V2L (Vehicle-to-Load)

A feature that allows an EV to supply electrical power to external devices and appliances, effectively using the car's battery as a large portable power station.