EV Glossary: Understand EV Terms & Definitions
The world of electric vehicles can sometimes feel like it has a language all its own. Whether you're considering an electric car through salary sacrifice or already drive an EV, understanding the terminology is essential. This comprehensive glossary will help you navigate the electric vehicle landscape with confidence.
What is Electric Car Salary Sacrifice?
Before diving into the wider EV glossary, let's clarify what electric car salary sacrifice actually means:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Electric Car Salary Sacrifice | A UK government-approved scheme that allows employees to lease a new electric vehicle through their employer, with payments deducted from their gross salary before tax and National Insurance contributions. This can result in savings of 20-50% compared to a standard personal lease. |
| Salary Sacrifice Scheme | An arrangement where an employee agrees to reduce their gross salary in exchange for a non-cash benefit – in this case, an electric vehicle. |
| The Electric Car Scheme | A service provider that helps businesses implement and manage electric car salary sacrifice schemes for their employees, handling everything from vehicle selection to delivery and ongoing support. |
EV Basics and Vehicle Types
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) / Electric Vehicle (EV) | A vehicle that runs solely on battery power with zero tailpipe emissions. These are fully electric cars that need to be plugged in to recharge. |
| Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) | A vehicle with both an electric motor and a conventional petrol or diesel engine. PHEVs can drive solely on electricity for shorter journeys (typically 20-50 miles) before the internal combustion engine takes over. |
| Hybrid (HEV) | Also known as a "self-charging hybrid," these vehicles have both an internal combustion engine and a small electric motor. The battery recharges through regenerative braking and cannot be plugged in. The electric-only range is typically limited to very short distances at low speeds. |
| Range-Extended EV (REx) | An electric vehicle with a small petrol generator that can recharge the battery when depleted, extending the overall range without directly powering the wheels. |
| Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) | Any vehicle that emits less than 75g of CO2 per kilometre from the tailpipe. All EVs qualify as ULEVs. |
| Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) | The traditional petrol or diesel engine found in conventional vehicles. |
Battery and Range Terminology
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Range | The total distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge, usually measured in miles. |
| Battery Capacity | The size of an EV's battery, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Typically ranging from 20kWh to over 100kWh, a larger battery generally means greater range. |
| State of Charge (SoC) | The current level of charge in your EV's battery, usually displayed as a percentage. |
| Efficiency (miles per kWh) | A measure of how far an EV can travel for each kilowatt-hour of energy. Similar to mpg for petrol cars, higher numbers indicate better efficiency. |
| kWh (kilowatt-hours) | The unit used to measure battery capacity and energy consumption. Think of it as the EV equivalent of litres of fuel. |
| WLTP-Certified Range | The official standard used in Europe to measure an EV's range. Tests are conducted at an average speed of 28.8 mph in summer temperatures, measuring range from 100% to 0% battery. |
| Real World Range | The actual range you'll experience in everyday driving, which is typically 10-30% less than the WLTP figure depending on driving style, temperature, and road conditions. |
| Range per hour (RPH) | Miles of range per hour i.e. how many miles you can add to your car whilst charging your car. |
| Range anxiety | This is when electric car drivers are afraid that they are going to run out of charge on their journey or before they are able to get to a charge point. |
| Battery Degradation | The gradual loss of battery capacity over time and usage, reducing maximum range. Most modern EVs experience minimal degradation, with batteries typically retaining 70-80% capacity after 8-10 years. |
| Depth of Discharge (DoD) | The percentage of capacity that has been discharged from a fully charged battery. For instance, if a battery has been discharged to 30% SoC, its DoD would be 70%. Higher DoD generally leads to reduced battery lifespan over time. |
| Battery Chemistry | The specific chemical composition used in an EV battery that determines its performance characteristics. Common chemistries include Lithium-ion (with variants like NMC, NCA, and LFP), solid-state, and lithium polymer. Each chemistry offers different trade-offs between energy density, charging speed, lifespan, cost, and safety. |
| Battery Thermal Management | The system that regulates battery temperature to optimise performance, charging speed, and longevity. |
| Battery Warranty | Manufacturer guarantee covering the battery, typically for 8 years or 100,000 miles. This usually guarantees the battery will maintain at least 70% of its original capacity within the warranty period. |
