EV Charging Terms

Understanding EV Charging Terminologies: A Beginner’s Guide

Here are the terms you need to know

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly mainstream in the Philippines, so does the language surrounding their use. For new EV owners or those considering making the switch from gas to electric, the terminology used in the world of EV charging can be confusing. Here’s a clear breakdown of the key terms you need to know.

1. AC vs. DC Charging

AC (Alternating Current): Most home chargers and public chargers utilize AC. In a nutshell, the EV’s onboard charger converts AC to DC to store in the battery. Public AC charging is also cheaper than DC charging, and the speed of charging is limited by the vehicle’s on-board charger and battery capacity.

DC (Direct Current) Fast Charging: Found at high-speed charging stations, DC chargers bypass the vehicle’s onboard charger and feed power directly into the battery for much faster charging.

ACMobility offers both AC and DC charging, depending on the charging hub. The Evro app will indicate what kind of charging is available and where.

2. Charging Connectors and Plugs in the Philippines

CCS2 (Combined Charging System): Is a DC fast charging connector that combines a J1772 plug with additional DC pins. This is the standard that is used with most EVs sold in the Philippines today.

TYPE 2/GBT: These are the connectors that are normally used with AC chargers.

In line with DOE guidelines, CCS2 and Type 2 have been standardized as the charging connector types.

4. Charging Rate

Measured in kilowatts (kW), it indicates how fast a charger can deliver power to your vehicle.

Higher kW = faster charging—if the car was built for it.

For example, AC charging flows at a rate of 2kw to 24kW—depending on the vehicle. DC Fast Charging flows at a rate of 50kw—350kW. In fact ACMobility boasts of ultrafast charging at select hubs. At the Corinthians Carpark in Makati, the newest charging station includes four 240 kW SuperFast chargers and one 480 kW UltraFast charger. These can charge compatible EVs in around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the battery size and condition.

5. State of Charge (SoC)

This is the current battery level, expressed as a percentage. A 60% SoC means the battery is 60% full.

6. Range Anxiety

The concern that an electric vehicle may not have enough battery charge to reach its destination or the next available charging station. In the Philippines, ACMobility addresses this through its rapidly expanding “EV Charging Spine,” a nationwide network of charging stations that enables practical long-distance EV travel across the archipelago.

7. Charger Anxiety

The concern about whether a charging station will be available, working, and compatible when an EV driver needs to recharge. Evro, the all-in-one EV charging app helps reduce this by providing real-time charging station information and visibility, enabling more confident trip planning.

8. Overstaying Fees

Fees charged when an electric vehicle remains plugged in or parked at a charging station after charging is complete, helping ensure charger availability and fair access for other users.

9. Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)

A measure of energy use. Think of it as the EV equivalent of how much fuel is in a gasoline tank. If your EV has a 60 kWh battery, that’s the total energy it can store when full.

10. Evro

Evro, an all-in-one EV charging app and an ACMobility brand, lets you locate, activate, and pay for your charging sessions. It also has the Station Finder feature. This lets users locate all DOE-registered EV charging sites nationwide, helping EV drivers plan and navigate their entire journey easily — all in one app.

You can also monitor real-time availability, track your charging history, and even plan your next drive through features like MyCharge Planner.

11. ACMobility

ACMobility, part of the Ayala Group of Companies, is building the Philippines’ most extensive EV charging infrastructure — from home charging, with Greenstrum home installation, to pubic charging hubs, mobile charging through Power-on-Wheels (POW), and digital access via the Evro app.

Together, these form an end-to-end EV charging ecosystem. You can learn more about ACMobility here.

Understanding EV charging terms can greatly enhance your experience as an electric vehicle driver. While the world of plugs, kilowatts, and connectors may seem technical at first, a basic familiarity can help you make smarter decisions about your vehicle, charging habits, and travel plans. As infrastructure and technology continue to evolve, knowing this terminology will keep you well-informed and ready for the road ahead.