EV Charging Glossary
Jargon-free definitions of every term you'll encounter when installing EV charging at your property
A
AC Charging
Alternating Current charging, the most common type for home and destination chargers. Typically delivers 7-22kW and is ideal for overnight or longer stays at holiday lets.
C
CCS (Combined Charging System)
A fast-charging connector standard used by most modern EVs in the UK and Europe. Combines AC and DC charging in one plug.
CHAdeMO
A DC fast-charging standard originally developed in Japan. Used by some older EVs like the Nissan Leaf. Being phased out in favour of CCS.
Chargepoint
The physical unit where an EV plugs in to charge. Also called a charging station or EVSE. Holiday let chargepoints are typically wall-mounted 7kW units.
D
DC Fast Charging
Direct Current charging that bypasses the car's onboard charger for much faster charging speeds (50-350kW). Typically found at motorway services, not holiday lets.
Destination Charging
EV charging installed at places people stay or visit — hotels, holiday lets, restaurants. Guests charge while they sleep or enjoy their stay, making it ideal for hospitality.
DNO (Distribution Network Operator)
The company responsible for the local electricity network. A DNO application may be needed for larger installations to ensure the grid can support the additional load.
DNO Application
A formal request to the local electricity network operator for permission to connect an EV charger. Required for some installations depending on the property's electrical capacity.
E
Easee
A Norwegian smart EV charger manufacturer. Manta Power installs Easee chargers — compact, smart units with built-in load balancing and app connectivity.
EV (Electric Vehicle)
A vehicle powered fully or partially by an electric motor and battery, rather than a traditional combustion engine.
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment)
The technical term for the charging station hardware that supplies electricity to an EV. Includes the chargepoint, cable, and safety systems.
G
Granny Charger
A portable, slow charger (typically 2-3kW) that plugs into a standard 3-pin socket. Not recommended for regular use due to slow speed and potential safety risks.
Grid Connection
The link between a property's electrical system and the national electricity grid. Larger EV installations may require an upgraded grid connection.
K
kW (Kilowatt)
A unit measuring the rate of energy transfer — essentially how fast a charger can charge. A typical holiday let charger is 7kW, meaning it delivers 7 kilowatts of power per hour.
kWh (Kilowatt-hour)
A unit of energy. If a charger delivers 7kW for one hour, it transfers 7kWh. EV batteries are measured in kWh — a 60kWh battery takes about 8.5 hours on a 7kW charger.
L
Load Balancing
Smart technology that automatically adjusts charging speed based on the property's other electrical demands. Prevents overloading and ensures safe operation without costly upgrades.
O
OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol)
An open communication standard between chargepoints and management software. Ensures chargers aren't locked to one provider and can work with different payment platforms.
OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles)
The UK government body that administers EV charging grants. The OZEV Workplace Charging Scheme provides up to £500 per socket for eligible business properties including holiday lets (from April 2026).
OZEV Grant
Government funding through the Workplace Charging Scheme covering up to £500 per socket. Holiday lets with business rates typically qualify. Updated from April 2026.
P
Part P
Building regulations in England and Wales covering electrical safety. EV charger installations must comply with Part P and be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician.
PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
A vehicle with both an electric motor/battery and a combustion engine. Has a smaller battery than a full EV but can still charge at a chargepoint.
S
Smart Charger
An EV charger with internet connectivity, enabling remote monitoring, scheduled charging, usage tracking, and guest payment collection — essential for holiday let revenue.
Socket vs Tethered
A socket charger has a universal outlet where users plug in their own cable. A tethered charger has a permanently attached cable. Socket types are more versatile for holiday lets as they suit all EVs.
T
TAP Electric
A payment and management platform for EV chargers. Guests pay per kWh through the TAP app, and property owners receive monthly payouts — no cash handling needed.
Tariff
The price per kWh charged to guests using the chargepoint. Set by the property owner through the management platform to cover electricity costs and generate revenue.
Three-Phase Power
A more powerful electrical supply (typically 400V) found in some commercial properties. Enables faster charging speeds up to 22kW AC. Most domestic properties are single-phase.
Type 1 Connector
An older, single-phase AC charging plug standard. Rarely used in the UK now — most modern EVs use Type 2.
Type 2 Connector
The standard AC charging connector in the UK and Europe. Used by virtually all modern EVs. All Manta Power installations use Type 2 sockets for maximum compatibility.
U
Untethered Charger
A chargepoint with a socket rather than a fixed cable. The EV owner uses their own cable to connect. Preferred for holiday lets as it accommodates all vehicle types.
Utilisation Rate
The percentage of time a chargepoint is actively being used. Higher utilisation means more revenue. Holiday lets in popular areas like Cornwall see strong utilisation during peak season.
V
V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid)
Emerging technology allowing EVs to feed stored energy back into the grid or property. Could enable holiday let owners to earn additional revenue in the future.
W
Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
The UK government grant programme providing up to £500 per socket for eligible businesses installing EV chargepoints. Holiday lets with business rates qualify. Updated from April 2026.
Z
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV)
A vehicle that produces no tailpipe emissions — fully electric cars and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The UK plans to ban new petrol/diesel car sales, driving EV adoption.