EV Dictionary
Search and browse electric vehicle terminology. Understand battery, charging, drivetrain, and other EV concepts.
333 terms
A
AC Charging
Charging in which AC reaches the vehicle and its onboard charger converts it to DC for the traction battery.
Accelerator Map and Torque-Request Map
Accelerator and torque-request maps turn pedal input into controlled axle or motor torque commands.
Active Roll Stabilization
Active roll stabilization uses powered actuators to create or vary anti-roll torque.
Active Suspension
Active suspension uses powered actuators to apply suspension forces beyond passive damping and spring response.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Adaptive cruise control adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a selected following gap while the driver supervises.
Adaptive Dampers (CDC/CCD)
Adaptive dampers vary their force characteristic using electronic control, sensor data, and selected vehicle modes.
Adaptive Regeneration
Adaptive regeneration varies deceleration using traffic, route, road, driver, and vehicle conditions.
Adaptive Suspension
Adaptive suspension changes one or more chassis characteristics according to conditions, sensors, or drive mode.
ADAS Processor
An ADAS processor runs perception, decision, and control software for driver-assistance functions.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Vehicle functions that assist with driving, warnings, braking, or monitoring.
Aerodynamic Drag
Speed, wind, air density, Cd, and frontal area determine the aerodynamic drag acting on a vehicle.
Air Suspension
A suspension system that supports the vehicle body with pressurized air springs.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
All-wheel drive can send propulsion torque to both the front and rear axles.
Ampere-Hour (Ah)
A unit of electric charge used for cell and battery capacity; one ampere-hour equals 3,600 coulombs.
Android Auto
Android Auto projects supported Android phone apps through a compatible vehicle interface.
Android Automotive OS, Google Built-In, and Google Automotive Services
AAOS is the embedded platform; Google built-in and GAS add an optional licensed Google service package.
Anode
The battery electrode that releases electrons during discharge and receives lithium ions during charging.
Anti-Dive and Anti-Squat
Anti-dive and anti-squat route longitudinal tire forces to alter body pitch through suspension geometry.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
An anti-lock braking system modulates brake pressure to prevent sustained wheel lock during hard braking.
Anti-Roll Bar
An anti-roll bar is a torsion spring linking the left and right suspension to resist differential motion.
Apple CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra
CarPlay projects an iPhone interface; CarPlay Ultra adds deeper integration across supported vehicle displays.
Approach Angle
Approach angle is the maximum ramp angle a vehicle can approach without front-overhang contact.
Augmented-Reality Head-Up Display
An AR head-up display aligns selected guidance graphics with apparent locations in the road scene.
Auto Hold
Auto hold keeps a stopped vehicle stationary after brake-pedal release and disengages when movement is requested.
Automated Lane Change
How automated lane change evaluates an adjacent lane and performs a supervised lateral maneuver.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Automatic emergency braking can apply the brakes when a collision is imminent and driver response is insufficient.
Automatic Emergency Steering (AES)
Automatic emergency steering can steer to avoid or mitigate a collision when defined conditions are met.
Automatic Parking
How automatic parking senses a space and controls part or all of a supervised parking maneuver.
Automotive Bluetooth Profiles
Bluetooth profiles define compatible functions such as calls, audio, controls, contacts, messages, and networking.
Auxiliary Energy Consumption
Heating, cooling, pumps, electronics, and thermal management consume energy beyond wheel propulsion.
Average Charging Power
Average charging power relates energy added to elapsed charging time over a stated interval.
Axial-Flux Motor
An axial-flux motor routes magnetic flux along the shaft axis, creating a short, disc-shaped package.
B
Back Electromotive Force (Back-EMF)
Back-EMF is the voltage a spinning motor generates in opposition to the voltage driving it.
Base Speed, Constant-Torque, and Constant-Power Regions
Base speed separates current- and voltage-limited operation, shaping constant-torque and constant-power regions.
Battery as a Service (BaaS)
A battery subscription model that separates access to the traction battery from ownership of the EV.
Battery Buffer
Energy kept outside all or part of the normal driver-facing range to protect and control an EV battery.
Battery Cell
The basic electrochemical unit inside an EV battery, combined with other cells to form modules or a complete pack.
Battery Degradation
How EV batteries lose capacity over time and what influences the rate.
Battery Internal Resistance
The effective resistance inside a battery that causes voltage change, heat, and power limits under load.
