Glossary

Are you confused by all the terminology and electric car jargon? Check out our guide below.

A

AC

AC stands for Alternating Current. An electric current that periodically reverses direction, commonly used in power supplies for homes and businesses due to its efficient transmission over long distances.

Amps

The unit of electric current measurement in the International System of Units (SI), indicating the flow of electric charge through a conductor.

B

BEV

BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle. A type of electric vehicle powered entirely by rechargeable batteries, with no internal combustion engine, producing zero emissions during operation.

C

CCZ

CCZ stands for Congestion Charge Zone. An area, typically in a city center, where a fee is charged to vehicles to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

CCS

CCS stands for Combined Charging System. A standardized charging protocol for electric vehicles that supports both AC and DC fast charging through a single connector, enabling greater flexibility and compatibility across different EV models and charging stations.

CHAdeMO

A fast charging standard for electric vehicles, originating in Japan, that enables rapid DC charging through a specialised connector, allowing for quick battery recharging.

D

DC

DC stands for Direct Current. An electric current that flows consistently in one direction, commonly used in batteries and electronic device.

E

EV

EV stands for Electric Vehicle. A vehicle powered by electric motors using energy from rechargeable batteries, producing lower emissions compared to traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles.

EVSE

EVSE Stands for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. EVSE refers to the infrastructure used to supply electric energy for charging electric vehicles. It encompasses various components such as charging stations, connectors, cables, and related electrical equipment. EVSE manages the flow of electricity from the power source to the vehicle’s battery, ensuring safe and efficient charging. This term is often used broadly to refer to both residential and commercial charging infrastructure.

F

FCEV

FCEV stands for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle. A type of electric vehicle that uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, which powers the vehicle’s electric motor, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct.

Fast Charging

Fast or mode 3 charging, found in most street and home chargers, utilizes either a standard 230-volt single-phase power supply for speeds up to 7.4 kW or a three-phase power supply for speeds up to 22 kW. This method of swiftly charging electric vehicle (EV) batteries is indispensable for long-distance travel.

G

GOM

GOM stands for Guess-O-Meter. A colloquial term used to describe the estimated range displayed on the dashboard of an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The GOM calculates the remaining driving range based on factors such as current battery charge level, recent driving efficiency, and other variables. However, it’s important to note that the actual range achieved may vary based on driving conditions, terrain, weather, and other factors.

Granny Charger

A term for a basic, low-power charging cable typically provided with electric vehicles for home charging. The “granny charger” is often a portable mode 2 charger that plugs into a standard household electrical outlet. While it’s convenient for occasional or emergency charging, it typically charges at a slower rate compared to dedicated home charging stations or public charging stations.

Graze Charging

With petrol and diesel vehicles, most drivers typically wait until the fuel gauge is low before filling up. Graze charging is essentially the opposite—it’s like topping up your fuel tank when it drops to three-quarters full or less.

H

HEV

HEV stands for Hybrid Electric Vehicle. A type of vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine (typically petrol) with one or more electric motors and a battery. HEVs can operate using electric power alone, the internal combustion engine alone, or a combination of both, depending on driving conditions. They are designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

I

ICE

ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine. An engine that generates power by burning fuel within combustion chambers, typically using petrol or diesel, to produce mechanical energy for propulsion. Internal combustion engines are commonly found in traditional vehicles, where fuel combustion drives pistons to create motion.

J

K

kW

kW stands for Kilowatt. A unit of power measurement in the International System of Units (SI), equal to one thousand watts. It is commonly used to quantify the rate at which energy is transferred or converted, including the power output of electric motors and the charging capacity of electric vehicle charging stations.

kWh

kWh stands for Kilowatt-hour. A unit of energy measurement, representing the amount of energy consumed or produced over one hour at a rate of one kilowatt. It is commonly used to measure electricity consumption and battery capacity, especially in the context of electric vehicles, where it indicates the amount of energy stored or consumed by the vehicle’s battery.

