Electric Car Buyers’ Dictionary

Alternating Current (AC) is a form of electrical current where positive and negative sides are constantly switched periodically. AC power can travel further than DC power, which is why the National Grid uses it to power our homes. All electric cars can be charged from an AC socket - usually at 7kW from a home wallbox. Direct Current (DC) allows for much faster charging (up to 350kW), but this can only be done at a rapid charger.

Measured in kWh, the total capacity of the vehicle’s battery

The style of the vehicle, for example hatchback, estate, SUV etc

Amount of time it takes to fully charge your car from empty to full on a 7kW home wallbox charger. Charging via a three-pin plug will take considerably longer.

A kilowatt (kW) reflects the rate of electricity usage. Electric car charger outputs are measured in kW.

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) reflects the total amount of electricity used. Electric car battery capacities are measured in kWh. 1kWh is the amount of energy used if a 1,000 watt appliance runs for an hour. A typical electric car will cover around 3-5 miles on 1kWh of energy.

Measured in kW, this is the maximum speed at which a vehicle can be charged at a DC rapid public charger

The indicated total mileage the vehicle has covered from new

The number of doors, including a hatchback if fitted

The number of previous owners the vehicle has had

The number of seats available for use with seatbelts

The official mileage range of the vehicle as measured under independent WLTP tests. Note, actual range will differ and is likely to be lower.

Amount of time it takes to charge your car from 10-80% at a rapid DC charger. Note that the charging speed may be limited by the power output of the charger. For example, if your car can accept a DC charge at 150kW and you connect to a 50kW charger, you will only charge at the lower speed. The figure shown is the quickest charge possible when connected to a charger with corresponding output.

The year in which the vehicle was first registered in the UK

Ultra Low Emission Zone: an area of a town or city where only vehicles with ultra-low or no CO2 emissions can travel without paying a fee.