Electric Car Leasing Glossary

EV (Electric Vehicle)

Let's begin with a straightforward one. EV simply means Electric Vehicle, instead of one powered by petroleum. An electric vehicle utilizes electric engines and engine regulators to control the vehicle rather than through petroleum combustion. EVs store power in a battery that controls the vehicle's wheels through an electric engine. Various kinds of EVs incorporate the battery electric vehicle (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the hybrid EV (HEV), and the Fuel Cell (FCEV).

Assuming power goes through an electric engine to move - or help move - the vehicle, you have yourself an EV of some portrayal.

PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Cars)

A PHEV or plug-in hybrid is a kind of half-and-half electric vehicle. A PHEV joins a petroleum-powered engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. This battery can be recharged at home overnight or at a public charging station.

Plug-in hybrids typically can operate in two different modes: "all-electric," where the motor and battery give all the vehicle's energy, and "mixture," where both electric power and petroleum fuel are employed simultaneously.

BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)

BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle. In the context of cars, a BEV is a type of electric vehicle that relies solely on an electric battery to power an electric motor, which propels the vehicle. Unlike hybrid vehicles, which use a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, BEVs operate entirely on electric power and produce zero tailpipe emissions. The battery in a BEV is rechargeable, typically through external charging stations, and the vehicle does not require traditional fuel such as gasoline or diesel. BEVs are considered an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a cleaner transportation system.

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Single and Three-phase Power

Single Phase Power is commonplace in UK homes and businesses. All standard 3-pin plugs are single-phase and can run an electric car charge point up to 7.4kW.

Three-phase power is frequently found in businesses and modern residential builds. It provides additional voltage allowing for 22kW AC charging.

Simply put, a three-phase charger will charge your vehicle faster but most likely will be more expensive to install.

AC/DC

In the context of electric cars, AC and DC refer to different types of electric power and charging systems:

1. AC (Alternating Current):

   • Motor Type: Electric vehicles (EVs) typically use AC motors for their propulsion.
   • Charging: Many electric vehicles receive AC power when charging at home or at certain public charging stations. The power supplied to homes is generally AC.
   • Onboard Charging: EVs are equipped with onboard chargers that convert AC power to DC power to charge the battery. The charger in the car adjusts the incoming AC power to the required voltage for the battery.

2. DC (Direct Current):

   • Fast Charging: DC fast charging stations provide direct current to the vehicle, bypassing the need for the onboard charger to convert AC to DC. This allows for faster charging times.
   • Charging Infrastructure: DC fast chargers are commonly found along highways and in locations where quick charging is essential.
   • Battery Connection: Some electric vehicles have the capability to accept DC power directly into the battery, allowing for faster charging speeds.

In summary, AC is the standard form of electricity supplied to homes and is used in onboard chargers of electric vehicles, while DC fast charging is a more specialized and rapid charging method that delivers direct current to the vehicle's battery, bypassing the need for an onboard AC-to-DC converter. The choice between AC and DC charging depends on factors such as the charging infrastructure available, the vehicle's capabilities, and the user's charging needs.

Degradation

In the context of electric vehicles (EVs), degradation refers to the gradual loss of capacity or performance of the vehicle's battery over time. This is a natural process that occurs with all rechargeable batteries, and it can affect the overall range and efficiency of the electric vehicle. Several factors contribute to the degradation of EV batteries:

1. Cycling: Charging and discharging the battery during regular use, known as cycling, can lead to chemical changes within the battery cells. Over time, these chemical reactions can contribute to a decrease in the battery's capacity.

2. Temperature: High temperatures, as well as extreme cold, can accelerate the degradation of lithium-ion batteries commonly used in electric vehicles. Operating the battery in temperature extremes or exposing it to prolonged high temperatures can lead to a faster decline in performance.

3. State of Charge (SOC): Keeping the battery consistently at a high or low state of charge can impact its longevity. Extreme states of charge, whether consistently high or low, can contribute to accelerated degradation.

4. Charging Habits: Fast charging, particularly using high-power chargers frequently, can contribute to increased stress on the battery cells and potentially accelerate degradation. Additionally, charging to 100% capacity or regularly discharging the battery to very low levels can impact longevity.

5. Battery Chemistry: Different electric vehicles use different types of battery chemistries, and each chemistry has its own characteristics. Some chemistries are more prone to degradation than others.

Manufacturers employ various strategies to mitigate battery degradation, such as incorporating advanced battery management systems (BMS) to optimize charging and discharging, thermal management systems to regulate temperature, and warranty programs that provide coverage for a certain level of capacity loss over time.

It's important to note that advancements in battery technology and ongoing research aim to improve the durability and lifespan of electric vehicle batteries, addressing concerns related to degradation over time. Additionally, manufacturers often provide warranties that cover a certain level of capacity retention for a specified number of years or miles.

Autopilot

Autopilot in the context of electric vehicles (EVs) refers to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that provide a level of automation in driving. While the term "autopilot" is commonly associated with Tesla vehicles, other electric vehicle manufacturers may use different names for similar systems.