When I first started buying an electric car, I was immediately struck by the various terms used to describe this vehicle. Terms such as regenerative braking. Or the difference between regenerative braking. And regenerative braking. kilowatt? and .kilowatt-hour? I have searched all over the internet for an explanation.
When purchasing conventional gasoline vehicles, you can ask the salesperson/seller basic questions about the vehicle. However, since EV technology is still quite new, most dealers are asking these basic questions themselves.
If I wasn't so stubborn, I could easily go out and buy a regular gas car like I did before. However, I made the decision to embark on the path of electric vehicles and spent some time learning new jargon on the Internet.
As I thought about what to write about in my first few blog posts, it soon became clear that I needed to write about the first problem I had when I first bought my first electric car - learning jargon.
Below is a complete list of common EV terms to help potential EV buyers master the jargon.
Acceptable Charge Rate: The maximum charge rate that the vehicle can accept during a DCFC session. The rated power of the charging station is, for example, 150 kW, and the maximum charging limit for a particular electric vehicle is 100 kW. Therefore, the charging station can supply more power than the car can handle, but the car can only be charged at a maximum power of 100 kW.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Also known as pure electric vehicles, BEVs are powered solely by rechargeable batteries. Typical examples are the Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Volt.
DCFC Combinations: Most common DCFC plugs in the US, excluding Tesla brand plugs.
Chademo: DCFC connectors are only found on limited models such as the Nissan Leaf.
DCFC Fast Charging (DCFC): Also known as Level 3 charging, DCFC charging is the fastest charging in electric vehicles. This type of charging is available almost exclusively for BEVs; DCFC can only be found in commercial/public areas. Because of the high voltage, these chargers are about the size of a gas station; DCFC chargers allow you to travel 80-300 miles in 30 minutes (depending on vehicle).
Degradation: Battery capacity decreases over time.As with other rechargeable batteries used in laptops and mobile phones, available capacity decreases over time as battery cycles increase. Excessive DCFC, high ambient temperature and low TMS accelerate degradation. Wait for the annual range to decrease by about 1-2%.
Electric Vehicles (EV): Vehicles powered by an internal battery; There are two varieties - Bev and Phev.
Total Battery Capacity: Total battery capacity. Not all battery capacities can be used to power a car. In many cases, manufacturers design batteries with built-in regulators to reduce the rate at which charge drops. In most cases, the manufacturer or journalist determines the total capacity of the battery.
Internal combustion engine (ICE): commonly also known as gas car.
J1772: US standard plugs 1 and 2.
Kilowatt (KW): Kilowatt is a unit of power, similar to horsepower. More power means more options to get the job done.
KWH (KWH): Often confused with kilowatts, KWH is a unit of energy. In electric vehicles, KWH stands for battery capacity.
Level 1: Commonly referred to as Level 1 charging uses 120 volts, just like in a normal home. Most electric vehicles come with a level 1 charger. Level 1 charging provides a range of 3-4 mph.
Level 2: The most common electric vehicle charger. It uses 240/208 volts depending on home or commercial applications. For home use, you will need to purchase and install a separate EVSE and a dedicated 240V outlet for tiered charging. Level 2 charging provides a range of 20-40 mph.
Level 3: Charge fixed has a high charging speed immediately.
Miles per gallon (MPGE): Determines the efficiency of an electric vehicle compared to a metric internal combustion engine. Due to their high efficiency, electric vehicles typically go between 90-130 mpg. In other words, the average electric car is three times more efficient than the average combustion engine car. To convert a gallon to kWh, one gallon of natural gas equals 33.7 kWh.
Net Battery Capacity: The battery capacity that can be applied to the vehicle.
Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV): PHEV uses both electricity and gas; PHEVs typically have about 20-50 miles of battery life on electric to 300 miles on gasoline. Typical examples are the Chevy Volt and the Toyota Prius Prime.
Range: The distance the vehicle can travel before recharging.
Autonomy concerns: Fear of not having enough autonomy to travel to a particular destination or charging station.
State of Charge (SOC): The current percentage of available battery capacity.
Thermal Management System (TMS): A thermal management system that keeps the battery in good condition during normal use; Manufacturers such as Chevy, Tesla, Kia, and Hyundai have equipped their vehicles with powerful TMS to maintain the proper neutral battery temperature regardless of factors such as ambient temperature and DCFC habits. regardless of factors such as ambient temperature or DCFC habits.
Time of Use (TOU): A utility's method of accounting for electricity in which electricity rates are based on time of use. As a rule, in the late afternoon and evening, the figures are higher, and at other times of the day - lower.
If you're new to electric vehicles or are looking to dive deeper into the world of electric vehicles, you may have come across an array of confusing jargons and unfamiliar terminologies. Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we will decode some of the most common terms and phrases used in the electric vehicle space. So, let's rev up our engines and hit the road!
