EV Glossary
In the world of electric vehicles, terminology is thrown around so casually but their meaning is often lost. It can be daunting for those looking to invest in an EV. If you’re not already the owner of an EV or work in the vehicle industry, how can you be expected to know what a mild hybrid is or what CHAdeMO stands for?
Don’t be put off by the jargon. Electric vehicles have many benefits, and you should feel confidence with your decision to start driving an EV. That confidence comes with knowledge.
We’ve compiled an extensive list of definitions of common electric vehicle terminology so you can gear up to getting your own EV.
EV terminology you need to know
Our EV glossary covers all the phrases you’ll likely hear when browsing for a new electric vehicle. If a phrase comes up you don’t understand, simply refer back to this list.
AC
Alternating current (AC) is a power type that also runs many home appliances. The electricity you use to charge an EV is usually AC.
Battery capacity
An EV’s battery capacity depends on the capability of its battery pack and is measured in kilowatts per hour (kWh).
BEV
A battery electric vehicle (BEV) runs solely on electric power. The onboard battery pack is typically charged at home or via a public charging station. BEVs produce zero emissions and typically cost less to maintain than traditional vehicles.
CCS
CCS stands for Combined Charging System. It is quick-charging and combines AC and DC charging connectors within one plug to enable slow and fast charging.
CHAdeMO
CHAdeMO is the fast-charging standard for Japanese EVs and uses DC charging. It can deliver up to 62.5 kilowatts (kW) of power at 500 volts.
Charging point
An EV charging point is where you can charge your electric vehicle via an external power source, either at home or a public charging station.
Charging station
A charging station has at least one but usually more charging points where drivers can charge their electric vehicles. Each station can offer different charging speeds.
DC
Many EVs use direct current (DC) as their electric standard. DC fast chargers offer quicker charging times compared to AC charging.
Dual motor EV
An electric vehicle with two electric motors. One is fitted on the front axle and one on the rear to allow all-wheel drive and improve traction by distributing power.
En-route charging
This type of charging involves using high-powered rapid chargers to guarantee 100 miles of electric miles in a short amount of time.
ICE
At the most basic level, an internal combustion engine (ICE) burns, or combusts, fuel such as petrol and diesel to produce the required energy to power a vehicle.
kW
A measurement of 1,000 watts used to measure an EV’s power output and charging rate.
kWh
Standing for kilowatts per hour, kWh is the measurement of an EV battery pack’s energy capacity over time.
Lithium-ion battery
This is a rechargeable battery that uses lithium ions to release electrical power. It has high energy density, lasts a long time, and is lightweight.
Mild hybrid
A mild hybrid car uses an internal combustion engine alongside a small electric motor and assisted battery to improve fuel efficiency. They cannot be powered solely by electricity.
Plug-in hybrid
This type of vehicle combines an internal combustion engine with a rechargeable electric motor and battery. These types of vehicles usually run on electric power for shorter journeys and fuel for longer journeys.
Range
The driving range refers to how far an EV vehicle can drive after being charged. The distance depends on the battery capacity.
Range anxiety
This refers to a driver’s fear of whether an EV will run out of battery before they can reach a charging point.
Rapid charging
Rapid charging is high-speed charging that delivers more power in a shorter period than other charging methods. Most EVs can be charged to around 80% in 30 minutes.
Regenerative braking
A system that recovers and converts an EV’s kinetic energy into electrical energy when the brakes are applied. The energy goes back into the battery to extend the vehicle’s range.
RFID cards
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards are electronic cards used to grant access to EV charging stations, manage payments, and access other charging networks.
Single motor EV
An EV that is powered by one electric motor that can either be at the front or rear axle. Depending on where the motor is fitted on the vehicle, it offers front- or rear-wheel drive.
Single-phase power
A single alternating current waveform used for AC charging. It is a more accessible charging option than DC.
Smart charging
Advanced technology that optimises EV charging by adjusting charging times and rates to optimise energy consumption in a power grid. It also integrates with home charging systems to improve efficiency.
State of charge
Refers to the level of energy stored in an EV’s battery and shows how much charge is available. It helps drivers plan when they need to get to get to a charging point.
Three-phase power
An electrical supply that uses three alternating waveforms to provide a more stable power source than single-phase power. Three-phase power is most commonly used for high-speed AC charging.
Type 1EV charger
The standard charging connector used in Northern America and Japan. It has a five-pin design for 120V AC charging and supports around 40 amps of current. This type of charger is commonly found in older EV models.
Type 2EV charger
The standard charging connector used across Europe with a seven-pin design for 240V AC charging. It supports up to 63 amps of current and enables faster charging.
ULEZ
An Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) only permits vehicles that meet strict emission standards. These areas are designated to reduce air pollution.
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G)
Technology that enables EV drivers to return stored electricity in the vehicle’s battery back into the power grid to encourage energy stabilisation.
Vehicle to load (V2L)
Technology that enables EV drivers to transfer energy from their vehicle’s battery to other devices or appliances. With V2L, an EV can power a mobile phone and camping equipment.
Wallbox
A compact charging unit usually mounted on a wall that allows EV charging at home. A wallbox can charge an EV much quicker than a standard household outlet.
