EV Charging and BMS Terms Explained

10BASE-T1S

A single-pair Ethernet physical layer for communication on a shared multidrop segment. ISO 15118-10:2025 defines the physical and data link layer requirements for its use between EV and EVSE communication controllers, including MCS applications.

AC charging

The vehicle receives AC and its on-board charger converts it to DC for the battery.

Conductive charging that supplies alternating current (AC) to the vehicle. The on-board charger converts this power into direct current (DC) for the traction battery.

Example: measure the AC input power and DC output power of the on-board charger.

Accreditation

Accreditation formally recognises a conformity-assessment body’s competence for specified activities. For a laboratory, the published scope identifies the recognised testing or calibration services.

Active balancing

Energy is transferred to reduce differences between cells.

Active balancing transfers energy between cells or between a cell and the battery stack through controlled converters or switching circuits.

Example: observe the current transferred during a supported balancing sequence.

Adjustment

Change an instrument to reduce a measurement deviation.

Adjustment changes a measuring instrument so its indication better matches the specified value. Calibration establishes the measurement relationship; after adjustment, recalibration may be required.

Example: adjust a supported output, then check it against the reference again.

AFIR

Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure. AFIR sets regulatory obligations for infrastructure, access, payment, data and interoperability. It provides the legal framework, while charging protocols and individual test cases address specific technical behaviour.

Amendment

A formally published change to an existing standard. A defined test scope identifies the base edition together with all applicable amendments.

Analogue front end (AFE)

This is the measurement circuitry connected to battery-cell signals.

An analogue front end measures battery-cell voltages and related analogue signals. Its input circuits condition and protect the signals before passing measurement data to the battery controller.

Example: compare a simulated cell voltage with the value reported by the controller.

Annex

A section attached to a standard or regulation. An annex can be normative or informative, so its status must be checked before deriving an acceptance criterion.

Application layer

The communication layer that defines the content of service messages and how they are exchanged in each state. In charging communication, it defines application behaviour above the transport and lower communication layers.

Artificial network (AN / LISN)

An impedance network placed between a power or signal port and the test environment. It stabilises the impedance and provides a measurement connection for conducted disturbances.

Asymmetric artificial network (AAN)

A network used to establish a defined asymmetric impedance and coupling condition for certain communication or signal ports during EMC testing.

Automated standards analysis

Software-supported evaluation that compares measured behaviour with encoded limits, sequences or state rules and highlights deviations. It adds a standards-based evaluation to the display of decoded data.

Balancing current

During cell balancing, this current changes the relative state of charge of individual cells. Its direction, range and measurement method follow the active or passive balancing architecture.

Battery Cell Simulator (BCS)

A test instrument supplies controlled electrical signals in place of real cells.

A Battery Cell Simulator generates configurable virtual cell voltages and related sensor signals for BMS validation. These controlled signals provide the electrical stimulus for repeatable tests.

Example: vary one cell voltage while observing the BMS response.

Battery energy storage system (BESS)

A system that stores electrical energy in batteries for later use.

A battery-based energy storage system for stationary or mobile applications. It combines the battery with a BMS and the power conversion, protection and supervisory control functions required by the application.

Example: test the BESS battery controller with simulated cell voltages and sensor inputs.

Battery management system (BMS)

The system that monitors a battery and manages its operating limits.

A system of electronics and software that monitors battery cells, estimates battery operating states, and manages protection and cell balancing. It exchanges operating data and limits with the vehicle or energy storage system.

Example: simulate a battery temperature and check the charging-current limit specified for that condition.

Battery pack

Cells are assembled into a battery with the required connections and supervision.

An assembled battery system containing cells or modules plus interconnections, sensing, protection, thermal functions and control electronics.

Example: the BMS monitors individual cell signals within the pack.

Bidirectional power transfer (BPT)

Bidirectional power transfer allows controlled electrical energy flow to and from the vehicle. Charging and discharging require support from the use case, grid interface, security functions and power electronics.

Bulk current injection (BCI)

An immunity method that injects radio-frequency current into a cable harness through a current-injection probe to evaluate susceptibility.

