EV Battery Glossary
Electric Vehicles
PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
A PHEV combines a combustion engine with a plug-in rechargeable battery, allowing it to run on electricity alone for short distances before switching to petrol or diesel for longer ranges.
HEV: Hybrid Vehicle
A HEV combines a combustion engine with an electric motor and a self-charging battery. It cannot be plugged in, as the battery recharges automatically through regenerative braking and the engine.
BMS: Battery Management System
The BMS is an electronic system that manages a rechargeable battery or battery pack, keeping it safe and long-lasting, while tracking its condition, reporting data, and controlling or balancing the battery.
VIN: Vehicle Identification Number
The VIN is a unique 17-character code, including a serial number, that allows the automotive industry to identify each motor vehicle, trailer, motorcycle, scooter, or moped.
Battery Chemistry
LFP: Lithium Iron Phosphate;
NCA: Nickel Cobalt Aluminum;
NMC: Nickel Manganese Cobalt
LFP is considered the safest, longest-lasting, and most cost-effective chemistry but has lower energy density. NCA and NMC batteries offer higher energy density for longer driving ranges in EVs, but are more expensive and slightly less stable than LFP.
SoH Calculation
OBD: On-board diagnostics.
OBD refers to a vehicle's self-diagnostic and reporting capability. OBD systems give the vehicle owner or repair technician access to the status of the various vehicle sub-systems, including the battery.
OTA: Over-The-Air (Hardware-free)
OTA refers to a method to remotely access manufacturer data to calculate the battery’s State of Health (SoH) without needing hardware connected to the vehicle.
SoH Calculation Standards
UN GTR: United Nations Global Technical Regulation
The UN GTR is an international framework that defines uniform safety, environmental, and performance standards for vehicles and their components, promoting global harmonization and compliance across countries.
SoCE: State of Certified Energy
The SoCE represents the officially verified energy content of a battery or energy storage system, ensuring it meets regulatory or manufacturer-certified standards for capacity and performance.
EV Range
WLTP: Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure
The WLTP is a European regulatory standard, introduced in 2017, replacing the outdated NEDC. The range is calculated based on a laboratory test cycle of 23.3 km, with an average speed of 46.5 km/h and a maximum speed of 131 km/h. The test includes both urban and extra-urban phases, accounting for standard vehicle equipment. While the WLTP range is optimistic, it remains the legally binding reference in Europe.