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Imagine using your vehicle as a backup generator for your home, or even to help a stranded motorist reach their destination. Electric vehicles claim just 5% of new vehicle market share in America, however record gas prices are spurring renewed interest in the EV lifestyle. One of the most sought-after features of electric vehicles is bidirectional charging. Also known as vehicle-to-load, or V2L, tomorrow’s cars literally have the power to do so much more than drive us around. Here’s everything you need to know about bidirectional charging in electric vehicles.
V2G, V2L & V2H: The Types of Bidirectional Charging Capability
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
During typical use, electric cars draw electricity from the grid, and then consume that energy to power their electric motors. What if you could reverse the flow of electricity back into the grid? Better yet, imagine making money doing it. The future of mobility is about to get weird. Cars are already becoming rolling computers, so it only makes sense that they are capable of revolutionizing the world beyond the driver’s seat.
What is bidirectional charging?
Simply put, bidirectional charging is the ability for electrical current to flow in both directions: from the grid to the vehicle (to charge the battery pack), and also from the car to the grid, another car, or household appliances.
How does bidirectional charging work?
When an electric vehicle is charged, alternating current (AC) from the grid is converted to direct current (DC) using the car’s built-in converter. To send electricity out of the battery pack and back into the grid or into another electronic device, electricity must first convert back to AC. This is done using an inverter. Vehicles that are manufactured with an inverter are already equipped with the hardware needed for bidirectional charging.
Vehicle to grid (V2G) capability enables an electric car to return electricity to the grid. V2G can help supply energy at times of peak grid demand. In most of the world, electricity demand peaks during the afternoon and early evening. Peak demand causes demand charges, which are higher rates for usage.
Vehicle to grid capability offers a way around demand charges, to the benefit of consumers and grid operators alike. The vehicle’s owner avoids demand charges or even sells electricity to the grid, and the grid gains a new source of electricity when it’s needed the most.
Although V2G is still in its infancy, the technology opens up the possibility of future revenue streams for everyday EV drivers and even automakers. Imagine if your car could make you money while it’s parked in the garage. Rental and ride-hailing fleets could double the revenue from their autonomous vehicles by serving as power suppliers to the grid. It’s a game changing option that is coming to cars in the near future.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)
V2L allows an electric vehicle’s battery pack to power appliances such as power tools, a coffee machine, cooking equipment, laptops, or even a party. More importantly, vehicle-to-load capability serves as the ideal emergency power source during times of need, such as following a natural disaster or power outage. Some cars, such as the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5, can output 3.6 kilowatts via V2L functionality. That is a LOT of power, surely enough to power an entire campsite or family-sized outdoor event.
Vehicle-to-Home (V2H)
Naturally, one of the first uses of bidirectional charging that comes to mind is powering one’s home during a power outage. Indeed, vehicle-to-home (V2H) power supply is under development, and it’s even featured in a few of today’s production EVs. It’s important to note that accessories and professional installation of associated hardware are required before any EV can power an entire home. Still, it looks like V2H capability is a real option for EV shoppers to consider in 2022. More on today’s V2H EVs below.
Does Bidirectional Charging Harm the Battery?
The short answer is that it depends on the battery chemistry. One of the latest battery chemistry types to be employed in EVs is lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, or LFP. LFP batteries quickly rose to prominence due to their remarkable ability to withstand the stresses of repeated charging cycles without severe battery degradation.
Other battery chemistries lose range over time as the battery is charged and discharged (referred to as a charging cycle). Even charging to 100% too often can reduce the life of some battery types. LFP batteries are the perfect companion for bidirectional charging, especially vehicle-to-grid. They handle frequent charging and discharging like a champ.
Other battery types in development are engineered with bidirectional charging capability in mind. Ford’s partnership with SK Innovation resulted in a more environmentally-friendly battery chemistry suitable for the frequent charge cycles of bidirectional charging.
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For the time being, no Tesla models are capable of bidirectional charging. It’s possible (even likely) that all 2022 Tesla models have the necessary hardware for V2G or V2L, or V2H. However, Tesla has alternative motives for delaying bidirectional charging rollout for as long as possible. If Tesla vehicles became V2H-capable, they would render the $10,500 Tesla Powerwall home battery obsolete!