Calibration

Compare a measurement with a reference and report their relationship.

Calibration establishes how measurement-standard values and instrument indications relate under specified conditions, including their uncertainties. This relationship is used to obtain measurement results from indications. Adjustment changes the instrument itself.

Example: compare a station’s recorded energy with the reference over the same interval.

Calibration certificate

A controlled document reporting the calibration object, method, conditions, results, uncertainty and traceability information within the issuing laboratory’s scope.

Cell balancing

Manage differences in charge between battery cells.

Cell balancing reduces differences in the state of charge of individual battery cells. The BMS controls resistive dissipation for passive balancing or energy transfer for active balancing.

Example: check whether the controller activates balancing on the intended cells.

Cell management controller (CMC / CSC)

A local controller that monitors a group of battery cells.

A distributed battery controller close to a cell group that measures cell voltages and temperatures and exchanges data with the central BMS. Depending on its design, it also supports cell balancing.

Example: supply controlled cell voltages and temperature signals to one cell-monitoring unit before testing the complete BMS.

Cell short circuit

A cell short circuit connects a cell path with very low resistance. In a simulator, the fault is introduced under controlled conditions to check BMS diagnostics and the resulting response.

Cell voltage simulation

Set the voltage that a controller sees as a battery-cell input.

Cell voltage simulation sets the voltage at a BMS cell input under controlled conditions. The channels must provide the voltage range, accuracy, dynamics, isolation and current behaviour required by the test.

Example: lower one simulated cell through the diagnostic threshold.

Certificate chain

A certificate chain links an end-entity certificate through its issuing certificates to a trusted root certificate or another trust anchor. Validation checks the signatures, validity periods, identities and certificate-policy constraints along the path.

Certification

A formal third-party attestation that a defined object meets specified requirements under a certification scheme. Product certification assesses the product within that scheme; test results, laboratory accreditation and test-system validation each have their own scope.

CHAdeMO

The CHAdeMO Association defines the connector, charging control and communication for this DC charging system. Vehicle and charging station commonly exchange charging data over CAN.

Charge Cycle Automation

Run a series of saved charging configurations.

Automated execution of multiple charging configurations or sessions with controlled parameters, sequencing and result capture.

Example: repeat the same normal-start and stop cases after an update.

Charge Enable (CE)

A low-level MCS signal through which the vehicle and EVSE coordinate charging permission as part of the safety-related charging sequence. The applicable MCS specification defines the permitted CE states and their timing.

Charge Playback

Use supported recorded behaviour to create a charging partner for another test.

Active physical reproduction of recorded EV or EVSE charging behaviour at the charging interface. It recreates relevant protocol-level behaviour so the DUT can interact with the recorded charging partner again.

Example: reproduce relevant vehicle behaviour after the original vehicle has left.

Charge point operator (CPO)

The organisation that operates charging infrastructure. Depending on the operating model, its responsibilities may include availability, maintenance, tariffs, access, backend integration and applicable regulatory obligations.

Charging mode

An IEC 61851 classification of how an EV connects to the supply and which control and protection functions apply. Modes 1 to 4 describe the charging arrangement; rated charging power is specified separately.

Charging station management system (CSMS)

The backend system for monitoring, configuring and managing charging stations. It exchanges status information and commands with the charging infrastructure, commonly through OCPP.

CharIN Conformance Test System (CCTS)

A test system validated by CharIN for a stated Charging System application profile and approved setup. Validation covers that defined test-system profile; certification of the customer DUT involves a separate product assessment.

Combined Charging System (CCS)

A system for conductive AC and DC charging that brings together connector arrangements, low-level signalling, high-level communication and power transfer. The Combined Charging System (CCS) is implemented through a coordinated set of specifications.

What is CCS charging?

CCS means Combined Charging System. CCS charging combines the coupler, signalling, communication and energy transfer. Combo 1 and Combo 2 identify the respective connector families. DC charging needs a coordinated communication sequence as well as the appropriate connector; a mechanical fit alone does not establish a successful charge.

