The EV encyclopedia

Battery architecture describes pack design, such as module-based, cell-to-pack or structural battery layouts. It matters because the battery sets the car's range ceiling, charging behaviour, weight, price and long-term risk. Read the number together with chemistry, cooling, usable capacity and warranty.

Battery weight is the mass of the traction battery pack. It matters because the battery sets the car's range ceiling, charging behaviour, weight, price and long-term risk. Read the number together with chemistry, cooling, usable capacity and warranty.

Cell format describes the physical cell shape: pouch, prismatic or cylindrical. It matters because the battery sets the car's range ceiling, charging behaviour, weight, price and long-term risk. Read the number together with chemistry, cooling, usable capacity and warranty.

Cell supplier identifies the company providing the battery cells. It matters because the battery sets the car's range ceiling, charging behaviour, weight, price and long-term risk. Read the number together with chemistry, cooling, usable capacity and warranty.

Battery chemistry describes the cell material family, such as LFP, NMC, NCA, LMFP or sodium-ion. It matters because the battery sets the car's range ceiling, charging behaviour, weight, price and long-term risk. Read the number together with chemistry, cooling, usable capacity and warranty.

Energy density shows how much energy the battery stores per kilogram. It matters because the battery sets the car's range ceiling, charging behaviour, weight, price and long-term risk. Read the number together with chemistry, cooling, usable capacity and warranty.

Gross battery capacity is the total physical capacity of the pack before the car reserves protective buffers. It matters because the battery sets the car's range ceiling, charging behaviour, weight, price and long-term risk. Read the number together with chemistry, cooling, usable capacity and warranty.

Battery nominal voltage is the pack's typical operating voltage. It matters because the battery sets the car's range ceiling, charging behaviour, weight, price and long-term risk. Read the number together with chemistry, cooling, usable capacity and warranty.

Usable battery capacity is the energy the car lets you use for driving. It is the number that matters most for range planning. It matters because the battery sets the car's range ceiling, charging behaviour, weight, price and long-term risk. Read the number together with chemistry, cooling, usable capacity and warranty.

Plug & Charge lets compatible chargers identify and bill the car automatically after you plug in. It matters because charging decides how the car fits your week and how tiring long trips become. Home AC charging, public DC charging and the charge curve answer different questions.

V2G means vehicle-to-grid: the car can potentially send energy back to the electricity grid. It matters if you want the EV to do more than drive. Device power, home backup, grid export and automatic charger billing are separate capabilities with separate requirements.

V2H means vehicle-to-home: the EV can supply a home through suitable bidirectional equipment. It matters if you want the EV to do more than drive. Device power, home backup, grid export and automatic charger billing are separate capabilities with separate requirements.

V2L means vehicle-to-load: the car can power external devices from its traction battery. It matters if you want the EV to do more than drive. Device power, home backup, grid export and automatic charger billing are separate capabilities with separate requirements.

V2L output is the maximum power the car can supply to external devices. It matters if you want the EV to do more than drive. Device power, home backup, grid export and automatic charger billing are separate capabilities with separate requirements.

V2L socket describes the outlet or adapter format used to draw power from the car. It matters if you want the EV to do more than drive. Device power, home backup, grid export and automatic charger billing are separate capabilities with separate requirements.

+15 min charge estimates how much driving range a short fast-charge stop can add. It matters because charging decides how the car fits your week and how tiring long trips become. Home AC charging, public DC charging and the charge curve answer different questions.

10-80% time is the common fast-charge stop duration from a low road-trip state to a useful high state. It matters because charging decides how the car fits your week and how tiring long trips become. Home AC charging, public DC charging and the charge curve answer different questions.

AC charging power is how quickly the car can charge from slower alternating-current sources such as home wallboxes and many public posts. It matters because charging decides how the car fits your week and how tiring long trips become. Home AC charging, public DC charging and the charge curve answer different questions.

AC phases tells you whether the onboard charger can use one or three electrical phases. It matters because charging decides how the car fits your week and how tiring long trips become. Home AC charging, public DC charging and the charge curve answer different questions.

Charge port location tells you where the charging socket sits on the car. It matters because charging decides how the car fits your week and how tiring long trips become. Home AC charging, public DC charging and the charge curve answer different questions.

DC average 10-80 kW estimates the average fast-charging power over the useful road-trip window. It matters because charging decides how the car fits your week and how tiring long trips become. Home AC charging, public DC charging and the charge curve answer different questions.

DC peak is the highest fast-charging power the car may briefly accept. It matters because charging decides how the car fits your week and how tiring long trips become. Home AC charging, public DC charging and the charge curve answer different questions.

Plug standard identifies the connector used for charging, such as CCS2, NACS, Type 2 or CHAdeMO. It matters because charging decides how the car fits your week and how tiring long trips become. Home AC charging, public DC charging and the charge curve answer different questions.

Battery preconditioning warms or cools the battery before fast charging so it can accept higher power safely. It matters because the cabin and battery share the same energy store. Thermal management affects winter range, fast charging, comfort and battery protection.

