# chargers

> How to define chargers in evcc.yaml, which fields are required, and how to mark integrated devices, heating or smart switches.

To control the charging process, evcc must be able to communicate with a charger.

A charger must have at least the following configuration:

```yaml
chargers:
  - name: charger1 # reference name
    type: ...
    ...
```

Below, the possible parameters are explained.

***

## Required Parameters

### `name`

A short designation of the charger defined here. The value is used when referencing the charger in the configuration of the [charger](/en/reference/configuration/loadpoints#charger).

**For example**:

```yaml
name: charger1
```

***

### `type`

This is the evcc-specific charger type that allows communication with the charger. Known chargers can be integrated using the `template` type. The appropriate (template) type can be found under [devices - chargers](/en/chargers).

For unknown chargers (or for other individual reasons), define a [user-defined charger](/en/user-defined-devices#charger).

**For example**:

```yaml
type: custom
```

***

## Optional Parameters

### `integrateddevice`

This parameter causes chargers that operate without a “vehicle” (e.g. heat pump, eBike) to not display a vehicle, thus omitting vehicle detection.

In connection with this parameter, an icon can also be assigned (see [`vehicle.icon`](/en/reference/configuration/vehicles#icon)), which will then be displayed at the charger.

**For example**:

```yaml
features:
  - integrateddevice
icon: bike
```

***

### `heating`

This parameter causes the state of charge for chargers in the “switchable sockets (switchsockets)” group to be displayed in degrees instead of percent.

**Example**:

```yaml
features:
  - heating
```

***

### `continuous`

Marks a device that keeps running in its own normal operation when “disabled”. The UI shows “Normal operation” instead of “Standby”. A request to increase power (e.g. on PV surplus or cheap grid power) is labelled “Boost”.

Set this feature when your device keeps running in its regular mode without active control. The typical use case is a heat pump; preconfigured heat pump types and matching templates already set the feature.

**Example**:

```yaml
features:
  - continuous
```

***

### `switchdevice`

Marks a device that can only be switched on/off and does not support continuous current control (e.g. on/off heat pumps, switch sockets). The UI hides the min/max current settings and the **Always charge** option for this loadpoint.

Matching templates and preconfigured types already set this feature. For custom configurations via `type: custom` without continuous current control, set this feature.

**Example**:

```yaml
features:
  - switchdevice
```

***