Battery Management System (BMS)
The controls that monitor, estimate, and protect an EV battery pack.
Battery Module
An interconnected, protected group of battery cells used alone or as an intermediate pack level.
Battery Operating Window
The cell-charge range the BMS permits, bounded by upper and lower limits that protect and control the battery.
Battery Pack
The complete traction-battery unit installed in an EV, built from connected cells or modules.
Battery Passport
An electronic record that tracks regulated identity and lifecycle information for an individual EV battery.
Battery Preconditioning
How an EV prepares its battery temperature for charging or departure.
Battery Recycling
The controlled processing of battery scrap and end-of-life batteries to recover materials for further use.
Battery Swapping
The physical exchange of an EV battery pack for a compatible charged pack at a dedicated station.
Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS)
The system that heats, cools, and balances battery temperature during driving and charging.
Battery Warranty
Contractual coverage for specified EV battery defects, capacity loss, or both under defined conditions.
Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
A vehicle powered only by electricity stored in a rechargeable traction battery.
Bidirectional Charging
Charging that moves energy both into an EV battery and back out through compatible equipment.
Black Mass
An intermediate mixture of active-material particles produced during mechanical battery recycling.
Blade Battery
BYD's LFP battery design using long prismatic cells in a tightly integrated pack architecture.
Blended Braking
Blended braking combines regeneration and friction while maintaining predictable deceleration and pedal response.
Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM)
How blind-spot monitoring detects supported traffic beside the vehicle and warns the driver.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
BLE is a low-power radio technology used for nearby-device discovery and digital-key communication.
Body Motions: Heave, Pitch, and Roll
Heave, pitch, and roll describe vertical translation and rotation of the vehicle body.
Boost Converter
A boost converter raises DC voltage and can bridge charger-to-battery voltage differences.
Boost Power
Boost power is a temporary output increase limited by defined conditions, duration, and measurement boundary.
Brake-by-Wire
Brake-by-wire transmits braking requests electronically, with architecture-specific actuation and fallback.
Braked and Unbraked Towing Capacity
Braked and unbraked towing ratings apply to trailers with different service-brake arrangements.
Braking Energy
Braking energy is the mechanical energy removed when a vehicle slows down or descends.
Bump Steer
Bump steer is a change in wheel steer or toe caused by suspension travel without driver steering input.
Bump Stop and Rebound Stop
Travel stops protect suspension components and can add a tuned secondary rate near each limit.
C
C-Rate
A charge or discharge rate normalized to battery capacity, where 1C corresponds to rated capacity per hour.
Calendar Aging
Battery aging driven by time and storage conditions, including while an EV is parked.
Camber
Camber settings and their movement affect tire contact, forces, wear, and alignment.
Camera-Based Driver Assistance
Camera-based assistance uses vehicle cameras to interpret the road or the area around the vehicle.
Carbide-Coated Brake Discs
Carbide-coated brake discs use a hard surface layer on a metal rotor to reduce wear, corrosion, and brake dust.
Caster
Caster contributes to steering effort, self-alignment, feedback, and camber change in a turn.
Cathode
The battery electrode where reduction occurs, commonly named as the positive electrode defined during discharge.
Cell Balancing
How a battery management system reduces charge differences between series-connected cell groups.
Cell-to-Body (CTB)
A battery architecture that integrates the battery system with the vehicle body structure.
Cell-to-Cell Thermal Propagation
The spread of a thermal failure from one battery cell to neighbouring cells or modules.
Cell-to-Chassis (CTC)
A battery architecture that integrates cells or the battery system with the vehicle chassis.
Cell-to-Module (CTM)
A conventional battery architecture that groups cells into modules before assembling the pack.
Cell-to-Pack (CTP)
A battery architecture that integrates cells directly into the pack structure.
Ceramic Brake Discs
Ceramic brake discs use a heat-resistant composite rotor that differs fundamentally from coated cast-iron discs.
CHAdeMO
A DC fast-charging system combining a dedicated coupler with CAN-based communication and charging control.
ChaoJi
A new-generation high-power DC charging system with distinct connector, communication, thermal, and safety requirements.
Charge Curve
How an EV's charging power changes as battery state of charge increases.
Charge Point Operator (CPO) and e-Mobility Service Provider (eMSP)
The infrastructure-facing and driver-facing roles that connect public charging services.
