Whether you’re considering buying an electric vehicle or just want to stay informed, understanding the most common terms is essential. Below is a glossary of key electric vehicle terms to help you navigate this evolving industry.
Most Common Terms and Definitions
AC (Alternating Current)
The type of electrical current supplied by the grid and used in Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)
A type of EV that relies solely on an electric motor and battery for power. BEVs produce zero emissions and need to be plugged in to recharge. Examples include the Volkswagen ID.3 and Honda e:Ny1.
Level 1 Charging
Uses a standard household outlet (120 volts). It’s the slowest charging option, adding about 2-5 miles of range per hour.
Level 2 Charging
Requires a dedicated charging station (240 volts). It provides around 10-60 miles of range per hour, making it a popular home and public charging choice.
DC Fast Charging
The quickest option, capable of adding 60-200 miles of range in just 20-30 minutes. These chargers are commonly found along motorways and in services.
DC (Direct Current)
The type of electricity used to rapidly charge EV batteries with fast chargers.
EV (Electric Vehicle)
A vehicle powered entirely or partially by electricity. EVs typically use a rechargeable battery instead of, or in addition to, an internal combustion engine (ICE).
HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
Unlike PHEVs, HEVs cannot be plugged in. Instead, they use regenerative braking to recharge a small battery that assists the gasoline engine. The Toyota Prius (non-plug-in version) is a well-known HEV.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
A unit of energy that measures the capacity of an EV’s battery. The higher the kWh rating, the longer the vehicle’s potential range.
MPGe (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent)
A measure of an EV’s energy efficiency, showing how many miles the vehicle can travel using the equivalent energy of one gallon of fuel.
PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
These vehicles combine an electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine. PHEVs can run on electricity alone for a limited range, after which the gasoline engine takes over. An example is the Audi Q5.
Range
The distance an electric car can travel on a full charge. Range varies depending on factors like battery capacity, driving habits and weather conditions.
Regenerative Braking
A system that recovers energy during braking and converts it back into electricity to recharge the battery, increasing overall efficiency
V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid)
A technology that allows EVs to supply electricity back to the grid when needed, turning the car into a mobile energy source.
As technology advances, this electric vehicle term glossary will continue to expand, encouraging drivers to make informed decisions and embrace a more sustainable future on the road.