The gradual loss of battery capacity and performance over time. Modern EVs typically retain 80-90% capacity after 8-10 years with normal use.

Warming or cooling the battery to optimal temperature before charging or driving. Essential for fast charging in cold weather and maximizing performance.

Battery Electric Vehicle

A vehicle powered exclusively by an electric battery, with no internal combustion engine. Examples include Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Chevrolet Bolt.

Technology allowing electricity to flow both into and out of an EV battery. Enables V2G, V2H, and V2L capabilities.

Combined Charging System

A fast-charging standard that combines AC and DC charging in a single connector. CCS is widely used in Europe and North America (except Tesla vehicles without adapters).

The rate at which a battery charges over time. DC fast charging is fastest from 0-80%, then slows significantly to protect battery health.

Direct Current Fast Charging

High-power charging that delivers DC electricity directly to the battery, bypassing the vehicle's onboard charger. Can add 100+ miles of range in 15-30 minutes.

The amount of energy stored per unit of weight or volume, measured in Wh/kg or Wh/L. Higher energy density means more range from the same battery size or weight.

Official range estimate certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Generally conservative and close to real-world conditions, though actual range varies with driving style and conditions.

Front Trunk

Storage space in the front of an EV where the engine would be in a gas car. Provides additional cargo space and is often used for charging cables.

An efficient climate control system that moves heat rather than generating it. Uses significantly less energy than resistive heating, improving winter range by 20-30%.

Kilowatt

A unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. In EVs, kW measures charging speed (e.g., a 150 kW charger) or motor power output.

Kilowatt-hour

A unit of energy equal to one kilowatt of power sustained for one hour. Battery capacity is measured in kWh - a 75 kWh battery can deliver 75 kilowatts for one hour, or 1 kilowatt for 75 hours.

Standard 120V household outlet charging, the slowest charging method at 1-2 kW. Adds about 3-5 miles of range per hour. Suitable for overnight charging or PHEVs.

AC charging at 208-240V, typically providing 3-19 kW. Common for home and public charging, adding 20-60 miles of range per hour depending on power level.

Lithium Iron Phosphate

A battery chemistry known for safety, longevity, and lower cost, but with slightly lower energy density than NMC. Increasingly popular in lower-cost EVs and Tesla's standard range models.

The most common rechargeable battery technology used in modern EVs. Uses lithium ions moving between anode and cathode to store and release energy.

Miles Per Gallon Equivalent

A measure comparing EV energy consumption to gasoline. EPA defines 33.7 kWh as equivalent to one gallon of gasoline. Higher MPGe means better efficiency.

North American Charging Standard

Tesla's proprietary charging connector, recently adopted as a standard by major automakers including Ford, GM, and Rivian. NACS features a smaller, more ergonomic design compared to CCS and supports both AC and DC charging.

Nickel Manganese Cobalt

A popular lithium-ion battery chemistry offering high energy density and good performance. Used by many EV manufacturers including Tesla, BMW, and Hyundai.

A driving mode where releasing the accelerator pedal causes strong regenerative braking, allowing the vehicle to slow down and stop without using the brake pedal in most situations.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

A vehicle with both an electric battery and gasoline engine. Can be charged from an external source and driven on electricity alone for limited range before switching to hybrid mode.

The fear of running out of battery charge before reaching a destination or charging station. Decreases as charging infrastructure improves and EV ranges increase.

A system that recovers energy during deceleration by using the electric motor as a generator, converting kinetic energy back into electricity to recharge the battery.

EV architecture with the battery pack and drivetrain mounted in a flat platform beneath the passenger compartment, lowering center of gravity and maximizing interior space.

State of Charge

The current charge level of a battery, typically expressed as a percentage (like a phone battery). 80% SoC means the battery is 80% full.

State of Health

A measure of a battery's condition and capacity compared to when it was new. 90% SoH means the battery retains 90% of its original capacity.

Next-generation battery technology using solid electrolytes instead of liquid. Promises higher energy density, faster charging, improved safety, and longer lifespan compared to lithium-ion batteries.

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla's proprietary DC fast charging network, offering charging speeds up to 250 kW. Now opening to non-Tesla vehicles in some locations via NACS adapters.

Battery Thermal Management System

Systems that regulate battery temperature for optimal performance, longevity, and safety. Includes heating in cold weather and cooling during fast charging or hot conditions.

Vehicle-to-Grid

Technology that allows electric vehicles to send stored energy back to the power grid during peak demand, effectively turning EVs into mobile energy storage units. V2G can help stabilize the grid and potentially provide income to EV owners.

Vehicle-to-Home

Technology that enables an EV to power a home during outages or peak demand periods. Similar to V2G but focused on home energy supply rather than grid interaction.

Vehicle-to-Load

Feature allowing an EV to power external devices and appliances using battery power. Common in vehicles like Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford F-150 Lightning.

Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure

European standard for measuring EV range and efficiency. Generally provides more realistic estimates than the older NEDC cycle but can still be optimistic.