L

Li-ion

Li-ion Stands for Lithium-ion. A type of rechargeable battery commonly used in electric vehicles and electronic devices due to its high energy density, relatively low self-discharge rate, and long cycle life. Lithium-ion batteries utilise lithium ions to facilitate the movement of charge between the battery’s electrodes during charging and discharging cycles.

M

MHEV

MHEV stands for Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle. A type of hybrid vehicle that features a small electric motor and battery system primarily designed to assist the internal combustion engine rather than propel the vehicle independently. Mild hybrids typically use regenerative braking to charge the battery and provide additional power during acceleration, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

mpkWh

mpkWh stands for Miles per Kilowatt-hour. A unit of measurement used to quantify the energy efficiency of electric vehicles, representing the distance traveled in miles per unit of energy consumed in kilowatt-hours. Higher mpkWh values indicate greater efficiency, meaning the vehicle can travel a longer distance on a given amount of energy.

N

O

P

PHEV

PHEV stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. A type of hybrid vehicle that features both an internal combustion engine (typically petrol) and an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. PHEVs can be plugged in to charge the battery, and they also utilise regenerative braking to capture energy during deceleration. They can operate in electric mode for a limited range before switching to the internal combustion engine or a combination of both power sources.

Q

R

Range

The distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge or a single tank of fuel before needing to be recharged or refueled. Range is a crucial factor for electric vehicles and is influenced by factors such as battery capacity, vehicle efficiency, driving conditions, and driving habits.

REX

REX stands for Range Extender. A supplementary power source used in some electric vehicles, typically in the form of a small petrol engine, which generates electricity to recharge the vehicle’s battery when it runs low on charge. The range extender enables extended driving range beyond the electric-only range of the vehicle, providing increased flexibility for long-distance travel.

Range Anxiety

The fear or concern experienced by some electric vehicle drivers about running out of battery charge before reaching their destination or a charging station. Range anxiety is influenced by factors such as the perceived availability of charging infrastructure, the vehicle’s range capability, and individual driving habits. It can impact the adoption of electric vehicles and is often addressed through improvements in battery technology, increased charging infrastructure, and education about electric vehicle capabilities.

Regen

Regen stands for Regenerative Braking. A technology used in electric and hybrid vehicles to capture and store energy during deceleration or braking. When the vehicle slows down, the electric motor operates in reverse, acting as a generator to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is then stored in the vehicle’s battery for later use. Regenerative braking improves energy efficiency and extends the driving range of electric vehicles by reclaiming energy that would otherwise be lost as heat during braking.

Rapid Charging

Rapid or mode 4 is the higher power DC supply. This is commonly available at public charging networks along highways and in urban areas. It is a high-power charging method used to quickly recharge the battery of an electric vehicle, typically capable of delivering a significant amount of energy in a short period of time. Rapid charging stations are equipped with high-capacity chargers that can provide faster charging compared to standard charging stations, allowing electric vehicle drivers to replenish their batteries in a matter of minutes rather than hours.

S

Supercapacitor

Also known as ultracapacitor, it is an energy storage device that stores electrical energy via static charge rather than chemical reactions, as in batteries. Supercapacitors have high power density and can charge and discharge rapidly, making them ideal for applications requiring bursts of power, such as regenerative braking in electric vehicles or providing backup power in electronic devices. They complement traditional batteries by offering quick energy storage and release capabilities.

Solid-state Battery

A type of battery technology that uses solid electrolytes instead of liquid or gel electrolytes found in traditional lithium-ion batteries. Solid-state batteries offer several potential advantages, including higher energy density, improved safety, and longer lifespan. They are considered promising for electric vehicles and portable electronics due to their potential to overcome some of the limitations of conventional battery technologies, such as the risk of fire or leakage associated with liquid electrolytes.