Charging Loss
Energy measured during charging that is not retained by the traction battery.
Charging Modes 2, 3, and 4
IEC classifications for portable AC, dedicated AC, and off-board DC charging arrangements.
Charging Network Roaming
How one charging-service relationship can provide access to chargers operated by participating networks.
Charging Plug, Inlet, Coupler, and Port
The standardized components and common terms used for the cable-to-vehicle charging interface.
Charging Power
Charging power states how quickly electrical energy is transferred at a particular moment.
Charging Power Sharing
How a limited charging-power budget is distributed among two or more EVs charging at the same time.
Charging-Station Reservation
A service that allocates a charging opportunity to a driver for a defined arrival window.
Charging-Stop Planning
Charging-stop planning selects where and how long to charge while maintaining a suitable trip reserve.
China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC)
CLTC is a standardized laboratory driving cycle used in China to measure light-duty EV consumption and range.
Coasting
Coasting keeps commanded propulsion and regenerative torque near zero when the vehicle does not need to slow.
Cogging Torque
Cogging torque is position-dependent torque caused by rotor magnets interacting with stator teeth and slots.
Combined Charging System (CCS)
A vehicle inlet system supporting AC charging and DC fast charging.
Compression and Rebound Damping
Compression and rebound damping oppose damper motion in the two directions of suspension travel.
Connected Services and Cloud-Based Vehicle Functions
Connected vehicle functions use telematics, accounts, apps, and cloud backends to deliver remote and online services.
Copper, Iron, Eddy-Current, and Mechanical Motor Losses
Motor losses turn electrical energy into heat and vary across the speed-torque operating map.
Creep Mode
Creep mode makes an EV move slowly after brake release, using motor-control software rather than an automatic gearbox.
Curb Weight
Curb weight is a vehicle's mass in a defined ready-to-operate condition, without occupants or cargo.
Current Collector
The conductive substrate that carries electrons between an electrode coating and the cell terminals.
Cycle Aging
Battery aging associated with charging, discharging, and accumulated energy throughput.
Cylindrical Cell
A battery cell in a rigid round metal can, usually built around a wound electrode assembly.
D
Damper Force–Velocity Curve
A force–velocity curve shows how damper force changes with shaft speed and direction.
Dashcam
A dashcam records driving video using factory-integrated or separate cameras and storage.
DC Fast Charging
Charging that supplies controlled direct current to an EV battery.
DC-to-DC Converter
A DC-to-DC converter changes DC voltage levels for an EV's auxiliary, traction, or charging systems.
Dedicated EV Platform
A dedicated EV platform is engineered specifically around battery-electric propulsion and packaging.
Departure Angle
Departure angle is the maximum ramp angle a vehicle can leave without rear-overhang contact.
Depth of Discharge (DoD)
The share of a battery reference range used during discharge or across a charge-discharge cycle.
Destination Charging
Charging provided where an EV remains parked for another activity, such as at a hotel, workplace, or restaurant.
Differential
A differential lets driven wheels rotate at different speeds while transmitting torque.
Digital Instrument Cluster
A digital instrument cluster presents essential driving and vehicle-status information on an electronic display.
Digital Key
A digital key is an electronic vehicle-access credential stored on a compatible personal device.
Disc Brake
A disc brake uses a caliper and pads to convert wheel motion into heat, with EV-specific corrosion considerations.
Distributed, Concentrated, and Hairpin Windings
How distributed, concentrated, and hairpin winding terms describe different motor choices.
Double-Wishbone Suspension
A double-wishbone layout locates the wheel with separate upper and lower control arms.
Drag Area (CdA)
Drag area (CdA) combines a vehicle's drag coefficient and frontal area into one aerodynamic measure.
Drag Coefficient (Cd)
A dimensionless measure used to describe a vehicle's aerodynamic drag.
Drive Mode
A drive mode selects coordinated vehicle calibrations for response, efficiency, traction, comfort, or performance.
Driver Drowsiness Detection
How drowsiness detection estimates fatigue and warns the driver when a break may be needed.
Driver Monitoring System (DMS)
How a DMS observes driver attention and readiness and issues escalating warnings.
Drivetrain Efficiency
Drivetrain efficiency depends on the included components, operating point, and clearly defined measurement boundary.
Drum Brake
A drum brake presses shoes inside a rotating drum and can suit lightly used rear EV brakes.
