Taking the hassle away: electric vehicle terminology

Welcome to AnyColourCar.com! Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, but the terminology can be overwhelming. Don't worry, we've got you covered with our glossary of common EV terms.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle

An alternative fuel vehicle is any car that isn't powered by traditional fuels like petrol or diesel. This includes vehicles that use battery or solar technology alongside these fuels.

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

BEVs are pure electric vehicles that rely solely on batteries to power their electric motors.

Electric Driving Range

The electric driving range is the distance an EV can travel on a single charge, measured in miles.

Electric Vehicle (EV)

EV is an umbrella term that covers any vehicle that uses electric motors to move, rather than relying entirely on petrol or diesel.

Extended Range Electric Vehicle

An extended range electric vehicle has an onboard generator that kicks in when the battery runs low. This allows the vehicle to go further than it would on the battery alone, making it a great option for longer trips.

Fast Charger

A fast charger delivers between 7kW to 22kW, quicker than domestic 3-pin plug chargers. These chargers tend to be found in places where you'll be stopped for at least a couple of hours, like long-stay car parks or your home driveway.

Home Charger Wallbox

To charge your EV at home, you'll need a home charging wallbox. This is a charging unit that's installed on the exterior of your property or in your garage, connected to your mains electricity. A specialist company will need to install it properly, and it's only an option for those with off-road parking.

Hybrid

A hybrid vehicle uses two types of energy, typically an internal combustion engine and a battery. There are three types of hybrids: full hybrids, mild hybrids, and plug-in hybrids.

ICE

ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine, which runs on traditional fuels like petrol or diesel.

Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)

KWh is a unit of energy used to measure domestic energy consumption and the power generated by EV chargers.

Mild Hybrid

A mild hybrid is a traditional vehicle with a little electrical assistance from a battery, improving fuel efficiency.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

A PHEV has an internal combustion engine and a battery that recharges via mains electricity. This type of vehicle is great for short journeys done on the battery alone, with the backup of petrol or diesel for longer trips.

Rapid Charger

A rapid charger delivers at an increased 43kW and is found in usual pit stops like motorway service stations.

Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking is the process where the excess energy generated while braking in a hybrid vehicle is taken and used to recharge the battery.

Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV)

ULEVs generate less than 75 grams of CO2 per kilometre, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

We hope this glossary has helped you navigate the world of electric vehicles. If you're looking to buy your first EV, check out our buying guide for more information!