Learn The Carlingo: Electric Vehicle Terminology Explained

The future is electric; this much we know. What might be more difficult for us to get our heads around, however, is the terminology that comes with this shift in the motoring landscape. From various abbreviations to different types of chargers, there’s a lot to take in. 

Therefore, as part of our Learning The Carlingo series, we’re talking through the most common terms you’re likely to encounter as you consider an electric vehicle. 

Here’s our glossary of common electric vehicle terminology… 

Alternative Fuel Vehicle

This is a catch-all term for any vehicle that isn’t powered by the traditional fuel types, i.e petrol or diesel. This does include vehicles that are powered partly by those fuels but has help from battery or solar technology.

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

Think of these as pure electric vehicles, powered only by batteries with no backup energy source. 

Electric Driving Range

This is the distance (number of miles) an electric vehicle can travel on one single charge from fully charged. 

Electric Vehicle (EV) 

Similar to Alternative Fuel Vehicle, this is another umbrella term that covers any vehicle not entirely powered by petrol or diesel, so that, in at least some ways, it uses electric motors in order to move. 

Extended Range Electric Vehicle

Fitting in between plug-in hybrids (more on those later) and electric vehicles, an extended range electric vehicle has an onboard generator that can kick in when the battery is getting low on charge. This allows the vehicle to go further than it would do if it relied on its battery alone. 

Fast Charger 

Fast chargers perform quicker than domestic 3-pin plug chargers, and deliver between 7kW to 22kW. They are slower than the ‘rapid’ chargers that you’ll find in places where you won’t be stopped for long, so fast chargers tend to be found anywhere you’re likely to be for at least a couple of hours, such as long-stay car parks and your driveway at home. 

Home Charger Wallbox

Talking of charging on your driveway, if you’re to do this, you’ll need a home charging wallbox. This does pretty much what it says on the tin, and consists of a charging unit on the exterior of your property (or within a garage or carport), connected to your mains electricity and providing you with an easy way of charging your car at home. 

Specialist companies will need to come and install the wallbox properly, and it’s worth mentioning that this method of charging is only an option for those who have off-road parking. 

Hybrid 

A hybrid vehicle is one that uses two types of energy, and most commonly you’ll find this to be an internal combustion engine alongside a battery. There are three types of hybrids: full hybrids, mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids. 

The appeal of a full hybrid is that they don’t need to be plugged in, as the battery recharges while the combustion engine is used. This makes your petrol go further without having to head to charging points. 

ICE

As we’re on the subject of Internal Combustion Engines, this is what ICE stands for, which you may see in EV-related communications. Cars with Internal Combustion Engines are run on traditional fuels such as petrol and diesel. 

Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)

This is a unit of energy that is used to measure domestic energy consumption and covers the power generated by electric vehicle chargers. It doesn’t mean the number of kilowatts you use per hour, but instead refers to the amount of energy you would be using if you kept a 1,000-watt appliance running for 60 minutes. 

Mild Hybrid 

A mild hybrid is a traditionally powered vehicle (that’s one with an internal combustion engine) that has a little electrical assistance from a battery, improving fuel efficiency. 

Plug In-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

As we’ve mentioned, a hybrid features an internal combustion engine alongside a battery. While the batteries within full hybrids recharge while the internal combustion engine powers the car, the batteries within PHEVs recharge via mains electricity.

PHEVs appeal to people who usually do short journeys, which would mostly be done on battery alone, and therefore reduce emissions, with the backup of petrol or diesel for longer journeys. 

Rapid Charger 

Rapid charging happens at an increased 43kW, and, thanks to the speed at which they can charge your car, tend to be found in your usual pit stops, such as motorway service stations. 

Regenerative braking 

Within hybrid vehicles, excess energy generated while the car is braking is taken and used to recharge the battery. 

Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) 

These are vehicles that generate less than 75 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

Find an electric or hybrid vehicle here at Carlingo 

Amongst our extensive selection of stock on display here at our Harrogate dealership, you’ll find electric and hybrid vehicles ready to become yours. 

As the popularity of electric vehicles booms, you can expect to see more battery-powered vehicles amongst those on offer at Carlingo, so keep an eye on our website or pop down to see us to view the latest arrivals.