The text below is the first chapter from the ebook „Guide for Electric Vehicle Owners 2024 – What to Consider When Buying an Electric Vehicle?“, which you can download for free here.
If you are interested in the printed version of the 2nd revised edition of the Guide for Electric Vehicle Owners, you can get it during the Electric Car Show 2024. More information can be found on the official event website.
Basic Concepts: These acronyms you should know
As the number of electric vehicles on the roads increases, so does the overall knowledge about e-mobility. Electric mobility has its own jargon. Various terms, acronyms, and designations that may sound like a foreign language to a newcomer. There is no need to worry. We will simply explain the most basic ones.
AC – abbreviation for alternating current, which is used in the context of charging options for electric vehicles. Generally, slow AC charging is mentioned, where the vehicle’s onboard charger is used. It is a cheap and battery-friendly charging method.
Battery – formally correct term for the chemical source of electrical voltage that can be recharged repeatedly. Although technically incorrect, the term battery is commonly used as a synonym.
BEV – abbreviation for Battery Electric Vehicle. In simple terms, it refers to a battery electric vehicle, a vehicle without an internal combustion engine.
BMS – abbreviation for Battery Management System, an advanced technological solution that ensures optimal battery management.
CCS – abbreviation for Combo Charging System, the charging connector of an electric vehicle that supports both direct and alternating currents.
DC – abbreviation for direct current. In the context of charging electric vehicles, „fast DC charging“ is often mentioned. In this case, the charging station converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), managing the energy flow directly to the battery, allowing for faster charging. DC charging is significantly faster but also more expensive than AC charging.
Battery degradation – the decrease in the overall capacity of the battery in electric vehicles due to long-term use. The total capacity gradually decreases with continuous charging, resulting in a reduced maximum range per charge.
Electric vehicle – commonly refers to a battery electric vehicle, a vehicle powered solely by electricity without an internal combustion engine.
Frunk – abbreviation for „Front Trunk,“ a smaller storage space located under the front hood of the vehicle. Suitable for storing small purchases, charging cables, or smaller luggage.
CHAdeMO – a connector for charging electric vehicles that uses direct current (DC). It is commonly used in models of Japanese production.
ICE – abbreviation for Internal Combustion Engine, typically used to refer to vehicles with internal combustion engines.
kW – abbreviation for kilowatt. In electric vehicles, it is used to express the charging power and the motor power.
kWh – abbreviation for kilowatt-hour. In electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, it is used to express energy consumption per 100 kilometers or battery capacity.
Battery preheating – the vehicle heats the battery to the optimal operating temperature manually or automatically, allowing for higher charging power or extending the battery’s lifespan.
Qi – a technical standard for wireless charging. Used to describe the vehicle’s equipment, indicating that smartphones can be wirelessly charged in the car.
Regeneration – a system where kinetic energy generated during braking and deceleration of the electric vehicle recharges the battery instead of converting it into heat when using the braking system. This method can extend the range.
Heat pump – a technical solution in electric vehicles used to utilize waste heat for cabin heating, improving the efficiency of electricity usage.
Type 2 – the European standard charging connector for connecting electric vehicles to charging stations, also known as Type 2 or Mennekes.
UFC – abbreviation for Ultra Fast Charging, referring to charging stations with the highest power output, commonly known as „fastest chargers.“
V2G – Vehicle-to-grid. A set of technologies that facilitate the bidirectional exchange of energy between an electric vehicle and the distribution grid. This allows the electric vehicle to serve as a temporary energy storage unit that can return energy to the grid when needed.
V2L – Vehicle-to-Load. Refers to the ability to charge any device using the electric vehicle’s battery. For example, powering a coffee maker, power tools, charging a laptop, and so on.
WLTP – Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure. A global testing standard used by vehicle manufacturers to provide information on the consumption and emissions of their vehicles. The resulting value is expected to be relatively close to real-world driving data.
These basic concepts and acronyms are essential for understanding the world of electric vehicles. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can navigate the electric mobility landscape more confidently and make informed decisions when purchasing or using an electric vehicle.