## Common ground
All options relate to devices that charge electric vehicle (EV) batteries using electrical power.
## Options at a glance
**8504.40 – On-board chargers**
- **Defining trait:** Built into the vehicle and converts AC power from the grid to DC for battery charging.
- **Typical examples:** Charger inside an EV that plugs into a wall outlet or public charger.
- **Best fit when:** The device is permanently installed in the car and used with standard household or public AC power.
**8504.40 – Charging stations for vehicles powered by electric motors**
- **Defining trait:** External, standalone units designed to charge EVs, often supporting higher power levels and DC fast charging.
- **Typical examples:** Public charging kiosks at gas stations or parking lots; Level 2 or DC fast chargers.
- **Best fit when:** The device is a separate unit outside the vehicle, used for faster or public charging.
## Key differences
| Feature | On-board chargers | Charging stations |
|------------------------|----------------------------|-------------------------------|
| Location | Inside the vehicle | External, standalone |
| Power input | AC (typically) | AC or DC (often) |
| Charging speed | Slower (Level 1/2) | Faster (Level 2 or DC fast) |
| Portability | Fixed to vehicle | Stationary or mobile unit |
## How to choose
- Is the device permanently installed inside the car? → 8504.40 – On-board chargers
- Is it a separate unit used to charge the car externally (e.g., at a public station)? → 8504.40 – Charging stations for vehicles powered by electric motors
## Overlaps & pitfalls
Both options fall under HS Code 8504.40, which covers EV chargers broadly. The key difference is physical location and integration: on-board vs. external. A product may serve both roles (e.g., a vehicle with an on-board charger used at a public station), but the **defining function** determines classification. If the device is primarily meant to be used externally, classify as "charging stations." If it’s built into the vehicle and used for standard AC charging, use "on-board chargers." No priority rule is specified—choose based on the product’s main purpose