Dry Electrode Manufacturing
A solvent-free method for forming battery electrodes without slurry coating and large drying ovens.
Dynamic Load Balancing
Charging control that follows changing site demand to keep total electrical load within a limit.
E
E-Axle
An e-axle combines an electric motor and reduction drive at one axle; included components vary.
Efficiency Measurement Boundaries
Efficiency values change with the input and output measurement points, included components, and operating direction.
Elastokinematics and Compliance Steer
Elastokinematics describes force-driven suspension deformation; compliance steer is its steer response.
Electric Drivetrain NVH
Electric drivetrain NVH combines motor, inverter, gear, bearing, cooling, mount, and body effects.
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
Equipment that safely connects an EV to an electricity supply and controls the transfer of energy.
Electrolyte
The ion-conducting medium inside a battery, distinct from the electron path through the external circuit.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
How ESC detects and corrects understeer or oversteer to help the driver maintain the intended path.
Embedded Infotainment and Smartphone Projection
Embedded infotainment runs in the car, while projection presents a compatible phone through the vehicle interface.
Energy Consumption
The electrical energy an EV uses to travel a stated distance.
EPA Range
The U.S. electric-range estimate produced under EPA test and label procedures.
Euro NCAP
A European consumer programme that tests and rates vehicle safety.
EV Route Planning with Charging Stops
An integrated EV planner chooses routes and charging sessions while protecting arrival reserve and travel time.
Exit Warning
How exit warning detects supported road users approaching before an occupant opens a door.
F
Field Weakening
Field weakening limits effective motor flux at high speed so back-EMF stays within inverter voltage.
Field-Oriented Control (FOC)
FOC separates motor-current components so controllers can regulate torque and magnetic flux precisely.
Five-Link Suspension
A five-link suspension uses five locating links at each wheel carrier as a form of multi-link axle.
Fixed Brake Caliper
A fixed caliper uses pistons on both sides of a rigid body, trading cost and packaging for stiffness and consistency.
Floating Brake Caliper
A floating brake caliper slides on guides so one piston side clamps pads against both faces of a brake disc.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
How FCW detects a developing frontal crash risk and warns the driver without applying the brakes.
Frequency-Selective Damping (FSD)
Frequency-selective damping passively changes damper response for different patterns of suspension motion.
Friction Braking
Friction braking converts motion into heat and remains essential when regeneration is limited or unavailable.
Front Cross-Traffic Alert (FCTA)
How FCTA warns of supported traffic crossing ahead when visibility to the sides is restricted.
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Front-wheel drive sends propulsion torque to the front axle.
Frontal Area
Vehicle width and height shape frontal area, which combines with Cd to determine aerodynamic load.
Frunk
A front storage compartment made possible by a vehicle's component packaging.
G
GB/T Charging Standard
China’s family of AC and DC charging-interface and communication standards, including legacy and ChaoJi-era systems.
GNSS, Map Matching, and Dead Reckoning
GNSS, map matching, and dead reckoning combine satellite, road, and motion data to estimate vehicle position.
Gravimetric and Volumetric Energy Density
Energy stored per unit mass or volume, with results that depend on the measured battery level and basis.
Gross and Net Battery Capacity
Gross is the battery's declared total energy; net is the portion available for driving under defined conditions.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
GVWR is the manufacturer-specified maximum loaded mass of a vehicle under the applicable rating rules.
Ground Clearance and Ride Height
Ground clearance and ride height use different reference points to describe a vehicle's vertical position.
H
Head-Up Display (HUD)
A head-up display projects driving information into the driver's forward view.
Heat Pump
A climate system that moves heat to warm or cool an electric vehicle efficiently.
High-Voltage Contactors and Pre-Charge Circuit
How EV contactors and pre-charge connect the battery while limiting uncontrolled inrush current.
High-Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL)
A low-voltage safety loop that detects opened or disconnected parts of an EV high-voltage system.
High-Voltage System
The high-voltage system carries traction and charging energy through an EV's main electrical components.
Hill-Descent Control
How hill-descent control manages a low downhill speed while the driver steers.
Hill-Start Assist
How hill-start assist briefly holds the brakes while the driver moves from the brake to the accelerator.
Home Charger (Wallbox)
Residential EV supply equipment, usually wall-mounted, that provides controlled AC charging at a parking space.
