EVSE is a critical component of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure, controlling the power supply to a single EV during a charging session. A charging location must include at least one charging station, one charging point, and one connector. Each charging station can have multiple charging points, and each charging point can support one or more connectors. However, an EVSE allows only one connector to be active at any given time, ensuring that only one vehicle can charge per session per EVSE.
The connector, which is part of the EVSE, plugs into the EV and enables the transfer of electricity. Various connector types exist to support different charging standards and power levels, such as J1772 for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging, CCS for combined AC and DC fast charging, and CHAdeMO for DC fast charging. The control electronics within the EVSE manage the charging process, ensuring that the correct amount of power is safely delivered to the EV.
Network connectivity is often integrated into EVSE systems, allowing for remote monitoring and management of charging sessions. This connectivity can provide users with real-time updates on charging status, the ability to schedule charging times, and access to historical charging data for analysis. Safety mechanisms, such as ground fault circuit interrupters and thermal sensors, are also integral to EVSE, protecting both the vehicle and the user during the charging process.