| Vampire Drain | The small amount of energy that an EV battery loses when parked and not charging, usually 1-2% per day. |
Charging Your Electric Car
Types of Charging
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Slow Charging | Typically delivering up to 3kW, these are the slowest chargers, sometimes called "granny chargers" or "trickle chargers." They use a standard 3-pin plug and can take 12+ hours to fully charge an EV. |
| Fast Charging | Providing between 7kW and 22kW, these are the most common home and public chargers. A 7kW charger will typically recharge an EV overnight. |
| Rapid Charging | Delivering around 50kW, these DC chargers can recharge an EV from 10-80% in approximately 30-40 minutes. |
| Ultra-Rapid Charging | High-powered DC chargers delivering 100kW to 350kW, capable of adding significant range in just 15-20 minutes. |
| Trickle Charging | The slowest form of charging, typically using a standard 3-pin plug for overnight charging at home. |
| Tesla Superchargers | Superchargers are Tesla's own network of chargers, there are around 2,500 worldwide and are mostly at service stations around the UK. They are rated at up to 150 kW (at the time of writing), and can recharge a Tesla to 80% in around 30 minutes. They were exclusively for Tesla drivers only, however are now compatible with various other cars. |
| DCFC (DC Fast Charging) | A high-powered charging method that delivers direct current (DC) electricity directly to an EV's battery, bypassing the vehicle's onboard AC/DC converter. DCFC typically operates at 50kW to 350kW, allowing for much faster charging than standard AC chargers. Vehicles can often achieve 80% charge in 20-40 minutes depending on the maximum charging rate of the vehicle and station. |
| Smart Charging | Technology that allows you to set charging preferences, such as preferred charging times or minimum charge levels. Often integrated with apps to control charging remotely. |
| Top-Up Charging | The practice of plugging in your EV whenever it's parked, incorporating charging into your daily routine. Particularly useful for those without home charging facilities. |
| En-Route Charging | Using rapid chargers during longer journeys, typically while taking a break for coffee or refreshments. |
Charging Technical Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| AC (Alternating Current) | The type of electricity supplied to homes and most businesses. EVs must convert this to DC for battery storage, which is why AC charging is typically slower. |
| DC (Direct Current) | The type of electricity stored in EV batteries. Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers deliver DC power directly to the battery, bypassing the car's onboard converter for faster charging. |
| kW (kilowatt) | The measure of charging power or speed. The higher the kW rating, the faster the charge. |
| kWh (kilowatt hours) | The measurement of an electric car battery capacity, it varies between 20 kWh and 100 kWh depending on the EV you're looking at. |
| Single-Phase Power | The standard electricity supply in most UK homes, typically supporting chargers up to 7kW. |
| Three-Phase Power | A more powerful electricity supply found in industrial settings and some homes, enabling faster charging up to 22kW AC. |
| Charging Curve | The pattern showing how charging speed varies during a session, typically starting fast and slowing as the battery fills to protect battery health. |
| Fast Charging Taper | The gradual reduction in charging speed as an EV's battery approaches full capacity, typically beginning around 80% charge. |
| Bi-Directional Charging | Technology allowing electricity to flow both to and from an EV battery, enabling vehicle-to-grid (V2G) or vehicle-to-home (V2H) applications. |
| Vehicle to Grid (V2G) | Using an electric vehicle to send power back into the electrical grid during peak demand times, potentially earning money for the owner. |
| Pre-Conditioning | Preparing your EV's battery before charging by heating or cooling it to the optimal temperature, enabling more efficient charging. Also used before long journeys to optimise battery efficiency. |
| Charging Network Roaming | The ability to use multiple charging networks with a single account or app. |
Charging Connector Types
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Type 1 | A five-pin plug with a locking clip, primarily found on older Asian and American EVs. Being phased out in favour of Type 2. |
| Type 2 | A seven-pin connector with a flat edge, now the standard for AC charging across Europe. Features a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorised unplugging. |
| Combined Charging System (CCS) | An extension of the Type 2 connector with additional DC pins for rapid charging. The European standard for DC fast charging. |
| CHAdeMO | A round four-pin connector for DC rapid charging, primarily found on Japanese EVs like the Nissan Leaf. Supports bi-directional charging but requires a separate socket. |
| UK 3-pin | The standard domestic plug socket, usable for emergency charging but not recommended for regular use due to slower speeds and safety considerations. |