A heat pump warms the cabin by moving heat instead of only creating heat with resistive elements. It matters because the cabin and battery share the same energy store. Thermal management affects winter range, fast charging, comfort and battery protection.

Body type is the car's physical format: hatchback, sedan, SUV, estate, coupe SUV, van and so on. In EVs it often hints at efficiency and packaging before you even see the battery size. It matters because a fair comparison starts with the right frame. Body, segment and platform stop a city car, family SUV and luxury sedan from being judged by the same shortcut.

Segment is EVRadar's market-size shorthand: city car, compact, midsize, executive, large SUV and similar buyer buckets. It matters because a fair comparison starts with the right frame. Body, segment and platform stop a city car, family SUV and luxury sedan from being judged by the same shortcut.

0-100 km/h time measures full-throttle acceleration from standstill. It matters when it changes overtaking, traction, towing confidence or repeated hard driving. EV performance is limited by battery output, inverters, motors, tyres and heat management.

Drivetrain tells you which wheels are driven: front, rear or all-wheel drive. It matters when it changes overtaking, traction, towing confidence or repeated hard driving. EV performance is limited by battery output, inverters, motors, tyres and heat management.

Motor count tells you how many traction motors drive the car. It matters when it changes overtaking, traction, towing confidence or repeated hard driving. EV performance is limited by battery output, inverters, motors, tyres and heat management.

Power in horsepower is the familiar performance rating for the motor system. It matters when it changes overtaking, traction, towing confidence or repeated hard driving. EV performance is limited by battery output, inverters, motors, tyres and heat management.

Power in kilowatts is the motor system's ability to do work over time. It shapes acceleration and high-speed pull. It matters when it changes overtaking, traction, towing confidence or repeated hard driving. EV performance is limited by battery output, inverters, motors, tyres and heat management.

Top speed is the maximum speed the car is electronically or mechanically allowed to reach. It matters when it changes overtaking, traction, towing confidence or repeated hard driving. EV performance is limited by battery output, inverters, motors, tyres and heat management.

Torque in newton-metres describes twisting force at the motor system. It matters when it changes overtaking, traction, towing confidence or repeated hard driving. EV performance is limited by battery output, inverters, motors, tyres and heat management.

Nominal platform voltage describes the high-voltage electrical system the car is built around, commonly around 400 V or 800 V. It matters because the platform decides what can physically fit: battery floor, wheelbase, motors, crash structure, voltage, cabin layout and thermal hardware.

Platform class groups the car's architecture into a practical family: dedicated EV, converted combustion, premium 800 V, commercial van base and similar. It matters because the platform decides what can physically fit: battery floor, wheelbase, motors, crash structure, voltage, cabin layout and thermal hardware.

Platform name identifies the underlying EV architecture or vehicle base, such as a dedicated skateboard platform or a shared multi-energy platform. It matters because the platform decides what can physically fit: battery floor, wheelbase, motors, crash structure, voltage, cabin layout and thermal hardware.

Boot litres estimates cargo volume with seats up. It is useful, but shape matters as much as the number. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Boot capacity with seats down shows the car's maximum cargo volume for bulky loads. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Doors counts the passenger doors and tailgate layout that shape daily access. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Drag coefficient measures how slippery the car's shape is through air. Lower is usually better for motorway efficiency. It matters because official range is only the controlled test case. Real trips change with speed, temperature, tyres, road conditions, payload and how often you can charge.

Frontal area is the size of the car's silhouette as seen from the front. It matters because official range is only the controlled test case. Real trips change with speed, temperature, tyres, road conditions, payload and how often you can charge.

Frunk litres measures front storage under the bonnet. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Gross weight is the maximum legal loaded mass of the vehicle. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Ground clearance is the gap between the road and the lowest relevant point of the car. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Height describes roofline and overall stance. It affects cabin posture, boot opening and aerodynamic drag. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Kerb weight is the car's ready-to-drive mass, usually with fluids and sometimes a nominal driver depending on the standard used. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Length is the bumper-to-bumper size of the car. It tells you more about parking and garage fit than interior room by itself. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Payload is how much weight the car can carry on top of its kerb weight. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Roof load is the maximum weight allowed on the roof rails or roof mounting points while driving. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Seats is the number of factory seat positions with belts, not a promise that every seat is comfortable for every adult. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Braked towing capacity is the maximum trailer weight when the trailer has its own brakes. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Unbraked towing capacity is the limit for trailers without their own brakes. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Turning circle is the space the car needs to make a full U-turn. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles. It is one of the best quick clues for cabin space and ride stability. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

Width is the car's side-to-side body measurement, often excluding mirrors. It matters for lanes, garages and tight charging bays. It matters only when it survives real use: people inside, bags in the boot, cables stored somewhere, doors opening wide enough and the loaded car staying within legal weight.

WLTP range is the official lab-cycle range used in Europe and many other markets. It matters because official range is only the controlled test case. Real trips change with speed, temperature, tyres, road conditions, payload and how often you can charge.

Airbags counts the supplemental restraint airbags fitted to the car. It matters because safety is not one score. Structure, restraints, crash avoidance, driver monitoring, test year and market equipment all change the result.

