EV 101

Understanding electric vehicle (EV) terminology is essential for both current and prospective EV owners. Below is a comprehensive glossary of key terms related to electric vehicles:

• Alternating Current (AC): An electric current that periodically reverses direction. AC is the standard form of electricity supplied by the grid and is converted to direct current (DC) by the vehicle’s onboard charger to charge the battery.
• Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): A vehicle powered entirely by electricity stored in rechargeable batteries, with no internal combustion engine. Examples include the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S.
• Charging Station: Infrastructure that supplies electric energy for recharging EVs. Charging stations can be installed in homes, workplaces, or public areas and vary in charging speeds.
• Direct Current (DC): An electric current flowing in one direction. DC fast chargers provide high-power DC electricity directly to the vehicle’s battery, enabling quicker charging sessions.
• Electric Vehicle (EV): A vehicle propelled by one or more electric motors, using energy stored in batteries. This category includes BEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
• Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE): The equipment used to deliver electrical energy from an external source to charge an EV’s battery. EVSE encompasses the charging station, connectors, and related apparatus.
• Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): A vehicle combining an internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system. HEVs cannot be charged from an external source; the battery is charged through regenerative braking and the engine.
• Kilowatt (kW): A unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. In the context of EVs, it measures the power output of electric motors and the power delivery rate of chargers.
• Kilowatt-Hour (kWh): A unit of energy representing the amount of work done by one kilowatt of power over one hour. It quantifies the energy capacity of an EV’s battery and is used to estimate driving range.
• Level 1 Charging: Charging an EV using a standard household outlet (120 volts AC). This method provides the slowest charging rate, typically adding about 2 to 5 miles of range per hour.
• Level 2 Charging: Utilizes a 240-volt AC outlet, similar to those used for large household appliances. Level 2 charging significantly reduces charging time compared to Level 1, adding approximately 10 to 60 miles of range per hour.
• Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charging): Provides high-power DC electricity directly to the vehicle’s battery, enabling rapid charging. Depending on the charger and vehicle, it can add up to 80% charge in 20 to 40 minutes.
• Lithium-Ion Battery: A type of rechargeable battery commonly used in EVs due to its high energy density, efficiency, and longevity. Lithium-ion batteries are lighter and can store more energy than traditional batteries.
• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): A hybrid vehicle with both an internal combustion engine and a rechargeable battery that can be charged via an external power source. PHEVs can operate in all-electric mode for a certain distance before switching to hybrid mode.
• Regenerative Braking: A system that recovers energy typically lost during braking and converts it into electricity to recharge the vehicle’s battery, enhancing efficiency and extending driving range.
• Range Anxiety: The concern that an EV has insufficient range to reach its destination, potentially leaving the driver stranded. Advancements in battery technology and the expansion of charging infrastructure are mitigating this issue.
• State of Charge (SOC): The current level of charge in the battery relative to its capacity, expressed as a percentage. Monitoring SOC helps drivers understand how much energy remains before recharging is necessary.
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): The comprehensive cost of owning a vehicle over its lifespan, including purchase price, maintenance, fuel (or electricity), insurance, and resale value. EVs often have a lower TCO due to reduced fuel and maintenance costs.

This glossary provides a foundational understanding of electric vehicle terminology, aiding in informed decisions and discussions regarding EVs.