Human–Machine Interface (HMI)
HMI covers every display, sound, control, and interaction through which a person uses the vehicle.
I
In-Wheel Motor
An in-wheel motor places traction torque production at or inside a driven wheel.
Independent Suspension
Independent suspension lets one wheel move vertically without a rigid axle forcing the opposite wheel.
Induction Motor (ASM)
An induction motor creates rotor current through induction and operates with controlled slip.
Infotainment Head Unit
The infotainment head unit is the central computer or assembly coordinating major in-car media and interface functions.
Infotainment System
An infotainment system integrates media, navigation, communications, connectivity, and selected vehicle controls.
Infrared Camera
An infrared camera images reflected near-infrared light or longer-wave thermal radiation.
Insulation Monitoring
Monitoring that detects reduced electrical isolation between an EV high-voltage system and its chassis.
Integrated Electric Drive Unit (EDU)
An integrated electric drive unit packages several EV propulsion functions into one assembly.
Inverter
An EV traction inverter converts battery DC into controlled motor current and manages regenerative power flow.
Island Mode and Anti-Islanding
Intentional backup operation isolated from the grid, and protection against unintended grid energization.
ISO 15118
The EV-to-charger communication standard behind functions such as Plug & Charge and bidirectional energy transfer.
K
Keyless Entry
Keyless entry unlocks a vehicle without inserting a mechanical key into a lock.
Keyless Start
Keyless start authenticates a fob, phone, or credential so the vehicle can become ready without inserting a key.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
The energy unit used for EV battery capacity and electricity consumption.
L
Lane Centering Assist (LCA)
How lane centering provides continuous steering support while the driver remains responsible.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
How LDW identifies an unintended lane departure and alerts the driver without steering the vehicle.
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
How LKA adds a brief corrective input to help prevent an unintended lane departure.
LFP Battery
A lithium-ion battery chemistry using a lithium iron phosphate cathode.
LiDAR
How automotive LiDAR uses reflected laser light to build precise three-dimensional range measurements.
Lift-Off Regeneration
Lift-off regeneration commands negative motor torque when the driver releases or eases off the accelerator.
Linear, Digressive, and Progressive Damping
These terms describe how damper force changes as shaft velocity rises.
Lithium Plating
Metallic lithium deposited on the negative electrode during charging instead of entering the host material.
Lithium-Ion Battery
The rechargeable battery family used in most EVs, with electrode materials and cell designs that vary.
LMFP Battery
A lithium-ion cathode chemistry that adds manganese to LFP to raise operating voltage.
Load Balancing
Sharing limited electrical capacity among EV chargers while keeping demand within a defined limit.
Low-Speed and High-Speed Damping
These damping regions refer to damper-shaft velocity, not the vehicle's road speed.
M
MacPherson Strut Suspension
A MacPherson strut combines damping, spring support, and structural wheel location.
Magnetorheological Dampers
Magnetorheological dampers use a magnetic field to vary fluid resistance and damping force in real time.
Managed Unidirectional Charging (V1G)
Charging control that adjusts timing or power while energy flows only from the grid or site into the EV.
Maximum 30-Minute Power (UN R85)
UN R85 maximum 30-minute power is a regulated average, distinct from peak and indefinite continuous power.
Maximum Regenerative Braking Power
Maximum regenerative braking power is the highest rate at which an EV can convert braking work into electricity.
Megawatt Charging System (MCS)
A standardized high-current DC connection system developed for heavy-duty EVs and other large applications.
Miles per Gallon Equivalent (MPGe)
MPGe compares plug-in vehicle energy use with the energy in one U.S. gallon of gasoline under EPA rules.
Monotube and Twin-Tube Dampers
These damper layouts use different working, gas, and compensation-chamber arrangements.
Motor Air Gap
The motor air gap is the working clearance between the stator and rotor.
Motor Cooling Jacket, Direct Oil Cooling, and Rotor Cooling
Motor cooling jackets, direct oil cooling, and rotor cooling use different thermal paths and trade-offs.
Motor Efficiency
Motor efficiency varies with speed and torque, so maps and measurement boundaries matter more than one number.
Motor Power
Motor power is mechanical work per second, shaped by torque, speed, duration, and the chosen boundary.
Motor, Axle, and Wheel Torque
Motor, axle, and wheel torque use different measurement points and cannot be compared without gearing and losses.