DIN SPEC 70121 and ISO 15118 form part of the CCS communication context. The required edition and service depend on the vehicle, charger and test objective. Distinguish the coupler, allowed electrical operating points and protocol being used. CCS charging is therefore neither the name of one test standard nor evidence of complete conformity.

For laboratory CCS charging tests, EVCA can simulate the vehicle or charging station and correlate communication with electrical measurements. For an installed charging point, choose an appropriate Easy Chester configuration. In either case, identify the connector, profile, DUT role and released scope. This turns a general CCS charging question into a specific test case with a traceable result.

EVCA · Easy Chester

Combo 1 and Combo 2

CCS vehicle-coupler designs that add DC contacts to the regional AC connector geometry. Combo 1 builds on Type 1; Combo 2 builds on Type 2.

Commissioning

Check an installed system before putting it into service.

The structured verification performed when a system is installed or placed into service. It confirms installation, safety, configuration and functional operation against the applicable project requirements.

Example: follow the applicable field procedure and retain the charging-point record.

Conducted disturbance

Unwanted electromagnetic energy that travels along cables or conductors. The cable or conductor forms the main propagation path.

Conformance

Check whether defined requirements are met for the selected scope.

The degree to which an implementation satisfies defined requirements for a stated standard, edition, role, profile and test scope.

Example: compare a message response with the criterion of a specific test case.

Conformance Test Library

A versioned set of executable tests that translates defined normative requirements into controlled preconditions, actions, observations, verdicts and reports for a released scope.

Controller Area Network (CAN)

A robust serial bus for communication in vehicles and charging systems such as CHAdeMO and GB/T DC. CCS high-level communication uses an IP-based protocol stack, with PLC providing the underlying link.

CP

A signal used by the vehicle and station to coordinate connection and charging.

The Control Pilot (CP) low-level signal indicates connection and charging states between EV and EVSE. In the relevant charging modes, its pulse-width modulation (PWM) communicates the available current.

Example: record the Control Pilot (CP) state together with the charging messages.

Coulomb counting

Track current over time to determine transferred electric charge.

Coulomb counting determines transferred electric charge by integrating current over time. It supplies an input for state-of-charge estimation and helps assess balancing sequences.

Example: a changing balancing current must be sampled over the relevant interval.

Coupling / decoupling network (CDN)

A network used to couple an EMC test signal into a cable while decoupling auxiliary equipment and establishing a defined impedance.

Cross-Layer State Monitoring

Standards-aware correlation of low-level signals, protocol messages, state transitions, timing and electrical values on one time base. It evaluates whether the combined state is permitted.

DAkkS

Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH. Germany’s national accreditation body, responsible for accrediting conformity-assessment bodies within its legal mandate.

Data replay

Offline re-use of recorded measurement or protocol data for visualisation, filtering or analysis. Physical reproduction of behaviour at the DUT interface requires a suitable active playback function.

DC charging

The station supplies direct current for charging the vehicle battery.

Conductive charging that supplies controlled direct current (DC) from the EVSE to the vehicle battery. EV and EVSE coordinate the charging limits, safety functions and progression of the charging session.

Example: compare the requested DC current with the station’s measured output.

Device under test (DUT)

The device you are testing.

The device, subsystem or complete product being evaluated in a test. Defining its boundary establishes which counterparts are simulated, which interfaces and measurements are used, and which acceptance criteria apply.

Example: when testing a charging station, the station is the DUT and a simulator can take the role of the vehicle.

Digital twin

A digital representation of a physical system or behaviour. For testing, the defined system boundary, inputs, fidelity and update method describe what the representation covers.

DIN SPEC 70121

A specification for network and application communication between EVCC and SECC during CCS DC charging. It established the communication profile used in early CCS implementations. DIN/TS 70121:2024-11 is the revised successor to DIN SPEC 70121:2014-12.

Edition

A formally identified version of a standard. Edition, publication year and amendments are part of the test identity because requirements can change between releases.

