- JARGON BUSTER
Lots of new phrases and terminology can be hard to keep up with, so here's a cheat list of everything you need to know. Don't worry we'll keep it updated so you can stay upfront.
Terms For Vehicles EV PHEV HYBRID MHEV ICE
Electric Vehicle- Sometimes referred to as a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle- These vehicles are predominantly petrol but are aided by a battery run electric engine which can be charged. Typically PHEV electric batteries hold around 25 miles of charge, some vehicles such as the BMW 330e can run solely on its electric charge and automatically switch to petrol when the electricity depletes. They can also use the electric charge throughout the trip to elevate heavier consumption throughout the day.
Pure Hybrid vehicles such as the new 2020 Toyota Corolla do not need a cable to charge, a smaller onboard battery provides around 5 miles of range, that are recharged by the internal combustion engine.
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle- At low speed, or when stationary, the internal engine is assisted by a small electric motor. The engine can switch its self off and use the motor which is then recharged by the engine once it gets going again.
Internal Combustion Engine- simple but it can be confusing when you first see the term used!
Terms for Power AC DC kW kWH AER
Alternating Current- A dual direction charge of electricity, this type of power is is common in households and businesses
Direct Current- A single direction charge of electricity, this type of power is usually comes from a source such as a battery
Kilowatt- A unit of power
Kilowatt Hours- A unit of stored energy (usually referred to as battery capacity)
All-Electric Range- a reference to the range produced by a battery
Refers to the typical “low voltage- 240v” electrical current usually found in residential properties.
Refers to the typical “high voltage- 415v” electrical current usually found in commercial and business properties.
Terms For Charging Three PIN Wall Box Socketed Tethered 3kW
Refers to a residential/commercial plug socket, used for plug in home chargers
A home charging box installed into your fuse/consumer box for faster charging, available as single, three phase or both.
This refers to the connection between your car and wall charger, a socketed charger does not have an attached charge cable so you are free to use different cables
This refers to the connection between your car and wall charger, a tethered charger has an attached charge cable like the filler on a fuel pump
The amount of charging power drawn by the three PIN charger at home
An amount of charging power drawn by a wall box, this is typically a slower rate of charge
An amount of charging power drawn by a wall box or public site, this is three phase and a very fast rate of charge
An amount of charging power drawn by a wall box or public site, this is three phase and a very fast rate of charge
An amount of charging power drawn by a Tesla wall box or public charger, this is typically a very fast rate of charge, for specific use with Tesla manufactured EV’s