Thinking Electric: 6 Electric Car Terms You Should Know

As electric cars become more and more popular, it’s important to understand the terminology associated with them. Whether or not you’re in the market for an electric vehicle right now, it’s helpful to understand these terms and how electric vehicles work. Here are 6 electric car terms you should know:

1. Battery capacity

Battery capacity is a measure of how much energy a battery can store. It’s usually expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A higher battery capacity means that a car can travel further on a single charge.

2. Charging rate

The charging rate is the speed at which a battery can be charged. It’s usually expressed in kilowatts (kW). A higher charging rate means that a car can be charged more quickly.

3. DC fast charging

DC fast charging is a type of charging that can charge a battery much more quickly than other methods. It’s usually only available at specialized charging stations.

4. Motor power

Motor power is a measure of how much power the electric motor in a car can produce. It’s usually expressed in kilowatts (kW). A higher motor power means that a car can accelerate more quickly.

5. MPGe

MPGe is a measure of how far an electric car can travel on the same amount of energy as is contained in one gallon of gasoline. It’s usually expressed in miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). A higher MPGe means that an electric car is more efficient than a gasoline car.

6. Bidirectional charging

Bidirectional charging is a type of charging that allows a car to both charge its battery and discharge its battery. This can be used to provide power to a home or business in an emergency situation.

These 6 electric car terms should have you well on your way to understanding more about electric cars, how charging works, and how electric cars are “fueled” by electricity. Even if you aren’t currently in the market for an electric car, you still want to be in the know in case there is an electric car in your future.