The battery pack is the heart and soul of an electric vehicle. It is a collection of individual lithium-ion cells that store and deliver electricity to the vehicle's electric motor. Typically, the battery pack can be charged using a conventional charging station or by plugging it into an electrical outlet.
EVSE stands for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. It is more commonly known as a charging station or a charging point. EVSE is the infrastructure that supplies electricity to recharge an electric vehicle.
Range anxiety is simply the fear or concern that an electric vehicle driver may experience when they worry about running out of battery charge before reaching their destination. It's a common term used concerning an electric vehicle's driving range and battery life.
Regenerative braking is an energy recovery system that allows electric vehicles to recover a portion of the energy lost during braking and store it in the battery pack. Instead of waste energy converting to heat as in traditional brakes, regenerative braking system captures that energy and reuses it.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy measurement used by electric utilities to determine the consumption of electricity by an electric vehicle's battery pack. It's essential to understand how much kWh a battery pack can store and how much power it can provide to the electric motor.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, often referred to as twisting force, that an electric motor generates and delivers to the wheels of an electric vehicle. Electric motors tend to generate high levels of torque almost instantly, providing rapid acceleration.
Electric Vehicle Vocabulary can be intimidating to understand if you're new to electric vehicles. However, by decoding common terminologies, you'll be able to better understand the mechanics that make up the heart and soul of electric vehicles. We hope this article has been helpful and has helped you demystify the most common electric vehicle terms. Until next time, keep charging up that electric vehicle!
Electric vehicles (EV) are the talk of the town! They're efficient, environmentally friendly, and offer a range of benefits over gas-powered vehicles. However, with the increasing demand for EVs, it's crucial to understand the essential terms and definitions related to the technology to make informed decisions.
Electric vehicles are automobiles that run on electric motors, powered by rechargeable batteries. They eliminate the need for gas and oil changes by using electricity as the primary fuel source. These vehicles have gained popularity over the past few years, with various automakers launching models suitable for different needs.
A BEV is a type of electric vehicle that runs solely on electricity. It relies on a battery pack to store energy and use it to power the electric motor.
A PHEV is a type of electric vehicle that uses both gasoline and electricity as fuel sources. They have an electric motor and a gasoline engine. The gasoline engine can power the vehicle once the battery runs out of charge, making them perfect for long-range driving.
A battery pack is a collection of batteries that store energy to power an electric motor. BEVs rely solely on battery packs for power, while PHEVs use battery packs alongside a gasoline engine.
A charging station is a location where electric vehicles can be charged, much like how gas stations refuel gas-powered vehicles. They can be located in public areas, homes, or commercial locations.
kWh stands for kilowatt-hours, which is a unit of measure for the amount of energy consumed or generated over time. It's commonly used to measure the capacity and range of electric vehicle batteries.
Range refers to the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. It's a crucial factor in determining the practicality of an EV for daily use. Higher ranges mean that the vehicle can be used for longer stretches without needing to recharge.
Electric vehicles offer an array of benefits over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, including:
The adoption of electric vehicles is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, with various governments and automakers investing heavily in the technology. According to a report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, electric cars will account for 58% of the global passenger car sales by 2040.
Governments around the world are also offering incentives to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, such as tax credits, rebates, and grants. Automakers are also introducing new models with improved range, charging speeds, and performance to cater to the growing demand for EVs.
In conclusion, electric vehicles are the future of the automobile industry. Understanding the essential terms and definitions related to electric vehicles is crucial for making informed decisions. Whether you're in the market for a new electric car or just curious about the technology, knowing these terms will help you navigate the world of electric vehicles with ease.
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular as people switch to cleaner forms of transportation and governments set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If you're new to this technology, the first thing you are likely to experience is a barrage of jargon you might not be familiar with. Learning the ins and outs of electric vehicles can be quite intimidating, but it can also be a lot of fun. Here's our guide to understanding some of the key electric vehicle terminology.
To start, let's demystify the acronyms. EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a vehicle that runs solely on electric power. BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which is an electric car that solely relies on the battery pack for power. PHEV stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, which is an electric vehicle that has both a battery pack and a traditional combustion engine.
The battery pack is the heart of any electric vehicle and is the source of power for the motor. Batteries can be charged using a charging station or a conventional power outlet and come in a variety of capacities and types. The charger is the equipment that delivers the power from the external source to the battery pack. Chargers come in various types including Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging.
Regenerative braking is a process where the kinetic energy of the car is used to recharge the battery pack while the car is slowing down or braking. Range is the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. It's important to note that the distance you can travel on a single charge varies depending on factors like the size of the battery pack, the driving style, the terrain, and the weather.
