Electric Vehicle Charging Payments Glossary
Electric Vehicle Charging Payments Glossary

The U.S. Payments Forum Electric Vehicle Charging Glossary defines a common set of terms and standards that support clear understanding of electric vehicle (EV) charging payments across the industry. Focused on terminology relevant to payment approaches, this resource promotes consistency in how stakeholders communicate about this rapidly evolving area of commerce.

Browse the live glossary below or download the full version for easy reference and sharing.

All | A B C D E G H I J K L M O P R S T V
Pay-As-You-Go Model (i.e., “ad hoc” Payments)
A charging payment model where users pay per session or per unit of energy consumed without a monthly subscription.
Plug & Charge (ISO 15118)
A feature of the ISO 15118 standard that allows for an automated and seamless payment process. When a compatible electric vehicle is plugged into a charging station, the vehicle and station authenticate each other, and billing is handled automatically through a pre-established agreement.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
A vehicle that combines a gasoline engine with an electric battery and that can be recharged by plugging into an external source.
Ports
The number of electric vehicles that can be plugged in simultaneously at an electric vehicle charging location.
Post-Pay Model (i.e., “Exact Amount” Model
A payment model where the financial transaction is executed after charging has been completed and any fees have been assessed.
Prepaid Wallet Model (i.e., “Top-up” Model)
A payment model where a financial transaction is executed to load a charging app wallet with funds that are then available to support multiple charging activities at various points in time.
Public Charging
Charging networks that are available to anyone with an electric vehicle. Charging speeds are either Level 2 or Level 3. Payments are typically collected using either prepaid, post-pay, or open payments models. Public charging includes on-the-go and enroute charging.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
A system that enables secure, automated interactions between electric vehicles, charging stations, and other parties by using digital certificates and cryptographic keys to authenticate and encrypt communications.

Please note: The information and materials available on this web page (“Information”) is provided solely for convenience and does not constitute legal or technical advice. All representations or warranties, express or implied, are expressly disclaimed, including without limitation, implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and all warranties regarding accuracy, completeness, adequacy, results, title and non-infringement. All Information is limited to the scenarios, stakeholders and other matters specified, and should be considered in light of applicable laws, regulations, industry rules and requirements, facts, circumstances and other relevant factors. None of the Information should be interpreted or construed to require or promote the establishment of any solution, practice, configuration, rule, requirement or specification inconsistent with applicable legal requirements, any of which requirements may change over time. The U.S. Payments Forum assumes no responsibility to support, maintain or update the Information, regardless of any such change. Use of or reliance on the Information is at the user’s sole risk, and users are strongly encouraged to consult with their respective payment networks, acquirers, processors, vendors and appropriately qualified technical and legal experts prior to all implementation decisions.

Share this