EV Dictionary
Search and browse electric vehicle terminology. Understand battery, charging, drivetrain, and other EV concepts.
32 terms
A
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
A collection of electronic systems that assist the driver with safety and driving tasks. ADAS features include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, automatic emergency braking, and more.
Air Suspension
A suspension system that uses air-filled bellows instead of traditional steel springs. Air suspension allows adjustable ride height, improved comfort, and can lower the vehicle at speed for better aerodynamics and efficiency.
B
Battery Degradation
The gradual loss of an EV battery's capacity and performance over time and usage. Modern EV batteries typically retain 80-90% capacity after 8-10 years of normal use.
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
A vehicle powered entirely by an electric battery with no internal combustion engine. BEVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and are charged from external electricity sources.
Battery Management System (BMS)
The electronic control system that monitors and manages an EV's battery pack. The BMS controls charging, discharging, temperature, cell balancing, and safety to maximize battery life and performance.
Battery Preconditioning
The process of heating or cooling the battery to its optimal temperature before DC fast charging. Preconditioning significantly improves charging speed, especially in cold weather.
C
CCS (Combined Charging System)
A charging connector standard that supports both AC and DC charging through a single port. CCS is the dominant fast-charging standard in Europe and widely used in North America.
Cell-to-Pack (CTP)
A battery design approach that integrates cells directly into the pack structure, eliminating the intermediate module layer. CTP increases energy density by using space more efficiently.
Charge Curve
A graph showing how an EV's DC charging power (kW) varies across different battery states of charge (SoC). The charge curve reveals real-world charging speed better than peak power alone.
D
DC Fast Charging
High-power charging that delivers direct current (DC) straight to the battery, bypassing the car's on-board charger. DC fast chargers can add significant range in 15–45 minutes.
Drag Coefficient (Cd)
A dimensionless number that measures how aerodynamic a vehicle's shape is. A lower Cd value means less air resistance and better energy efficiency, directly impacting EV range.
E
Energy Consumption (kWh/100km)
The measure of how much electrical energy an EV uses per distance traveled, expressed in kWh per 100 km or Wh per km. Lower consumption means better efficiency and more range from the same battery.
EPA Range
The official EV range rating used in the United States, measured by the Environmental Protection Agency. EPA figures tend to be more conservative than WLTP and closer to real-world driving.
Euro NCAP
The European New Car Assessment Programme, an independent organization that crash-tests vehicles and rates their safety on a 0-to-5-star scale covering adult protection, child protection, pedestrian safety, and safety assist features.
F
H
K
L
N
NACS (North American Charging Standard)
A compact charging connector originally developed by Tesla that is becoming the standard in North America. NACS supports both AC and DC charging through a single smaller connector.
NMC Battery (Nickel Manganese Cobalt)
A lithium-ion battery chemistry using nickel, manganese, and cobalt in the cathode. NMC batteries offer high energy density for longer range but at higher cost than LFP.
O
On-Board Charger (OBC)
A component inside the EV that converts AC electricity from home and public AC chargers into DC electricity that can be stored in the battery. The on-board charger's power rating limits AC charging speed.
One-Pedal Driving
A driving mode where lifting off the accelerator produces strong regenerative braking, allowing the driver to accelerate and stop using only one pedal in most situations.
OTA Update (Over-the-Air)
A wireless software update delivered to the vehicle remotely, without requiring a visit to a dealer. OTA updates can improve features, fix bugs, and even enhance performance after purchase.
P
R
Range Anxiety
The fear or concern that an EV's battery will run out of charge before reaching the destination or a charging station. A common worry among new EV owners that typically fades with experience.
Regenerative Braking
A system that recovers kinetic energy during deceleration by using the electric motor as a generator, converting motion back into electricity stored in the battery.
S
T
V
V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid)
Technology that allows an EV to send stored electricity back to the power grid. V2G enables EVs to function as mobile energy storage, supporting grid stability and potentially earning revenue for the owner.
V2L (Vehicle-to-Load)
A feature that allows an EV to supply electrical power to external devices and appliances, effectively using the car's battery as a large portable power station.