| RFID Cards | Radio Frequency Identification cards used to access and activate some public charging points. |
EV Features and Technology
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Single motor EV | An electric vehicle which has one electric motor powering either the front or rear wheels. A single motor variant typically has one electric motor that powers the front or rear wheels of the EV. |
| Dual motor EV | A dual motor variant has one motor powering the front wheels and another powering the rear wheels. On a dual motor variant, the front two wheels are powered by one motor and the rear two are powered by another motor. The one advantage of this is that it gives the vehicle more power due to the extra electric motor. Another advantage is that the second motor allows for all-wheel drive. |
| Regenerative Braking | A system that recovers energy when slowing down or braking, converting kinetic energy back into stored electricity in the battery. |
| One-Pedal Driving | A feature in many EVs where lifting off the accelerator engages regenerative braking, allowing drivers to control both acceleration and deceleration with just one pedal in most situations. |
| OTA (Over-the-Air) Updates | Software updates delivered wirelessly to an EV, adding new features or improving existing ones without visiting a service centre. |
| Frunk/Front Trunk | The storage space under the bonnet of an EV where a traditional engine would be. |
| Heat Pump | An energy-efficient climate control system that transfers heat rather than generating it, extending range in cold weather. |
| Autonomous Drive Mode | Driver assistance features that can handle steering, acceleration, and braking under certain conditions, though driver supervision is still required. |
| Charge Point Locator | Built-in navigation features that identify nearby compatible charging stations and route planning that incorporates charging stops on longer journeys. |
| ICE'ing | When a non-electric vehicle parks in a designated EV charging space, preventing access for electric vehicles that need to charge. |
| Keyless Entry | Some electric vehicles have a feature that allows for keyless entry, this means that you do not need to physically unlock the car. This feature, also known as a smart remote, allows the driver to unlock the car through your vehicle's native app. |
Electric Vehicle Incentives and Zones
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) | An area, such as in London, where vehicles must meet strict emission standards or pay a daily charge. All EVs are exempt from ULEZ charges. |
| Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant | A UK government scheme providing up to £350 towards the installation of a home charging point for eligible applicants, particularly those living in flats or rented accommodation. |
| The Charge Scheme | A programme allowing electric car salary sacrifice users to save 20-50% on all charging costs through a dedicated app and card. |
| Clean Air Zone (CAZ) | Similar to ULEZ, these are areas in UK cities where vehicles must meet emission standards or pay to enter. EVs are typically exempt. |
Maintenance and Ownership
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Maintenance Costs | Generally lower for EVs compared to petrol or diesel vehicles due to fewer moving parts and simpler mechanical systems. EVs typically require basic checks every two years. |
| TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) | The complete cost of owning a vehicle, including purchase/lease, insurance, tax, charging/fuel, maintenance, and depreciation. Despite higher upfront costs, EVs often have a lower TCO over their lifetime. |
Making the Most of Your Electric Car Salary Sacrifice
To maximise the benefits of an electric car salary sacrifice scheme, consider these factors:
Choose the right battery size: Balance range needs with cost – a larger battery means higher monthly payments but more convenience.
Understand charging options: Home charging is typically cheapest, especially with an EV-specific tariff offering lower overnight rates
Explore EV tariffs: Many UK energy providers offer special electricity rates for EV owners, with significant savings for overnight charging. Some providers offer rates as low as 6.7p per kWh during off-peak hours, compared to standard rates of 24-27p per kWh.
Plan for charging: Whether at home, work, or public stations, knowing where and when you'll charge helps eliminate range anxiety.
Be mindful of battery health: For optimal battery longevity, try to keep your charge level between 20-80% for daily use, only charging to 100% before long journeys.
By understanding these key terms and concepts, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the world of electric vehicles and make the most of your electric car salary sacrifice arrangement. As the UK continues its transition to electric transportation, this knowledge will help you enjoy lower costs, reduced emissions, and a superior driving experience.
There are a lot of different terms around EVs, and with the developing new technologies in the industry, this list will grow.
But, have no fear - our goal is to support you throughout your electric car journey so we will be your EV translator.
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