Explore the key terms related to electric transport, from EVs and battery capacity to charging stations and regenerative braking. Our glossary provides clear explanations of the most common features and concepts in the world of electric vehicles, e-scooters, and e-bikes.
As the world shifts toward greener and more sustainable modes of transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) have gained immense popularity. From electric cars and bikes to scooters and skateboards, understanding the terminology surrounding electric transport is crucial for making informed decisions. This glossary provides a clear explanation of the most common terms related to electric transport, helping you navigate the world of EVs, charging technologies, and battery systems.
Glossary of Terms for “Electric Transport”
EV (Electric Vehicle) — a vehicle powered entirely by electric motors, using electricity stored in batteries rather than gasoline or diesel fuel. Common examples include electric cars, bikes, scooters, and motorcycles.
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) — a type of electric vehicle that runs exclusively on a battery-powered electric motor with no internal combustion engine or fuel source (e.g., Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf).
HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) — a vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. The electric motor assists the engine to improve fuel efficiency (e.g., Toyota Prius).
PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) — similar to a hybrid, but with a larger battery that can be charged via an external source. PHEVs can run on electric power alone for short distances before switching to the gasoline engine (e.g., Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV).
Range — the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. This varies based on the size of the battery and energy consumption of the vehicle.
Battery Capacity (kWh) — the total amount of energy a battery can store, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Higher capacity batteries enable vehicles to travel longer distances between charges.
Charging Station (EVSE) — a location or device that provides electrical power to recharge electric vehicle batteries, also known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
DC Fast Charging — a high-powered charging method that uses direct current (DC) to rapidly charge an EV’s battery, often delivering 80% of the charge in 30 minutes or less (e.g., Tesla Supercharger).
AC Charging — a slower charging method that uses alternating current (AC), often through a home or public charging station. This is the most common form of charging for daily use.
Regenerative Braking — a system in electric vehicles that captures energy produced during braking and converts it into electricity to recharge the battery, increasing the vehicle’s efficiency.
Range Anxiety — the fear or concern that an electric vehicle’s battery will run out of power before reaching a charging station, especially during long trips.
Kilowatt (kW) — a unit of power that represents 1,000 watts. In electric vehicles, kilowatts are used to measure the output of the motor (motor power) and the charging speed of charging stations.
Motor Power — the power output of an electric motor, typically measured in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (hp). A higher motor power allows for faster acceleration and higher speeds.
Battery Management System (BMS) — an onboard system that monitors and manages the performance of the battery, ensuring safe operation, preventing overcharging, and optimizing battery life.
Lithium-Ion Battery — the most common type of rechargeable battery used in electric vehicles due to its high energy density, efficiency, and long life cycle.
Charging Time — the amount of time it takes to fully charge an EV battery from empty to full. This depends on the charging method (AC or DC) and the battery capacity.
Home Charging Station — a personal EV charger installed at a home, allowing users to charge their electric vehicles overnight or during downtime.
V2G (Vehicle to Grid) — a technology that allows electric vehicles to return stored electricity to the grid during peak demand, essentially using the vehicle as a mobile energy storage unit.
EV Range Extender — an additional power source, often a small gasoline engine or an extra battery, designed to increase the driving range of an electric vehicle.
Charging Connector (Plug) — the physical plug that connects an electric vehicle to a charging station. Common types include the CCS (Combined Charging System), CHAdeMO, and Tesla’s proprietary connector.
e-Scooter (Electric Scooter) — a compact, two-wheeled vehicle powered by an electric motor, designed for short urban commutes and often available through ride-sharing programs.
e-Bike (Electric Bicycle) — a bicycle equipped with an electric motor to assist with pedaling. The motor may offer full or partial assistance, reducing rider effort.
e-Motorcycle — a motorcycle powered by an electric motor and battery, offering emission-free transport with the same performance levels as gasoline-powered bikes.
Powertrain — the system that generates and delivers power to the wheels of a vehicle. In electric vehicles, the powertrain consists of the electric motor, battery, and related control systems.
One-Pedal Driving — a feature in many EVs that allows drivers to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. Releasing the pedal activates regenerative braking to slow the car down.
Energy Efficiency (Wh/km) — the amount of energy consumed per kilometer traveled, measured in watt-hours per kilometer (Wh/km). A lower number indicates higher energy efficiency.
Smart Charging — a system that optimizes the time and power level for charging an EV, often integrating with renewable energy sources or electricity price schedules to minimize costs and grid impact.
e-Skateboard — a skateboard with an electric motor that allows for propulsion without pushing. Riders control the speed with a handheld remote or through weight shifts.
Electric Kickstand — a support mechanism used on electric scooters and bikes to keep the vehicle upright when parked, often automatically engaged or disengaged.
Battery Degradation — the gradual loss of a battery’s ability to hold a charge over time, reducing the range and performance of an electric vehicle. Battery lifespan is affected by usage, charging habits, and environmental factors.
Curb Weight — the total weight of a vehicle, including the battery, but excluding passengers and cargo. Heavier vehicles typically have shorter ranges due to the increased energy required for movement.
Autopilot (EV) — a semi-autonomous driving system in electric vehicles that can control steering, acceleration, and braking on certain types of roads. It requires driver supervision at all times (e.g., Tesla Autopilot).