Electric vehicle adoption is growing at record speed. However, for many businesses and their customers, the EV charging industry introduces a multitude of new terms, acronyms, and technical language that can be overwhelming.

Whether you are exploring EV charging for your hospitality, leisure, or retail destination or simply want to understand how the industry works, this jargon buster will help you cut through the confusion and make informed decisions.

Charge Point Operator (CPO)

A Charge Point Operator (CPO) is the company responsible for managing and maintaining EV charge points once installed. They handle everything from software monitoring and payments to 24/7 customer support and uptime reporting.

CPOs like RAW Charging offer fully funded EV charging solutions, meaning they take on the cost, operation, and upkeep of the chargers, allowing site owners to offer charging facilities without any capital investment.

Funding Routes: Self-Funded vs Software-Only vs CPO

When installing EV chargers, businesses typically choose between three key funding routes:

• Self-Funded: The business purchases, installs, and manages the chargers outright. This offers complete control but also requires significant capital expenditure and ongoing maintenance responsibility.

• Software-Only: The site installs and owns the chargers but pays for access to a platform to manage payments, data, and driver services.

• CPO-Funded: A fully funded solution where the CPO covers all installation, hardware, software, and operational costs in return for a shared revenue model. This is often the most cost-effective route for businesses.

eMSP (Electro-Mobility Service Provider)

An Electro-Mobility Service Provider (eMSP) gives EV drivers access to charging networks, apps, and payment services.

eMSPs often work alongside CPOs, allowing drivers to find, start, and pay for charging sessions easily, sometimes across multiple networks through roaming agreements. Think of the eMSP as the driver-facing part of the EV ecosystem, while the CPO handles the infrastructure side.

RFID Card

An RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) card is a contactless access card used to start and stop charging sessions. Many drivers receive one from their eMSP or charging network provider.

RFID cards are being gradually complemented or replaced by contactless bank card payments and mobile app access, which are now required under the UK’s Public Charge Point Regulations 2023.

Roaming Partner

A roaming partner agreement allows drivers to use a single app or account to charge across multiple networks. For example, a driver subscribed to one eMSP can also charge on another provider’s network without setting up a new account.

This system makes public charging more convenient and interconnected, much like mobile phone roaming across different networks.

Site Host

A site host is a business or property owner who permits a CPO to install and operate EV chargers on their land. Common examples include hotels, golf clubs, retail parks, and leisure destinations.

Through a fully funded model, the site host benefits from increased footfall, enhanced sustainability credentials (ESG), and revenue sharing, all without incurring installation or operational costs.

AC vs DC Charging

EV chargers are typically classified as AC (Alternating Current) or DC (Direct Current):

• AC chargers (typically 7kW–22kW) are best for more extended stays, such as hotels, resorts, and office car parks, where vehicles are parked for several hours or more.

• DC chargers (typically 50kW–150kW+) deliver faster charging, ideal for destinations where customers visit for shorter periods, such as retail outlets, leisure centres, or golf clubs.

Choosing between AC and DC depends on customer dwell time, destination, parking layout, and power supply.

Charging Station

A charging station (or EV charging hub) refers to a location that hosts one or more EV charge points. It may include a mix of AC and DC chargers, as well as payment systems and support infrastructure.

For destination sites, integrating charging stations seamlessly into your site, business model, and the customer journey enhances convenience and brand experience.

Waitlist

A waitlist enables drivers to join a virtual queue for a charger when all charge points are occupied. Many modern charging networks integrate waitlist functionality into their mobile apps, notifying users when a charger becomes available.

This feature helps reduce congestion at busy sites, improves customer experience, and keeps customer satisfaction high.

BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)

A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) runs entirely on electricity, with no petrol or diesel engine. It uses rechargeable batteries and relies exclusively on charging infrastructure. Popular models from notable manufacturers include the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Hyundai IONIQ 5.

BEVs produce zero exhaust emissions, making them a key focus of the UK’s Net Zero strategy.

PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) combines an electric motor and a traditional engine. It can be charged externally, yet retains the ability to use fuel for longer journeys.

While PHEVs reduce emissions, they rely on both petrol and electricity, making them a transitional technology on the path to full electrification.

HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

A Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) cannot be plugged in. It charges its small battery through regenerative braking and the engine itself. Popular examples include the Toyota Prius and similar models.

HEVs are more efficient than traditional petrol cars, but they still rely on fossil fuels for power.

ICE (Internal Combustion Engine)

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles are powered solely by petrol or diesel. As the UK phases out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, ICE vehicles are gradually being replaced by electric alternatives.

From CPOs and eMSPs to AC vs DC charging, the EV industry comes with a new vocabulary, but with the right partner, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

RAW Charging simplifies the entire process for businesses across the hospitality, leisure, and retail sectors, with fully funded EV charging solutions that handle installation, management, and maintenance, helping your site meet modern expectations, increase dwell time, and align with sustainability goals.

Contact RAW Charging today for a free consultation and site assessment, and discover how simple it is to bring efficient, compliant EV charging to your business.