Efficient XML Interchange (EXI)

A compact binary encoding of XML information. ISO 15118 uses EXI for structured charging messages to reduce bandwidth requirements and support efficient processing.

Eichrecht

German measurement and verification law regulates measuring instruments and measurements in legally controlled applications. Where applicable, this includes billing-relevant energy measurement at charging infrastructure.

Electric vehicle communication controller (EVCC)

The vehicle-side controller for high-level charging communication.

The vehicle-side controller that exchanges high-level charging messages with the SECC. Its supported functions depend on the applicable communication profile, such as ISO 15118, DIN SPEC 70121 or a related specification.

Example: check how the EVCC reports a changed battery charging limit to the SECC.

Electric vehicle (EV)

The electric vehicle connected to the charging equipment.

An electrically driven vehicle connected to an EVSE for charging. Bidirectional systems also allow the vehicle to supply energy through the same connection. A test can cover the complete EV or selected vehicle-side subsystems such as the OBC and EVCC.

Example: test a real EV against a simulated charging station.

Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)

The equipment that provides the charging connection to the vehicle.

EVSE supplies electrical energy to an EV and manages the conductive charging interface. It describes the equipment serving that connection. A charging site can contain several EVSEs.

Example: test a charging station with a simulated vehicle.

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

Equipment works in its electromagnetic environment and keeps its disturbance of other equipment within acceptable limits.

The ability of equipment to operate satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment while keeping the disturbance it causes to other equipment at acceptable levels.

Example: investigate charging behaviour while a defined disturbance is applied.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI)

Electromagnetic disturbance that degrades the performance of equipment, a transmission channel or a system. EMI describes the interference phenomenon. EMC describes compatible operation.

EMC Link

A fibre-optic transmission system that carries selected charging signals and communication transparently across an EMC chamber boundary. Laboratory EMC equipment generates the RF disturbance and performs the associated EMC measurements.

Emissions

Disturbances produced by the equipment.

Electromagnetic energy produced by equipment and evaluated against limits for conducted or radiated disturbance.

Example: measure disturbances from the charging system under the selected test method.

Emulation

Reproduction of the externally visible behaviour of a real component or system, often with higher interface fidelity than a purely mathematical model.

End-of-line (EOL) testing

Repeatable verification performed at the end of a production process to detect assembly, configuration and functional defects before release.

Environmental conditions

Environmental conditions include temperature, humidity, supply conditions and other influences on a measurement or test. Relevant conditions must be controlled, monitored or included in the uncertainty assessment.

External Identification Means (EIM)

External Identification Means authorise a charging session through an app, card or payment interaction. The external method supplies the user identification; Plug & Charge uses the automatic certificate flow.

Fault injection

Deliberately create a supported fault condition for a controlled test.

Deliberate introduction of a controlled electrical, signal, communication or sensor fault to verify detection, reaction, safety and recovery behaviour.

Example: simulate a sensor-wire interruption with suitable test hardware.

Fault Simulation Unit (FSU)

A Fault Simulation Unit switches defined fault conditions into BMS test paths. Supported conditions include open wires, short circuits and reversed-polarity connections.

Flicker

Visible changes in light brightness that can result from supply-voltage fluctuations caused by changing loads. Flicker can be measured and assessed as part of power-quality and grid-interaction testing.

Gateway

A system positioned between communication participants that forwards, translates, records or controls traffic. Its defined transparency and manipulation capability determine how it is used in the test.

GB/T DC

A DC charging system specified by China's GB/T standards. Its interface combines the GB/T coupler, low-level control signals and a CAN-based communication sequence between the vehicle and charger.

Hardware-in-the-loop (HiL)

Connect a real controller to simulated surroundings.

A test method in which real hardware interacts in real time with simulated components or environments through controlled interfaces.

Example: the BMS receives simulated cell values while its actual software runs.

Harmonic current emissions

Current components at integer multiples of the fundamental frequency produced by non-linear loads. They are evaluated under the applicable power-quality requirements.

High-level communication (HLC)

Vehicle and station exchange digital messages to coordinate charging.

