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EV Dictionary

Learn what all the complex terms mean in the EV world

WLTP

WLTP stands for the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure. It's a lab-based test that calculates the efficiency, range, and emissions of new cars. Other tests include EPA for the US, CLTC for China, and NEDC that Europe used to use. All ranges found on the EV Hub website and YouTube channel are from WLTP tests.

Kilowatts (kW)

Kilowatts can either be used to measure the power of an electrical motor, or the power of an EV charger. In terms of motor power, 1 kW is roughly equivalent to 1.34 horsepower.

Kilowatt-hour (kWh)

Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), representing the amount of energy the battery can store. 

Voltage

The voltage of EV batteries can range from a few hundred volts to 800 volts found a lot of high-end, modern EVs. The more volts in the electrical system, the faster the car can charge. 

Efficiency

The metric measuring energy consumption. Shown as either the miles per kilowatt-hour (mi/kWh) or watt-hours per mile (Wh/mi), serving as the electric equivalent of miles per gallon (MPG).

Battery Chemistry

  • LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate): known for lower production costs, high thermal stability, and exceptional durability. LFP batteries can frequently be charged to 100% without much degradation.

  • NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt): High-energy-density batteries commonly used in long-range electric vehicles to maximise range in a compact footprint.

    • Drag Coefficient (Cd)

    A measure of how efficiently a vehicle cuts through the air. Lower drag coefficients reduce air resistance, directly improving high-speed efficiency and range. This is the reason why some EVs (partically earlier models) are incredibly smooth and computer-mouse-shaped.

    Regenerative Braking 

    Regenerative braking allows EVs to recapture kinetic energy during deceleration and convert it back into electrical enegy to charge up the battery. 

    Heat Pumps

  • An energy-efficient heating system that takes heat from the air or drivetrain to warm the cabin, preserving range, especially in winter, much better than a traditional heater.

    • Range Anxiety

  • An older term used when EVs had much lower ranges and there were much fewer charging station than today to describe the feeling of running of range far from a charger.

    • One-Pedal Driving

    Usually a driving mode with aggressive regenerative braking where lifting off the accelerator causes the electric motor to decelerate the vehicle smoothly to a complete stop without needing to touch the brake pedal. 

    Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)

  • When an EV uses its high-voltage battery to supply mains AC electricity to power external tools, household appliances, or camping equipment.

    • Over-The-Air (OTA) Updates

    Software updates to the car transmitted to the vehicle over cellular networks, allowing manufacturers to update your car with bug fixes, software improvements, map updates, and performance enhancements remotely.

    Torque Vectoring

  • An advanced control system found mostly on performance EVs that independently varies torque delivery to individual wheels to sharpen cornering ability, improve traction, and enhance stability in slippery conditions. It also allows the Mercedes G580 Electric and the quad-motor Rivian R1T and R1S to perform turns on the spot.