Multi-Energy Platform
A multi-energy platform supports more than one propulsion system, including electric and combustion.
Multi-Link Suspension
A multi-link suspension locates each wheel with several separate links for flexible geometry tuning.
N
NCA Battery
A lithium-ion battery chemistry using a nickel-cobalt-aluminum cathode.
Near Field Communication (NFC)
NFC is a very short-range wireless technology used for deliberate tap-based vehicle access.
Night Vision
How infrared night vision supplements the driver’s view of supported objects beyond the headlight beam.
NMC Battery
A lithium-ion battery chemistry using nickel, manganese, and cobalt.
Nominal Cell and Pack Voltage
A representative cell or pack voltage; the actual value changes with charge state and operating conditions.
North American Charging System (NACS)
The compact AC and DC charging interface standardized as SAE J3400.
O
Occupant Monitoring System
An occupant monitoring system detects or classifies people inside a vehicle for safety functions.
Onboard Charger (OBC)
The vehicle equipment that converts AC charging power to DC for the battery.
One-Pedal Driving
A drive mode that produces strong deceleration when the accelerator is released.
Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)
The open protocol used mainly between charging stations and their central management systems.
Optimal Travel Speed for an EV
Optimal EV travel speed depends on whether the goal is minimum energy use or minimum total journey time.
Over-the-Air (OTA) Update
A vehicle software or firmware update delivered through a wireless connection.
P
Parked-Camera Security Mode
A parked-camera mode monitors activity around a parked vehicle; Sentry Mode is Tesla's implementation.
Parking Sensor
How ultrasonic parking sensors estimate short-range distance to nearby obstacles.
Passive Suspension
A passive suspension has no controller changing its mechanical behavior in real time.
Payload
Payload is the permitted mass of occupants, cargo, accessories, and other loads carried by a vehicle.
Peak and Continuous Power
Peak and continuous power use different durations, thermal conditions, and measurement boundaries.
Peak Charging Power
Peak charging power is the highest accepted power reached during a defined charging session.
Permanent-Magnet Demagnetization
Permanent-magnet demagnetization reduces rotor flux reversibly or irreversibly under heat and opposing fields.
Permanent-Magnet Motor
A permanent-magnet motor uses magnets to provide part or all of its magnetic field.
Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)
A PMSM uses rotor magnets that turn in step with the stator field to produce EV traction.
Phone as a Key (PaaK)
Phone as a Key lets a compatible smartphone carry the credential used to access or operate a vehicle.
Plug & Charge
Certificate-based automatic charging authorization through a compatible EV, charger, network, and contract.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
A vehicle combining plug-in electric driving with an internal-combustion engine.
Pouch Cell
A battery cell sealed in flexible laminated packaging rather than a rigid metal can.
Power Density
Power delivered per unit volume; specific power is the related mass-based measure.
Prismatic Cell
A battery cell in a rigid rectangular case, using either wound or stacked electrodes.
Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM)
PWM controls an inverter's average output voltage by changing semiconductor switch-on times.
Pyrometallurgical, Hydrometallurgical, and Direct Battery Recycling
Three broad battery-recycling routes with different feedstock, recovery, energy, and purification trade-offs.
R
Radar
How automotive radar measures object range, relative speed, and direction using radio waves.
Radial-Flux Motor
A radial-flux motor sends magnetic flux across a cylindrical air gap.
Rain Sensor
A rain sensor detects water on the windshield so the vehicle can control automatic wiping.
Range Added per Charging Minute
Range added per minute converts charging energy and assumed consumption into an estimated driving distance.
Range Anxiety
Concern about having enough energy and charging access to complete an EV journey.
Range Estimator (Guess-O-Meter)
A range estimator predicts remaining driving distance from available energy and expected future consumption.
Real-World Range
Real-world range is the distance an EV can cover in actual use under stated conditions, not one lab result.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
How RCTA warns of supported traffic crossing behind the vehicle while reversing.
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Rear-wheel drive sends propulsion torque to the rear axle.
Reduction Gear
A reduction gear trades high motor speed for lower wheel speed and greater torque.
Regenerative Braking
Braking that converts part of a vehicle's kinetic energy back into electricity.
Relay Attack
A relay attack makes a vehicle treat a distant contactless key as if it were nearby.
Reluctance Motors (SynRM, SRM, and PM-Assisted)
Reluctance motors use directional magnetic opposition to produce rotor torque.