The structured digital exchange between EVCC and SECC for negotiating parameters, controlling charging, authentication and scheduling. The communication profile defines these services and their message sequences; lower communication layers provide the transmission path.

Example: compare a requested charging value with the corresponding response.

High-power charging (HPC)

A market term for charging at high power. Its technical meaning is established by the specified power range, connector system and communication protocol, together with the rated voltage and current of the equipment.

High-voltage interlock loop (HVIL)

A high-voltage interlock loop uses a low-voltage monitoring circuit to check high-voltage connectors, covers and service points. The loop indicates whether the monitored connection is correctly closed.

HomePlug Green PHY

A power-line communication (PLC) technology that provides the physical and data link functions used for CCS high-level communication. The SLAC procedure matches the vehicle's PLC endpoint with the charging station's endpoint to establish the link.

IEC 61851-21-1

The IEC standard for EMC requirements of an EV on-board charger, tested at vehicle or electronic-subassembly level while conductively connected to the supply.

IEC 61851-21-2

The IEC standard for EMC requirements of off-board conductive charging equipment, including defined ports, operating modes and test setups.

Immunity

The ability to continue the required operation when disturbances are applied.

The ability of equipment to maintain acceptable performance when exposed to a defined electromagnetic disturbance.

Example: observe the specified response during an EMC test.

Implementation guideline

A document that explains how standards are combined or applied within an ecosystem. Its authority and normative status determine how the guidance applies alongside the referenced standards.

Insulation monitoring device (IMD)

An insulation monitoring device monitors the insulation resistance between the active conductors of a high-voltage system and protective earth or the chassis.

Interoperability

Different products work together as intended.

The ability of independently developed implementations to work together under defined conditions. Interoperability testing complements conformance testing by exposing integration behaviour across real counterparts.

Example: compare a vehicle and station as a pair, then use working counterparts to isolate an interoperability failure.

ISO 15118

A family of standards for communication between EVCC and SECC. Its parts cover use cases, network and application protocols, physical and data link layers, security functions and conformance testing. The applicable part and edition define the communication profile used by a system.

ISO/IEC 17025

ISO/IEC 17025 specifies requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories. A laboratory’s accreditation covers its published scope.

Leakage current

Leakage current is unintended current through an insulating path or an output intended to be inactive. BMS tests measure it to assess output isolation and deactivation behaviour.

Legal metrology

Legal metrology regulates measurements and measuring instruments where accuracy affects legal, economic, health or public interests.

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM)

A position between communicating partners used here for charging measurement or supported intervention.

A measurement or test position between two real communication participants. Depending on implementation it can passively observe or actively influence the exchange.

Example: record the real vehicle and station while keeping both charging partners in the test.

Manipulating Gateway

An active gateway that can modify, suppress or replace selected communication content while the participants remain connected. It tests suspected causes through a controlled intervention before a DUT firmware change.

Measurement result

The reported quantity value together with the information needed to interpret it, including unit, uncertainty or decision rule where relevant, and measurement conditions.

Measurement trace

A time-ordered record of measured values, messages, events or states. A useful trace retains units, channels, timestamps, configuration and source identity.

Measurement uncertainty

A measurement result includes a quantified statement of its uncertainty.

Measurement uncertainty quantifies the dispersion of quantity values attributed to the measurand using the available information. It is a non-negative parameter associated with the reported result.

Example: include the reference uncertainty when judging an energy comparison.

Megawatt Charging System (MCS)

A system for charging heavy-duty vehicles at very high power.

A DC charging system for high-power heavy-duty applications. It combines the MCS coupler and low-level signals with communication defined by ISO 15118-10 and application-layer functions defined by ISO 15118-20, including the MCS service in Amendment 1:2026.

Example: define the truck's communication profile, voltage, current and cooling requirements together.

Metrological traceability

Metrological traceability connects a measurement result to a stated reference through documented, unbroken calibration steps. Each step contributes to the measurement uncertainty.

Metrological verification

Metrological verification checks whether a measuring instrument meets specified legal or technical metrological requirements. Calibration data can provide evidence for that decision.