The kilowatt-hour is the unit used to measure the energy stored in the battery pack. Charge time is the time it takes to charge the battery pack from empty to full. The time it takes to charge a battery pack depends on the capacity of the battery pack and the type of charging station used. Level 1 charging typically takes between 8-12 hours, Level 2 charging between 3-5 hours, and DC fast charging between 30-45 minutes.
The electric motor is the component that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to power the wheels of the car. Horsepower is the measure used to indicate the power of the motor.
MPGe stands for Miles Per Gallon equivalent and measures how far an electric car can travel on the same amount of energy as a gasoline car that gets a certain miles-per-gallon rating. TCO stands for Total Cost of Ownership and is a projection of the total expenses that come with owning and operating an electric vehicle, including the cost of the car, maintenance and charging expenses, and the cost of fuel.
Electric vehicles have come a long way since their inception and have become an attractive alternative for consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Understanding the electric vehicle terminology is the first step to becoming a knowledgeable consumer and making an informed decision. Keep these terms in mind as you start exploring the world of electric cars.
If you are planning to enter the world of EVs (Electric Vehicles) or have already bought one, then you will encounter a lot of jargon from the industry. Understanding these terms is crucial to navigating the world of EVs efficiently. Here is a guide to help you navigate the EV world by brushing up on the key terms you will encounter.
BEVs are purely powered electric vehicles that depend on their battery packs charged via an external power source like a power station or charging points.
HEVs have two power sources, including a battery and a combustion engine. They can switch between electric power and internal combustion engines, depending on their driving modes.
PHEVs feature an electric motor and a combustion engine. These vehicles use power from their battery pack to drive electrically for some distance before switching to the combustion engine.
This term describes the driver's fear of running out of power with an electric vehicle, primarily if they are not near to charging stations or any other power source.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh) measures the capability of an EV's battery. It refers to the amount of energy required to operate a 1,000-watt electrical appliance or motor for an hour.
There are numerous benefits to owning an EV, which prompts more people to switch from traditional vehicles to EVs. Some of these advantages are:
EVs are eco-friendlier than combustion-engine vehicles. They don't emit harmful gases that pollute the environment. They can help reduce the carbon footprint and ensure a cleaner planet.
Electric vehicles are more financially viable than combustion-engine cars. They have fewer moving parts, hence fewer maintenance requirements. Over time, it saves money, as electricity is cheaper and more efficiently sourced than gasoline.
Because EVs convert electrical energy to mechanical work more efficiently, they have better acceleration and handling than combustion-engine vehicles.
The number of EVs on the road continues to increase around the world. Below are some industry statistics showing the future of EVs.
In conclusion, navigating the world of EVs requires understanding the jargon that can at times sound cryptic. It is essential to comprehend the key terms outlined above. Additionally, EVs come with plenty of benefits over combustion-engine vehicles, including environmental-friendliness and lower operational costs, among many others. With an increase in the demand for EVs, it is only wise to brush up on these terms.
Electric vehicles have taken the automotive industry by storm. With more and more people opting for eco-friendly transportation options, EVs have become a popular choice. However, with so much technical jargon thrown around, understanding the world of electric vehicles can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll break down some key terms that you need to know to navigate this space with ease.
BEVs are electric vehicles that are powered solely by a battery. They rely on electric motors to drive the wheels and do not have an internal combustion engine. They must be charged by plugging them into an electric power source, or by induction charging, which uses a pad to transfer electricity wirelessly to the vehicle’s battery.
PHEVs have both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. They can run on electricity alone for a limited range, after which the gasoline engine takes over. PHEV batteries can be charged in the same way as BEV batteries.
EVSE refers to the charging equipment that you use to charge your electric vehicle. There are different types of EVSE, including Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging.
Regenerative braking is a system that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy and stores it in the vehicle’s battery when the brakes are applied. This feature is especially useful in stop-and-go traffic, as it can help extend the vehicle’s driving range.
KWh refers to the amount of energy that is stored in an electric vehicle’s battery. It is used to determine the range of an EV – the more kWh a battery has, the further it can go on a single charge.
Level 1 charging is the simplest and slowest way to charge an electric vehicle. It involves using a standard 120-volt household outlet and can take up to 12 hours to fully charge a depleted battery.
Level 2 charging is a faster way to charge an electric vehicle. It involves using a 240-volt charging station and can charge a depleted battery in about 4-6 hours.
DC Fast Charging is the fastest way to charge an electric vehicle. It uses direct current electricity and can charge a depleted battery in about 30 minutes.
And that’s a wrap! With these key terms under your belt, you’ll be able to navigate the world of electric vehicles like a pro. Remember, when it comes to sustainable transportation, knowledge is power.
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