Electric Cars: Glossary

Glossary

Wondering what something stands for? Confused with all of the EV lingo? If so, scroll down this page to find the term you're having trouble with. If you were brought here from one of the articles, click on the "Back" button on your browser to return to your article.

Carcinogens: A cancer causing substance.
Conduction: The generation of electricity in a metal to metal contact circuit.
ICE (Internal Combustion Engine): The engine used in all gas-powered cars. By using the process of combustion (buring gasoline) ICEs get the power necesary to propel the vehicle.
Golden Age, The: The time period when gasoline powered vehicles became a popular source of transportation.
Idle, Idling: The state when a vehicle's motor is still on, yet the vehicle is not moving (the vehicle is stopped at at stop light, or parked while at a drive thru, etc).
Induction: The generation of electricity in a closed cicuit by a magnetic field.
Lead-Acid Batteries: These are fluid filled, lead acid batteries, commonly used in most electric and gas-powered vehicles, they are 97 percent recyclable.
Lithium Ion Batteries: These are the newest type of batteries in the EV market, previously used in applications such as laptop computers. They give EVs a very long range, but are so expensive they are only used in high priced EVs like the Nissan Altra.
Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries: These are a newer type of batteries being used for EVs. They are smaller and have a greater range than lead-acid batteries, but are more expensive. As more cars begin using them, their price will become comparable to that of lead acid batteries.
Non Peak Hours: The hours where electricty use is at its lowest, usually in the evenings when people are asleep.
Particulate Matter: Carcinogens released into air by emissions from vehicles, they can irritate and harm respitory systems.
Rechargable: Being able to charge an item one or more times after it has been drained of its energy.
Regenerative Braking (ReGen): Custom in EVs, these brakes use the forward motion of the electric motor to run a "generator" that recharges the batteries and slows the motor down to a stop.
Top Off: To fully charge your vehicle from a near full state. You usually will top off when you arrive at the mall or at work so when you return, you vehicle will be fully charged again.