Mobility service provider (eMSP)

A provider of charging services for EV drivers that manages access, charging contracts, authentication and billing. Its service can cover one charging network or several networks connected through roaming agreements.

NACS / SAE J3400

The North American Charging System (NACS), standardised in SAE J3400 for conductive AC and DC power transfer through a compact coupler. SAE J3400 specifies physical, electrical, functional, safety and performance requirements for the charging system.

Normative and informative

Normative content sets out requirements or provisions needed for compliance with a document. Informative content explains, illustrates or gives guidance. A normative reference can make that content part of the requirements.

NTC / PTC sensor simulation

Represent temperature-dependent sensor resistance with a controlled electrical input.

NTC / PTC sensor simulation electrically reproduces sensor resistance with a negative or positive temperature coefficient. It allows BMS temperature inputs to be checked with defined normal and fault conditions.

Example: simulate a high-temperature indication and observe the BMS diagnostic response.

OIML G 22

OIML G 22 provides guidance on metrological and technical requirements for electric vehicle supply equipment. It supports harmonised legal-metrology approaches and the development of further OIML recommendations.

On-board charger (OBC)

The vehicle's charger that converts AC input into DC for the battery.

Power electronics in the vehicle that convert external AC power into the DC power needed to charge the traction battery. During DC charging, the external EVSE normally performs the main power conversion.

Example: change the battery's charging limit and check whether the OBC's electrical response follows it.

Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)

An open protocol for communication between a charging station and its management backend, the Charging Station Management System (CSMS). OCPP tests examine this station-to-backend connection, while EV-to-EVSE communication is tested at the charging interface.

Open-circuit voltage (OCV)

Open-circuit voltage is the voltage of a cell or battery measured with no applied load after the specified settling period. Its relationship to state of charge depends on cell chemistry and temperature.

Open-wire fault

A measurement or sensor connection is interrupted.

An open-wire fault interrupts the sensing connection between a cell and the BMS measurement input. Test systems reproduce the interruption to check fault detection and the controller response.

Example: check whether the controller detects the simulated missing connection.

PASS / FAIL / inconclusive

Verdict classes for a test case. PASS means the observed result met the defined criterion. FAIL means it did not. Inconclusive means the available evidence cannot support either conclusion for the stated case.

Passive balancing

Energy is removed from selected cells to reduce their imbalance.

Passive balancing removes energy from selected higher-voltage cells, usually through resistive paths. This controlled dissipation reduces differences in cell state of charge.

Example: measure the balancing current and how long it flows.

Physical layer

The communication layer that sends and receives raw signals over a physical medium. In charging systems, examples include PLC over the CCS pilot connection and single-pair Ethernet using 10BASE-T1S for communication between MCS controllers.

Plug & Charge (PnC)

Plug & Charge uses digital certificates for automatic identification and charging authorisation within the ISO 15118 ecosystem. EV, EVSE and backend functions coordinate certificate provisioning and validation through a public-key infrastructure (PKI).

Polarity reversal

Polarity reversal applies a simulated cell or sensor connection with its polarity reversed. The test checks input protection, diagnostics and the response to assembly faults.

Power line communication (PLC)

A method that transmits communication signals over conductors also used for another electrical function. In CCS, PLC uses the Control Pilot and Protective Earth connection to provide the underlying link for high-level communication (HLC).

Power quality

Characteristics of voltage and current at the grid interface, including harmonics, power factor, fluctuations and flicker, as applicable to the equipment and installation.

Power transfer interface

The physical and electrical interface through which charging energy passes between the vehicle and supply equipment. Its specification covers rated voltage and current, contact arrangement, protection, isolation and connection conditions.

Pre-compliance testing

Testing performed before formal certification or scheme testing to find implementation gaps and reduce the risk of later failure. It prepares for the formal process, which retains its own requirements and assessment.

Profile

A defined subset or combination of standards, functions and options used for a particular application or test programme. Naming the profile makes the scope of a compliance claim clear.

Protocol stack

The coordinated set of communication layers used by an implementation. It describes how physical and data link functions, network and transport protocols, security functions and application behaviour work together to exchange data.

