Glossary of terms & logos

Discover the main technical terms and logos in the EV world, grouped by category.

If EVs are new to you, some terms or logos may be unfamiliar. This guide summarizes the key terms and logos, grouped by category.

Charging types

AC (alternating current): the current you have at home or at slow public posts. It corresponds to slow charging. AC must be converted before being stored in the battery. Power typically ranges from 1.8 kW to 22 kW.

DC (direct current): available only at fast chargers; it’s stored directly in the battery without conversion. Power typically ranges from 22 kW to 400 kW.

Charging connectors

Type 2: European standard for AC charging. Found on all public AC posts, home wallboxes and cables supplied with vehicles.

CCS: connector for DC fast charging in Europe. Present at all fast chargers. Some cars may not have it.

CHAdeMO: legacy DC fast-charging standard, mainly on Asian vehicles (e.g., Nissan Leaf). Being phased out in Europe.

Schuko: name of the domestic outlet used with the CRO (occasional charging cable). It’s a standard household plug, like for a vacuum.

Units & technical terms

kW (kilowatt): a power value, e.g., a charger’s output (charging speed).

kWh (kilowatt-hour): a quantity of energy, used for battery capacity or energy charged.

SOC (State of Charge): current battery level, in percent.

SOH (State of Health): battery health. At 100% the battery is like new; the lower it gets, the more it has aged.

WLTP: standardized protocol measuring theoretical range. Real range depends on climate, driving, etc.

Regenerative braking

Regenerative braking: when lifting off the accelerator, the car slows and recovers energy. Typically down to 5–10 km/h; below that you brake normally.

One-pedal driving: a variant that slows all the way to 0 km/h without pressing the brake pedal.

Charging power levels

Slow charging: below 11 kW.

Accelerated AC: between 11 kW and 22 kW.

Fast charging: any DC charger; “true” fast charging usually starts around 50 kW.