An introductory guide to Electric Vehicle (EV) terms

Written by Viktors Nikolajevs, CTEK’s Content Manager from SKILLBASE  

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in Europe, as more and more people are looking for sustainable and cost-effective transportation options. As the demand for EVs increases, there are some important terms and concepts that drivers transitioning from ICE vehicles to EVs may need to be aware of. This article will provide you with an overview of the different types of EVs, the terminology used in EV charging, and the different charging options available to both business and consumer users. 

First, let’s have a look at types of electric vehicles you may come across 

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) 

BEVs are the most common type of EV and are powered solely by electricity stored in a battery. They have a range of around 100-300 miles on a single charge, depending on the model. BEVs are typically more expensive than other types of EVs, but they have lower running costs and produce zero emissions. 

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) 

PHEVs are a combination of a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric motor. They can run on electricity stored in a battery and can be recharged just like BEV’s. PHEVs have a shorter range than BEVs, typically around 30-50 miles on a single charge, but they can also use the internal combustion engine for longer trips. PHEVs are typically less expensive than BEVs, but have higher running costs. 

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) 

HEVs are similar to PHEVs, but they cannot be plugged in to charge the battery. Instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine. HEVs have a shorter range than BEVs and PHEVs, typically around 20-30 miles on a single charge. 

In ICE vehicles, we talk about litres of fuel to help understand efficiency and how far you have left to travel, based on how many litres you have left. However, in EVs we talk about kWh left. The car battery stores units of electricity measured in kWh.   

Assuming you are using an EV that can be recharged, it is important to understand the options available.  

EV charging  

Electric vehicles need to be plugged in to charge. You can either charge by installing an EV charger (sometimes referred to as a wallbox), using a public charging station or charge with a portable charger. When you install the EV charger, you can either choose a unit where the charging cable is attached to the box or with just a socket, meaning that you have to provide the cable. No matter what charging option you choose, it’s really simple. You just have to find the socket on your vehicle, which is hidden by a cap, and then plug in the cable. The lights on the charger will show you the charging progress. If you are using a public charging station, you just need to pay in advance or use a subscription card, then connect the cable to your car’s socket. 

AC Charging at Home/Destination 

AC charging is the most common type of EV charging. It involves plugging the EV into a charging station or outlet, which then uses alternating current (AC) to charge the battery. AC charging is typically slower than DC charging, but it is more convenient for home or destination charging, as it can be done overnight or while the EV is parked.  

It is typically slower than DC charging and relies on the vehicle being parked for several hours at a time. AC charging is used for BEVs and PHEVs. 

You may come across two types of AC chargers*: 

Mode 2 – portable charger with a power plug on one end, vehicle connector on the other, and a control device in the middle. Mode 2 chargers can be single phase (powered through a regular domestic plug or a blue CEE plug), typically offering between 2.3 kW and 7.4 kW, or three phase (powered through a red CEE plug), offering up to 11 kW. 

Mode 3 – fixed charger with the power being supplied directly from the distribution board. Mode 3 chargers can be single phase, offering up to 7.4 kW of charging power, or three phase, with typical outputs of up to 11 kW in domestic settings and up to 43 kW in public/commercial settings. Mode 3 chargers can be equipped with a socket for the user to connect their own cable for charging, or the charging cable maybe already attached to the charging station. 

In European countries, the vehicle connector for AC charging is standardised and referred to as Type 2. This means that all modern EVs sold in Europe can use any charging point without a need for any adaptors or compatibility issues. Some older EVs may have alternative connector types and may require an adaptor to charge the vehicle. 

* Technically speaking, AC chargers are classed as EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), as they supply the power to the EV for it to convert it to DC power that can be stored in batteries. However, because most people use the term EV charger, we chose to keep it simple and use this as well.   

DC Charging  

DC charging is typically used for longer trips, as it can charge an EV much faster than AC charging. It involves plugging the EV into a charging station, which then uses direct current (DC) to charge the battery. DC charging is typically more expensive than AC charging, but it is necessary for longer trips, as it can charge an EV in a shorter amount of time. 

DC charging can charge EVs much faster than AC charging. The charging rate typically ranges from 50 kW to 450 kW, making it possible for a large number of EV to charge to 80% in 30-40 minutes. Therefore, this method of charging is often referred to as Super-Fast Charging. DC charging is generally supported only by BEVs, with only a very limited number PHEVs supporting this charging method. 

Charging your EV with DC chargers on a regular basis may prove to be harmful to the longevity of the battery life in the vehicle. Please refer to your vehicle's user guide for further information. 

EV Terminology 

• Electric Vehicle (EV): A vehicle that is powered solely by an electric motor and battery, rather than a traditional internal combustion engine. 
• Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE): The equipment used to charge an EV, such as a charging station or charging cable. 
• Range: The distance an EV can travel on a single charge. 
• State of Charge (SoC): The percentage of an EV's battery that is currently charged. 
• kW (kilowatt): A unit of power measurement, often used to describe the charging power of an EVSE. 
• kWh (kilowatt-hour): A unit of energy measurement, often used to describe the amount of energy stored in an EV's battery.