Remote Parking
How remote parking moves a supervised vehicle into or out of a space while the user remains outside.
Reversing Camera
How a reversing camera shows the area behind the vehicle and why it does not replace direct checks.
Road-Preview Suspension
Preview data lets a suspension prepare for road disturbances before a wheel reaches them.
Roll Center
A roll center is a suspension-analysis reference linking lateral force paths and body roll.
Rolling Resistance
Tyres, load, pressure, temperature, and road surface all influence rolling resistance.
Roof Load
Roof load is the permitted dynamic mass carried on the vehicle roof, including the carrier system.
Rotor
The rotor is the rotating electromagnetic part that transfers motor torque to the shaft.
Rotor Cage and Slip in Induction Motors
How the rotor cage and speed difference called slip produce induction-motor torque.
Rotor Saliency
Rotor saliency is a directional difference in magnetic reluctance within the rotor.
S
SAE J1100 Cargo-Volume Standard
SAE J1100 defines vehicle dimensions and cargo-volume methods used mainly in North America.
SAE J1772
The SAE standard defining the North American conductive coupler and vehicle-to-supply-equipment interface.
SAE Levels of Driving Automation
What SAE Levels 0–5 say about the driving task, supervision, and fallback responsibility.
Scheduled Charging
EV charging controlled by predetermined start, stop, or permitted charging times.
Scrub Radius
Scrub radius is the lateral road-plane distance between the steering axis and tire-contact reference.
Second-Life Battery
A used EV battery qualified for continued service after its first vehicle application.
Secondary-Axle Disconnect Clutch
A disconnect clutch separates a secondary electric axle from the wheels to reduce drag when it is idle.
Self-Leveling and Ride-Height Control
These systems adjust static body height for load, clearance, access, or aerodynamics.
Semi-Active Suspension
Semi-active suspension varies resistance to motion but does not generate arbitrary powered suspension force.
Semi-Independent Suspension
Semi-independent suspension allows relative wheel movement while retaining a structural coupling.
Semi-Solid, Quasi-Solid, and Condensed Batteries
A guide to three overlapping battery labels that may still include liquid or gel electrolyte.
Sensor Fusion
Sensor fusion combines synchronized measurements into a more useful estimate of the driving scene.
Separator
The porous insulating layer that keeps battery electrodes apart while allowing ions to pass.
Series and Parallel Cell Configuration
How series and parallel connections set pack voltage, capacity, current capability, and cell count.
Shaft Voltage, Common-Mode Voltage, and Bearing Currents
Common-mode switching can create shaft voltage and bearing currents that threaten motor-bearing life.
Silicon and Silicon-Carbon Anodes
How silicon-rich and silicon-carbon anodes trade higher capacity against swelling and durability challenges.
Silicon-Carbide Inverter (SiC)
A SiC inverter uses silicon-carbide switches to reduce selected traction-drive losses and packaging demands.
Single-, Dual-, Triple-, and Quad-Motor Drivetrains
Motor-count labels describe how many traction motors an EV uses, not how they connect to the wheels.
Single-Phase and Three-Phase AC Charging
How AC supply phases, installation limits, and the onboard charger combine to determine charging power.
Skateboard Platform
A skateboard platform places key EV components in a flat underfloor structure shared across vehicle bodies.
Smart Charging
EV charging that adjusts timing or power in response to information, limits, or an objective.
Sodium-Ion Battery
A rechargeable battery family that stores energy by moving sodium ions between its electrodes.
Solid Axle
A solid axle rigidly connects the left and right wheel carriers so their motion is mechanically linked.
Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI)
A passivating reaction-product layer that forms where an electrode meets the electrolyte.
Solid-State Battery
A battery that uses a solid ion-conducting electrolyte instead of a conventional liquid electrolyte.
Spring Rate
Spring-rate curves show how suspension support stiffness changes with component deflection.
Sprung Mass
Body, battery, occupants, and cargo form most of the mass carried by the suspension.
State of Charge (SoC)
The estimated percentage of an EV battery's usable energy that remains.
State of Energy (SoE)
An estimate of remaining available battery energy relative to a defined energy baseline.
State of Health (SoH)
A relative measure of battery condition against a defined new or reference state.
State of Power (SoP)
The battery power available for charging or discharge within defined operating limits and a stated time horizon.
