Glossary

Alternating current (AC) charging is typically how people charge their electric vehicles overnight. AC charging uses a lower voltage, either Level 1 (120 volts or normal household current) or Level 2 (240 volts or the equivalent power of an electric dryer). Though the low voltage levels mean a slower charge, AC charging can be easily installed in most households. It’s a great solution for residential, workplace, multi-unit dwellings, and other longer-term parking locations like hotels and municipal or airport parking garages.

A battery electric vehicle (BEV) is a type of electric vehicle. BEVs store energy within the batteries inside the vehicle. A BEV does not have an internal combustion engine, but relies solely on an electric battery system for energy. It must be plugged into a charging source to replenish its battery. As of 2018, many BEVs can operate between 100 and 300 miles on a single charge.

CCS is a direct current (DC) fast charging protocol that is Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) certified, and is featured on vehicles produced by European and American car companies. The “combined” term in the CCS name designates its capability to incorporate the Level 2 (J1772™ standard) plug and DC fast charging connector into the same larger plug. The CCS plug nozzle is also commonly referred to as a “Combo plug.” You’ll have to find out from your car’s manufacturer whether your vehicle is compatible with a CCS or CHAdeMO plug. All Electrify Canada stations offer both CCS and CHAdeMO connectors.

CHAdeMO is a DC fast charging protocol that was first developed for the Japanese EV market; in the US, it is currently capable of charging vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi iMiEV. The CHAdeMO protocol is officially recognized as an international DC charging standard by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) alongside CCS plugs for US and Europe, and the Chinese GB/T plug. All Electrify America stations offer both CHAdeMO and CCS chargers.

“Refueling” an electric vehicle battery with electricity. The time a battery takes to charge depends on the size of the battery in kWh and the amount of electric current being supplied.

Each Electrify Canada charger is identified by a Charger ID, which can be found on the charger, the charger’s screen, and in the Electrify Canada app.