EVSE

EVSE stands for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. It refers to the external equipment that provides electric energy for recharging plug-in electric vehicles. EVSE includes the connection cables, the charging inlet connector, and the control electronics and software that manage safety, current levels, and communications with the vehicle. The vehicle itself contains an on-board charger that converts alternating current to the appropriate form for battery charging; the EVSE supplies the energy and governs the charging process.

EVSE comes in several forms. Portable units can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet, while stationary units are mounted in homes, workplaces, or public locations. Stationary EVSEs may be installed as wall boxes, pedestals, or integrated into charging networks. Regardless of form, EVSE is designed to establish a safe electrical connection and to regulate charging according to the vehicle’s requirements and local codes.

Standards and connectors for EVSE define how power is delivered and how the vehicle and charger communicate. In North America, the SAE J1772 connector is common for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging. In Europe and many regions, IEC 62196-2 Type 2 connectors are prevalent. The IEC 62196 family covers multiple plug types. Charging modes range from Mode 1 and Mode 2 (direct connection to outlets with basic safety monitoring) to Mode 3 (AC charging with dedicated EVSE control) and Mode 4 (DC fast charging delivering direct current to the vehicle).

Safety and interoperability are central to EVSE design. Units incorporate protections for wiring, grounding, leakage, and overcurrent, and they typically require certification by recognized laboratories. Networked EVSE may support remote monitoring and control using protocols such as the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP).