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EV Glossary

Your comprehensive reference guide to electric vehicle terminology, helping you understand the key concepts and terms related to EV technology, charging, and ownership.

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B

Battery Degradation

The gradual loss of battery capacity over time. All EV batteries slowly lose their ability to hold charge after many charge cycles, typically dropping 2-3% per year, affecting maximum range.

C

Charging Curve

How charging speed varies during a session. EVs charge fastest when the battery is 10-60% full and slow down at higher levels to protect the battery. Fast chargers taper speed as the battery fills.

Charging Efficiency

The percentage of electricity from the outlet that successfully transfers to the battery. Due to heat loss, chargers are typically 85-95% efficient, meaning some energy is lost during charging.

Charging Speed

How fast an EV battery gains power, measured in kilowatts (kW). Higher kW rating means less charging time. Actual speeds vary based on battery level and temperature.

Cost Per Mile

The total expense to drive one mile, including energy, maintenance, and sometimes depreciation. EVs typically cost 3-5 cents per mile in electricity versus 10-15 cents for gas vehicles.

D

DC Fast Charging

The fastest public charging option delivering direct current straight to the battery. Adds 100-200+ miles in 30 minutes, making long trips practical. Often found along highways and major routes.

Depreciation

The decrease in vehicle value over time. EVs historically depreciated faster than gas cars, but newer models with longer ranges and established brands are holding value better.

E

Electricity Rate

The cost of electricity, typically measured in cents per kilowatt-hour (¢/kWh). Rates vary by location, time of day, and utility plan, averaging 14¢/kWh in the US.

Energy Regeneration

The process of recovering energy while braking or coasting in an EV. This energy returns to the battery instead of being wasted as heat, extending range and reducing brake wear.

EPA Range

The estimated driving distance on a full charge, as tested by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Actual range varies with driving style, weather, and terrain.

EV Incentives

Financial benefits that reduce EV costs, including federal tax credits (up to $7,500), state rebates, utility programs, and reduced registration fees. These can significantly lower the purchase price.

EV Tax Credit

A federal incentive reducing your income tax by up to $7,500 when purchasing eligible new EVs. Credit amount varies based on battery size, vehicle price, where it's built, and your income.

H

Home Charging Station

A wall-mounted device (EVSE) that safely delivers electricity to your EV at Level 2 speeds. Installation costs $500-$2,000 but provides convenience and faster charging than standard outlets.

K

Kilowatt (kW)

A unit measuring power delivery rate. For EVs, it indicates how quickly a charger supplies energy. Home Level 2 chargers are typically 7-11 kW, while DC fast chargers range from 50-350 kW.

kWh (Kilowatt-hour)

The standard measurement of EV battery capacity. Just as gallons measure a gas tank's size, kWh measures how much energy your EV battery can store. More kWh means more range.

L

Level 1 Charger

The slowest EV charging option using standard 120V household outlets. Provides about 3-5 miles of range per hour. Best for overnight charging if you drive minimal daily miles.

Level 2 Charger

Medium-speed EV charging using 240V electrical supply (like clothes dryers use). Adds 15-40 miles of range per hour, ideal for home overnight charging and most public locations.

Lifecycle Cost

The total expense of owning an EV from purchase to sale/end-of-life, including initial price, energy, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation minus the resale value.

M

MPGe

Miles Per Gallon equivalent – how the EPA compares EV efficiency to gas cars. Higher MPGe means more efficient energy use. Most EVs rate 100+ MPGe versus 25-30 MPG for typical gas cars.

N

Net Savings

The total money saved by driving an EV compared to a gas vehicle over a specific time period. Includes lower energy and maintenance costs minus any higher upfront or charging infrastructure expenses.

O

Off-Peak Charging

Charging your EV during hours when electricity demand is low (typically overnight). Many utilities offer reduced rates during these times, often 30-50% cheaper than peak daytime rates.

P

Public Charging Network

A system of charging stations available for public use, operated by companies like Tesla, Electrify America, and ChargePoint. Access typically requires an app or membership card.

R

Range Anxiety

The fear of running out of battery power before reaching your destination or a charging station. Modern EVs with 200+ mile ranges and expanding charging networks make this less of a concern.

Real-World Range

The actual distance an EV can travel on a charge in everyday conditions. Typically 10-30% less than EPA estimates due to weather, speed, terrain, and climate control use.

S

State of Charge (SoC)

The percentage of available energy in your EV battery, similar to a fuel gauge. Many EV drivers maintain 20-80% SoC daily to maximize battery life, only charging to 100% for long trips.

T

TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)

The complete financial picture of owning an EV, including purchase price, charging, maintenance, insurance, and resale value. EVs often have higher upfront costs but lower operating expenses.

Time to Charge

How long it takes to charge an EV from low to full battery. Varies dramatically by charger type: 8-40 hours on Level 1, 4-10 hours on Level 2, and 20-60 minutes on DC Fast Chargers.

V

Vehicle Efficiency

How effectively an EV converts stored energy into miles driven, measured in miles per kWh or kWh per 100 miles. More efficient EVs travel further on the same amount of electricity.

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