Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is equipment that connects an EV to an electricity supply and controls the safe transfer of energy. The term can cover a portable cord set, a wall-mounted unit, or part of a public charging installation.
EVSE and the charger
During AC charging, the EVSE normally supplies controlled AC power, protection, and signalling; the vehicle's Onboard Charger converts that AC to DC for the battery. During DC charging, the external equipment performs the main AC-to-DC conversion and supplies controlled DC to the vehicle.
This is why charger can be ambiguous. It is widely used for the box, post, or charging port outside the vehicle, but the location of the power conversion depends on whether charging is AC or DC.
EVSE is also broader than the connector placed in the vehicle inlet. A complete installation can include switching, protective devices, a cable, control-pilot functions, metering, communications, and one or more charging ports. The exact equipment and protections depend on the charging mode, installation, and applicable standards.
EVSE does not by itself mean the parking location, charging-network operator, payment service, or communication protocol. For the relationship between the electricity supply, charging equipment, vehicle, connector, and battery, see EV Charging: The Complete System.