Static and Dynamic ADAS Calibration
Static and dynamic calibration align ADAS sensors using workshop targets, a road drive, or both.
Stator
The stator is the stationary active part that creates a motor's controlled magnetic field.
Structural Battery Pack
A traction-battery pack engineered to carry vehicle loads as part of the body or chassis structure.
Suspension Motion Ratio
Suspension motion ratio relates wheel movement to spring, damper, or linkage movement.
Suspension Travel: Bump and Rebound
Suspension travel spans compression and extension, with wheel and component strokes separated by geometry.
T
Telematics
Telematics combines vehicle data and telecommunications to connect a car with external systems.
Tera Operations per Second (TOPS)
TOPS is a peak AI-compute rate whose meaning depends on precision, operation counting, and workload.
Thermal Runaway
A self-accelerating failure inside a battery cell that generates heat faster than it can escape.
Toe
Toe describes each wheel's direction relative to the vehicle's longitudinal reference in plan view.
Torque
Torque is rotational force, and motor, axle, and wheel values differ with gearing and measurement point.
Torque Ripple
Torque ripple is the periodic variation of a motor's instantaneous torque around its requested level.
Torque Vectoring
Active control of wheel or axle torque to influence traction and handling.
Torque–Speed and Efficiency Maps
Torque-speed and efficiency maps reveal capability, limits, and losses across a motor's operating range.
Torsion-Beam Suspension
A torsion-beam suspension couples two trailing arms through a cross member that twists in roll.
Towball Download
Towball download is the permitted vertical load a coupled trailer applies to the vehicle's tow hitch.
Towing Capacity
Towing capacity is the maximum permitted trailer mass under defined equipment and load conditions.
Track Width
Track width is the lateral distance between the wheel centre lines on the same axle.
Traction Control System (TCS)
How traction control limits driven-wheel slip during acceleration on low-grip surfaces.
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
How TSR identifies supported road signs and presents their meaning to the driver.
Turning Circle
Turning circle describes the minimum circular space a vehicle needs to complete a full turn.
Type 2 Connector
The seven-contact IEC AC charging interface widely used on vehicles and charging equipment in Europe.
U
Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
UWB is a short-range radio technology used for precise, distance-aware vehicle access.
Ultrasonic Sensor
An ultrasonic sensor measures short-range distance by timing echoes from high-frequency sound pulses.
Unsprung Mass
Unsprung mass is the effective mass that moves mainly with the road side of the suspension.
V
Vampire Drain
Vampire drain is parked-battery energy used by standby systems, thermal control, or other background activity.
VDA 211 Luggage-Volume Standard
VDA 211 measures luggage space with standardized one-litre blocks to reflect usable packing volume.
Vehicle Companion App
A vehicle companion app provides authorized remote information and controls through telematics and cloud services.
Vehicle Cybersecurity and Cybersecurity Management System (CSMS)
Vehicle cybersecurity and a CSMS manage digital risk across the car, backends, suppliers, and lifecycle.
Vehicle Hardware Abstraction Layer (VHAL)
VHAL represents selected vehicle signals and functions as properties for Android Automotive OS.
Vehicle-to-Building (V2B)
Using energy stored in EV batteries to supply or support the electrical loads of a building.
Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)
An umbrella term for EV energy transfer to loads, properties, other vehicles, or the power grid.
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)
Bidirectional charging that allows a compatible EV to export energy to the grid.
Vehicle-to-Home (V2H)
Using energy stored in an EV battery to supply a home through compatible bidirectional equipment.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)
A feature that lets an EV power external electrical devices.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Charging (V2V)
Electrical energy transferred from one vehicle to another through compatible bidirectional charging equipment.
W
Well-to-Wheel Efficiency
Well-to-wheel efficiency measures the full energy chain from primary energy source to motion at the wheels.
Wheel Rate
Wheel rate expresses effective vertical suspension stiffness at the tire after linkage effects.
Wheelbase
Wheelbase is the longitudinal distance between the centres of a vehicle's front and rear axles.
Winter Range
Cold weather, cabin heating, dense air, and winter roads can all reduce an EV's usable driving range.
WLTP
The regulated laboratory procedure used for electric range and energy consumption.
Wound-Rotor Synchronous Motor (WRSM/EESM)
A WRSM or EESM uses electrically excited rotor windings instead of permanent magnets in an EV traction motor.