Electric Vehicle Terms
Electric vehicles are full of exciting innovations, but they also come with new terms and concepts that can feel unfamiliar. Whether you're shopping for your first EV or just want to better understand the technology, having a working knowledge of the common terms can make the transition smoother.
This glossary breaks down key electric vehicle terms in plain language to help you navigate the world of EVs with confidence.
EV (Electric Vehicle)
A vehicle that uses electricity stored in a battery to power an electric motor. There are several types of EVs, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and hybrids (HEVs).
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)
An all-electric vehicle that runs only on battery power. It does not have a gas engine. Common examples include the Tesla Model 3, Chevrolet Bolt EV, and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
A vehicle that combines a battery and electric motor with a gasoline engine. It can drive a certain distance on electricity alone, then switch to gas when needed. Examples include the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid.
HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
A hybrid that charges its small battery from the gas engine and includes regenerative braking. It cannot be plugged in. The Toyota Prius is one of the most well-known HEVs.
kW (Kilowatt)
A unit of power. Kilowatts measure how much electricity something uses or produces at a given moment. For example, a 100-kW charger delivers 100 kilowatts of power while charging your EV.
kWh (Kilowatt-Hour)
A unit of energy. This measures the amount of electricity stored or used over time. EV battery sizes are listed in kWh, similar to how gas cars use gallons. A larger kWh battery usually means more driving range.
MPGe (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent)
A measurement used by the EPA to show how efficiently an EV uses electricity. It compares electric efficiency to gasoline usage, helping you understand how far an EV can go on the energy equivalent of one gallon of gas.
Range
The estimated distance an EV can travel on a full battery charge. Real-world range can vary depending on driving style, weather, terrain, and how much energy is used for climate control.
Regenerative Braking
A system that recovers energy when you slow down. Instead of using just the brake pads, EVs slow down by using the motor to generate electricity and recharge the battery.
One-Pedal Driving
A feature found in many EVs that lets you accelerate and slow down using only the accelerator pedal. Lifting your foot slows the car down more aggressively than in a gas vehicle, thanks to regenerative braking.
Level 1 Charging
The slowest way to charge an EV. It uses a standard 110-volt household outlet. Level 1 adds about 3 to 5 miles of range per hour and is best for overnight charging when range needs are low.
Level 2 Charging
A faster charging method using a 240-volt outlet, similar to what a clothes dryer uses. Adds about 10 to 30 miles of range per hour. Many EV owners install Level 2 chargers at home.
DC Fast Charging (Level 3)
The quickest charging option, usually found at public charging stations. It can add 100 or more miles of range in 30 minutes or less, depending on the vehicle and charger.
Charging Network
A system of public chargers provided by companies like Tesla, Electrify America, ChargePoint, and EVgo. Many EVs can charge on multiple networks, but some may need an adapter.
Onboard Charger
The built-in hardware in an EV that manages the flow of electricity from a charger to the battery. The speed at which your vehicle can charge depends in part on the rating of this component.
State of Charge (SOC)
The battery’s current level of charge, usually shown as a percentage. For example, 80 percent SOC means your battery is 80 percent full.
Final Thought
You don’t need to be an engineer to drive and enjoy an electric car. But knowing a few key terms can help you make smarter decisions as you shop, drive, and charge. Understanding how your EV works is part of what makes ownership more rewarding.
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