What does EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) mean?

Explanation

EVSE is the industry term for the actual charging hardware, what most people simply call "the charger." It includes everything from the housing and screen to the connector cable, the power electronics inside, and the communication module. An EVSE can range from a simple AC wallbox on a garage wall to a massive DC fast charger cabinet at a motorway service station.

You will see EVSE used in technical documentation, industry discussions, and sometimes on the charger itself (in model numbers or certification labels). In everyday conversation, saying "charger" is perfectly fine. EVSE is the precise term used by installers, CPOs, and standards bodies.

For AC charging, the EVSE is technically just the supply equipment. The actual charging (AC to DC conversion) happens inside the car via the onboard charger. For DC fast charging, the EVSE contains a powerful AC-to-DC converter, which is why DC chargers are much larger, heavier, and more expensive than AC wallboxes.

For technical specifications, see U.S. Department of Energy AFDC.

Where you'll see this

• On the charger screen
• In vehicle specifications

Common confusion

Technically, an AC EVSE is not a 'charger' because the conversion happens inside the car. But everyone calls it a charger anyway, and that is perfectly fine for everyday use.

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