PP

A circuit that reports information about the connector or charging cable.

A low-level circuit that provides information about the charging connection. Depending on the coupler system, Proximity Pilot (PP) can indicate connector presence, latch operation or the cable's current capability.

Example: compare the Proximity Pilot (PP) indication with the connector or cable condition it represents.

Pulse-width modulation (PWM)

A method that carries information in the duty cycle of a periodic signal. The duty cycle expresses active time as a proportion of one signal period. At the charging interface, CP PWM is used in the states defined by IEC 61851.

Quiescent current

Quiescent current is the current a device draws in a defined inactive or low-power state. Measuring BMS quiescent current shows the battery drain during shutdown.

Radiated disturbance

Electromagnetic energy that propagates through space and is measured or applied using antennas and defined field conditions.

Radio-frequency immunity

Testing that exposes equipment or cables to a defined RF field or injected RF current to assess their ability to maintain the required performance.

Reference standard

A measurement standard used as a reference for calibrating other instruments or standards. Its status, uncertainty and traceability must be controlled.

Regression test

Repeat established tests after a change.

A repeated test used to detect unintended changes after software, firmware, hardware or configuration updates.

Example: run the same charging configurations before and after a firmware update.

Reproducibility

The ability to obtain consistent results when a defined test is repeated under stated conditions, potentially with changed operators, systems or locations.

REST API

A software interface lets programs exchange commands and data using web-style requests.

A web-style application programming interface used to control functions or exchange data between systems. In a test environment it can connect external automation with comframe and supported hardware functions.

Example: a test application selects a configuration and retrieves its result through supported commands.

Robustness

The ability of a system to continue operating safely and predictably when inputs, timing, counterparts or environmental conditions vary within and beyond expected ranges.

Safety inspection

Safety inspection examines safety-relevant installation and equipment conditions through structured checks and tests. Calibration and protocol conformance testing have their own defined assessment scopes.

SECC Discovery Protocol (SDP)

The discovery procedure that lets an EVCC identify the SECC and retrieve the communication parameters needed to connect to it. Discovery takes place before the main high-level charging session begins.

Signal Level Attenuation Characterization (SLAC)

A HomePlug Green PHY procedure that matches the PLC communication endpoints of an EV and an EVSE. It uses measured signal attenuation to identify the connected pair and establish their communication link.

Simulation

Create controlled behaviour to stand in for part of the real environment.

Controlled generation of modelled signals, states, messages or electrical behaviour to represent a counterpart or environment for the DUT.

Example: a charging tester acts as a vehicle while the real station is tested.

Sniffer

A passive observation function that captures communication without intentionally changing the exchange. Decryption or application-level visibility depends on the protocol and access method.

Standard

A consensus document published by a recognised standards organisation. Its number, part, edition and applicable amendments identify the basis for a defined test scope.

State of charge (SOC)

An estimate of how much charge remains relative to the battery’s defined capacity.

State of charge estimates the remaining usable charge relative to a defined full-charge reference. The BMS calculates SOC from measurements and a battery model or estimation method.

Example: observe how the BMS estimate changes with the simulated current history.

State of health (SOH)

State of health estimates battery condition relative to a defined reference. The assessment may use capacity, resistance, power capability or ageing indicators.

State of power (SOP)

State of power estimates how much charging or discharging power the battery can accept or deliver. The estimate accounts for current limits, temperature, SOC and the constraints of the battery system.

Supply equipment communication controller (SECC)

The charging-station-side controller for high-level charging communication.

The controller in the EVSE that exchanges high-level charging messages with the EVCC and coordinates the charging sequence defined by the active communication profile.

Example: check the SECC response to a vehicle request supported by the active profile.

Test automation

Software-controlled preparation, execution, evaluation and documentation of tests. Reliable automation uses explicitly defined versions, limits, safety conditions and verdict logic.

Test case

A defined starting condition, action and expected response.

A defined set of preconditions, stimuli, observations, expected results and verdict logic used to evaluate one requirement or behaviour.

