- Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
- A type of electric vehicle that runs entirely on electric power using a battery pack, without any internal combustion engine. Examples include the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
- A vehicle that combines a traditional internal combustion engine with a battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external power source. It can operate in electric-only mode for a certain range before switching to gasoline power.
- Regenerative Braking
- A system in EVs and hybrids that captures kinetic energy during braking and converts it back into electrical energy to recharge the battery, improving efficiency.
- Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
- A unit of energy used to measure the capacity of an EV battery. It indicates how much energy the battery can store. A higher kWh generally means a longer driving range.
- Range Anxiety
- The concern that an electric vehicle’s battery will run out of charge before reaching a charging station or destination. This is becoming less of an issue as charging infrastructure improves and EV ranges increase.
- Level 1 Charging
- Charging an EV using a standard 120-volt household outlet. It’s the slowest charging method, typically providing about 3-5 miles of range per hour.
- Level 2 Charging
- A faster charging option that uses a 240-volt outlet, similar to those used for household appliances. It can add around 10-60 miles of range per hour, depending on the EV.
- DC Fast Charging (Level 3)
- The fastest charging method available, using direct current (DC) to charge the vehicle quickly. It can provide an 80% charge in about 20-40 minutes for most EVs.
- Charging Station
- A location with equipment that supplies electric energy for the recharging of electric vehicles. Charging stations can range from slow Level 1 chargers to ultra-fast DC fast chargers.
- Onboard Charger
- The charging equipment built into an EV that converts the alternating current (AC) from a charging station into the direct current (DC) used to charge the battery.
- NACS (North American Charging Standard)
- A charging connector standard developed by Tesla for electric vehicles in North America. The NACS combines AC and DC charging in a compact design and has been adopted by other manufacturers to provide compatibility across different EV models.
- SAE J1772
- A widely adopted standard for AC charging connectors in North America. This connector is compatible with most EVs and plug-in hybrids, allowing Level 1 and Level 2 charging at home or public stations.
- SAE J3400
- The official standard designation for the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, originally developed by Tesla. This standard covers the physical and electrical specifications of the NACS connector, enabling both AC and DC charging. The J3400 standard is being adopted across various manufacturers, facilitating compatibility and integration of EVs with charging infrastructure in North America.
- One-Pedal Driving
- A driving mode available in many electric vehicles that allows the driver to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. When the pedal is released, regenerative braking kicks in, slowing the vehicle down and recapturing energy to recharge the battery.
- “Creep” Mode
- A feature in some EVs that simulates the slow, forward motion of traditional gasoline vehicles when the brake is released, providing a more familiar driving experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic situations.
- V2L (Vehicle-to-Load)
- A technology that allows an electric vehicle to supply power to external devices or appliances, essentially turning the EV into a portable power source. This feature is useful for activities such as camping or providing backup power during outages.
- V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything)
- An overarching term that describes the communication capabilities of EVs with various entities, including other vehicles (V2V), infrastructure (V2I), the grid (V2G), and pedestrians. V2X technology enhances safety, efficiency, and the integration of EVs into smart cities and energy systems.
- V2H (Vehicle-to-Home)
- A technology that allows an electric vehicle to supply power to a home, providing backup power during outages or helping to manage energy consumption by using the car’s battery during peak electricity demand times.
Photo credit: smolaw / Shutterstock.com
Common EV terms defined
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