Super Charging

A term commonly used by Tesla™ to describe their high-speed charging network designed for Tesla™ and some non-Tesla™ owner vehicles. Supercharging stations are equipped with high-capacity chargers capable of delivering a large amount of energy to Tesla™ vehicles, allowing for rapid recharging and long-distance travel. Supercharging significantly reduces charging times compared to standard charging methods, enabling Tesla™ drivers to quickly replenish their vehicle’s battery and continue their journey.

Slow Charging

A charging method for electric vehicles that typically involves using a standard household outlet or a low-power charging station to recharge the vehicle’s battery. Slow charging is characterised by lower charging speeds compared to rapid charging methods, often taking many hours to fully recharge the battery. While slow charging is less convenient for long-distance travel, it is suitable for daily charging needs at home or workplaces where the vehicle can remain parked for an extended period.

Single Phase

An electrical power distribution system where alternating current (AC) flows through a single conductor, typically used in residential and light commercial applications. It utilises a standard 240-volt power supply for speeds up to 7.4 kW.

T

Three Phase

An electrical power distribution system where alternating current (AC) flows through three conductors, each carrying the same voltage waveform but with a phase difference of 120 degrees between them. Three-phase power is commonly used in industrial and commercial applications due to its ability to deliver more power with less conductor material compared to single-phase systems. It is well-suited for powering large motors, machinery, and heavy-duty equipment. It utilises 3 incoming 230 volts supply to give a total voltage of 415 volts for a charging speed usually up to 22kW.

Tethered

Tethered refers to a charging station where the charging cable is permanently attached or “tethered” to the charging unit. This means that the cable cannot be removed from the charging station, and users simply need to plug the other end of the cable into their electric vehicle to begin charging. Tethered charging stations are common in public charging infrastructure, providing convenience and ensuring that the charging cable is always available for use.

U

ULEZ

ULEZ stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone. A designated area within a city where the most stringent emissions standards are enforced to reduce air pollution and improve air quality. Vehicles entering the ULEZ must meet strict emission criteria or pay a fee, encouraging the use of cleaner, low-emission vehicles and discouraging the use of high-polluting vehicles. ULEZs are typically implemented in urban areas with high levels of air pollution to mitigate the health and environmental impacts associated with vehicle emissions.

Un-tethered

Un-tethered refers to a charging station where the charging cable is not permanently attached to the charging unit. Instead, users need to provide their own charging cable, which can be plugged into the charging station to begin charging their electric vehicle. Un-tethered charging stations offer flexibility as users can use their own cables, but they require users to carry a compatible charging cable with them.

V

Volts

The unit of measurement for electrical potential difference, voltage, or electromotive force. One volt is defined as the difference in electric potential between two points of a conducting wire when an electric current of one ampere dissipates one watt of power between those points. Voltage is a key parameter in electrical systems, indicating the force that drives electric current through a conductor.

W

WLTP

WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure. A standardised test procedure for measuring the fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and electric range of vehicles, including both conventional and electric vehicles. WLTP aims to provide more accurate and comparable data on vehicle efficiency and emissions by simulating real-world driving conditions more closely than the previous New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test. It is used for vehicle homologation and certification purposes in many regions around the world.

Watts

The unit of measurement for power, representing the rate at which energy is transferred or converted. One watt is equivalent to one joule per second, indicating the rate at which work is done or energy is consumed or produced. In electrical systems, watts measure the amount of power consumed by devices or generated by sources such as batteries or generators. It is a fundamental unit of measurement in physics and engineering.

X

Y

Z

ZEV

ZEV stands for Zero Emission Vehicle. A vehicle that produces no tailpipe emissions of greenhouse gases or other pollutants during operation. ZEVs are typically powered by electric motors using energy stored in batteries or by hydrogen fuel cells, emitting only water vapor or no emissions at all. They offer significant environmental benefits by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

ZEZ

ZEZ stands for Zero emission zone. Many towns and cities are introducing areas that are open to only those vehicles producing zero tailpipe emissions. A further step on from ULEZ.

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