All businesses have their own language, and the electric vehicle industry is no different. Here’s our quick round up of the abbreviations and catchphrases you need to know to get by in the world of electric.
AVAS (acoustic vehicle altering system): The means to emit an artificial noise while driving an electric vehicle at slow speeds; used to alert pedestrians and other road users.
BEV (battery electric vehicle): A vehicle powered completely by a rechargeable battery – a 100% electric vehicle.
BMS (battery management system): The interface between an EV and its battery which prolongs battery life, protects the battery from damage or misuse and ensures it is always ready for use.
EV (electric vehicle): A car, van, bus, bicycle or other mode of transport powered either fully or partially by electricity.
FCEV (fuel cell EV): An EV which uses hydrogen fuel cells to power an electric motor.
HEV (hybrid electric vehicle): A low-emission vehicle that combines a conventional engine with an electric motor and battery. The electric motor recovers energy and recharges the battery during braking or coasting.
ICE (internal combustion engine): An engine that burns fuels to generate power.
PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle): A vehicle powered by a combination of electricity and traditional combustion. It will run on initially on its battery, and then automatically use the petrol or diesel engine.
Regenerative braking: A technology that captures and converts the energy usually lost during braking into electrical energy.
ULEV (Ultra-low emissions vehicle): Any electric or hybrid vehicle that emits less than 75g of carbon dioxide per kilometre travelled.
ULEZ (Ultra-low Emission Zone): An area placing restrictions or charges on vehicles entering the area to improve air quality, noise and traffic congestion.
WCS (Workplace Charging Scheme): UK government-funded scheme encouraging the installation of EV charging points in workplaces.
Sources:
Electric and Eco Jargon explainer
EV terminology you need to know | Octopus EV
Busting electric vehicle jargon – from ACC to ZEV | EDF
EV Glossary: The Complete Dictionary for Electric Vehicles