Euro NCAP stars summarise crash protection and safety-assist performance under that test programme. It matters because safety is not one score. Structure, restraints, crash avoidance, driver monitoring, test year and market equipment all change the result.

ISOFIX positions count the seating positions with standard child-seat anchor points. It matters because safety is not one score. Structure, restraints, crash avoidance, driver monitoring, test year and market equipment all change the result.

NCAP program identifies which regional safety-testing organisation produced the result. It matters because safety is not one score. Structure, restraints, crash avoidance, driver monitoring, test year and market equipment all change the result.

NCAP year tells you which test protocol era the safety rating belongs to. It matters because safety is not one score. Structure, restraints, crash avoidance, driver monitoring, test year and market equipment all change the result.

ADAS features lists the specific assistance functions fitted or available, such as adaptive cruise, lane keeping, parking help or blind-spot monitoring. It matters because safety is not one score. Structure, restraints, crash avoidance, driver monitoring, test year and market equipment all change the result.

ADAS level summarises the driver assistance capability, usually around lane keeping, adaptive cruise and supervised automation. It matters because safety is not one score. Structure, restraints, crash avoidance, driver monitoring, test year and market equipment all change the result.

Android Auto support shows how an Android phone can connect to the car's infotainment system. It matters because software controls navigation, charging preparation, assistance status, updates and basic cabin tasks. Bad software can make good hardware feel unfinished.

Apple CarPlay support shows how an iPhone can connect to the car's infotainment system. It matters because software controls navigation, charging preparation, assistance status, updates and basic cabin tasks. Bad software can make good hardware feel unfinished.

Cluster screen size measures the driver display behind or near the steering wheel. It matters because software controls navigation, charging preparation, assistance status, updates and basic cabin tasks. Bad software can make good hardware feel unfinished.

Connectivity describes the car's mobile data link, such as 4G, 5G or none. It matters because software controls navigation, charging preparation, assistance status, updates and basic cabin tasks. Bad software can make good hardware feel unfinished.

Head-up display projects key driving information near the windscreen view. It matters because software controls navigation, charging preparation, assistance status, updates and basic cabin tasks. Bad software can make good hardware feel unfinished.

Infotainment OS is the software platform running navigation, media, settings and sometimes car controls. It matters because software controls navigation, charging preparation, assistance status, updates and basic cabin tasks. Bad software can make good hardware feel unfinished.

Main screen size measures the central display diagonal. It matters because software controls navigation, charging preparation, assistance status, updates and basic cabin tasks. Bad software can make good hardware feel unfinished.

OTA updates let the car receive software changes over the air instead of only at a workshop. It matters because software controls navigation, charging preparation, assistance status, updates and basic cabin tasks. Bad software can make good hardware feel unfinished.

Battery warranty years is the time coverage for the traction battery. It matters because EV ownership risk is split between general vehicle parts, the battery, software support and local service access. The headline term is only the start.

Battery warranty kilometres is the distance cap for battery coverage. It matters because EV ownership risk is split between general vehicle parts, the battery, software support and local service access. The headline term is only the start.

Corrosion warranty covers perforation or rust-through for a stated period. It matters because EV ownership risk is split between general vehicle parts, the battery, software support and local service access. The headline term is only the start.

Guaranteed SoH is the minimum battery state of health the warranty protects, often around 70%. It matters because EV ownership risk is split between general vehicle parts, the battery, software support and local service access. The headline term is only the start.

Paint warranty covers paint defects for a stated time. It matters because EV ownership risk is split between general vehicle parts, the battery, software support and local service access. The headline term is only the start.

Roadside assistance years tells you how long recovery support is included. It matters because EV ownership risk is split between general vehicle parts, the battery, software support and local service access. The headline term is only the start.

Service interval months is the time limit between scheduled services. It matters because EV ownership risk is split between general vehicle parts, the battery, software support and local service access. The headline term is only the start.

Service interval kilometres tells you how far the car can travel between scheduled services. It matters because EV ownership risk is split between general vehicle parts, the battery, software support and local service access. The headline term is only the start.

Service risk is EVRadar's practical view of how easy or risky ownership support may be. It matters because EV ownership risk is split between general vehicle parts, the battery, software support and local service access. The headline term is only the start.

Vehicle warranty years is the time coverage for the car excluding special battery terms. It matters because EV ownership risk is split between general vehicle parts, the battery, software support and local service access. The headline term is only the start.

Vehicle warranty kilometres is the distance limit for the general vehicle warranty. It matters because EV ownership risk is split between general vehicle parts, the battery, software support and local service access. The headline term is only the start.

Front tyre describes the front tyre size and sometimes specification. It matters because tyres and wheels affect the same things buyers notice every day: range, noise, ride comfort, grip, wear and replacement cost.

Rear tyre describes the rear tyre size and sometimes specification. It matters because tyres and wheels affect the same things buyers notice every day: range, noise, ride comfort, grip, wear and replacement cost.

Wheel size is the rim diameter in inches. It matters because tyres and wheels affect the same things buyers notice every day: range, noise, ride comfort, grip, wear and replacement cost.