Example: specify the message and timing criterion before running the test.

Test chamber

A controlled environment, commonly shielded or anechoic, used to create repeatable electromagnetic test conditions and reduce external influence.

Test coverage

The defined portion of requirements, states, cases, interfaces or risks exercised by a test programme. Assess coverage against that defined scope and use execution counts as supporting information.

Test equipment monitoring

Test equipment monitoring checks equipment status, calibration validity, maintenance and suitability for the environmental conditions. Planned checks keep the basis of test results reliable.

Test report

A controlled document that records the test object, method, configuration, results, deviations and evidence needed to interpret the conclusion.

Test system

The complete, controlled setup used to stimulate a DUT, measure its responses and assess the results. Depending on the test, it combines hardware, interfaces, software, loads or sources, safety functions, test logic and reporting.

Time correlation

Put measurements and messages on a common time reference.

Alignment of measurements, protocol events and state changes to a common time base so that cause and effect can be analysed across layers.

Example: determine whether a changed request preceded or followed the measured current change.

Traceability

The ability to follow a result back to the DUT, configuration, method, software, equipment, raw evidence and applicable requirement. Metrological traceability is a more specific measurement concept.

Transient immunity

The ability to withstand short-duration electrical disturbances such as bursts, surges or electrostatic discharge under the applicable test method.

Transport Layer Security (TLS)

Transport Layer Security protects a communication channel through authentication, integrity protection and encryption. TLS use in the charging connection follows the active charging profile.

Trigger

A defined event or condition that starts data capture, a test action or a sequence transition. Accurate trigger definition is essential for time-related analysis.

Type 1 and Type 2

AC vehicle-coupler designs described in IEC 62196-2. Type 1 supports single-phase charging and is used in North America and Japan. Type 2 supports single-phase or three-phase charging and is common in Europe.

UN Regulation No. 10 (ECE R10)

A UNECE vehicle type-approval regulation covering electromagnetic compatibility of vehicles and electronic subassemblies. It is a separate regulatory route from IEC charging-equipment EMC standards.

Validation

Evidence that a system, method or implementation is suitable for its defined intended use or stated profile. Naming the object and scope makes clear what the validation covers.

Vehicle connector

The cable-side part of a vehicle coupler, attached to the flexible charging cable. It mates with the vehicle inlet to connect the vehicle to the charging equipment.

Vehicle coupler

The vehicle connector and vehicle inlet considered together. When mated, they establish the conductive connection between EV and EVSE.

Vehicle inlet

The part of a vehicle coupler fixed to the vehicle, into which the cable-side vehicle connector is inserted.

Vehicle-to-Grid Transport Protocol (V2GTP)

A framing protocol for charging-protocol payloads exchanged between EVCC and SECC. Its header identifies the payload type, allowing the receiver to interpret the message carried over the network connection.

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)

Vehicle-to-Grid describes interaction between an EV and the energy system. In ISO 15118, the term also names the communication interface between EV and EVSE. Energy-system applications include managed charging and bidirectional energy transfer to the grid.

Verdict

The evaluation assigned to a particular test result.

The formal result assigned after comparing observed behaviour with the acceptance logic of a test case. The recorded scope and configuration define what the verdict covers.

Example: PASS confirms that the stated criterion was met within the recorded test scope.

Verification interval

A verification interval defines when an instrument must be reverified, recalibrated or otherwise confirmed. The governing rule or quality process specifies the time or use interval.

Virtual battery cell

A controlled electrical representation used instead of a real cell in a test.

A virtual battery cell is a programmable electrical representation used at a BMS input. It provides reproducible voltage, current and supported fault behaviour for the test.

Example: vary the simulated cell voltage and observe the BMS response.

Voltage fluctuations

Changes in supply voltage caused by varying load demand. Depending on magnitude and repetition, they can be assessed together with flicker.

X.509 certificate

An X.509 certificate binds an identity or role to a public key in a structured, digitally signed format. Certificates issued within a public-key infrastructure support secure charging communication and Plug & Charge workflows.