A few curious Tesla owners have inquired about modifying their cars to become capable of bidirectional charging. The response from Tesla was a warning that doing so would void the vehicle’s battery warranty. So for now, don’t expect Tesla EVs to power your home or appliances.
Ford Intelligent Backup Power: F-150 Lightning
Ford’s F-150 Lightning is widely marketed as the answer to power grid anxieties. Ford Intelligent Backup Power is an available accessory to the popular F-150 Lightning electric truck. With 200,000 reservations in the books, the Lightning is already sold out through 2023.
The F-150 Lightning contains unique battery chemistry that strengthens charging cycle durability while also requiring fewer rare earth metals. Ford’s partner, SK Innovation, has developed a new battery cathode that uses 90% nickel, and 5% each of manganese and cobalt. The new battery chemistry also reduces the harmful environmental and ethical impacts of cobalt mining.
Ford’s engineers designed the new electric F-150 with V2H in mind. In the electric truck segment that’s rapidly gaining steam, automakers are looking for bold ways to make their truck a compelling buy.
“F-150 Lightning with available Ford Intelligent Backup Power can provide power and security during an electrical outage – the first electric truck in the U.S. to offer this capability; in the future, new features will offer additional ways to manage energy use and potentially save on energy costs.”
Ford touts high power output and energy storage capabilities
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum
“The F-150 Lightning extended-range battery system can store 131 kilowatt-hours of energy and deliver up to 9.6 kilowatts of power in a cleaner, quieter, more efficient way versus gasoline-powered generators, and with greater capacity than many wall battery units. F-150 Lightning can also offer lower-cost energy storage in a product customers already own – their truck.”
How long should an electric truck be able to power an entire home? 12 hours? Three days? Ford says that depending on power demand, some homes could be powered for seven days with the F-150 Lightning’s extended range battery.
“With Ford Intelligent Backup Power and the Home Integration System, F-150 Lightning automatically kicks in to power your home if the grid goes down. Once power is restored, the system automatically reverts back to utility power. Based on an average U.S. home at 30 kilowatt-hours of use per day, F-150 Lightning with extended-range battery provides full home power for up to three days, or as long as 10 days when used in conjunction with solar power or rationing.”
Bidirectional charging is yet another way that the electrification of the auto industry is transforming vehicle ownership. In five years (or less), trucks will be judged for how many days they can power your home, and crossovers will be expected to power household appliances with ease.
The fact that vehicle-to-home capability relies on the professional installation of accessories sold separately seems to fly under the radar for many. While vehicle-to-load may become a standard feature that we all take for granted in a decade’s time, retrofitting a home for V2H power will remain a lofty expense for the foreseeable future.
What do you think about bidirectional charging? Do you plan to power your home with your car in the future? Let us know what you think about automaker’s bold plans for EVs in the comments below, or share your thoughts with the CarEdge Community at caredge.kinsta.cloud.
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After surpassing 2008’s record on Monday, gas prices will continue to rise for the foreseeable future. On June 14, the national average reached $5.02 per gallon. The record prices hit some drivers harder than others. With energy experts predicting instability for months to come, what’s on the horizon for auto sales in the United States?
Here’s How Much It Costs to Refuel the 10 Most Popular Vehicles in America
$4.17/gallon
$4.50/gallon
$5.00/gallon
Ford F-150 (20 mpg)
$108
$117
$130
Ram 1500 (22 mpg)
$108
$117
$130
Chevrolet Silverado (20 mpg)
$100
$108
$120
Toyota RAV4 (30 mpg)
$60
$65
$73
Honda CR-V (30 mpg)
$58
$63
$70
Toyota Camry (32 mpg)
$67
$72
$80
Nissan Rogue (30 mpg)
$60
$65
$73
Jeep Grand Cherokee (21 mpg)
$104
$113
$125
Toyota Highlander (23 mpg)
$75
$81
$90
Honda Civic (34 mpg)
$52
$56
$62
Electric Vehicle Sales Likely to Spike
At over $5.00/gallon, a larger portion of consumers are likely to turn to electric vehicles to solve their fuel cost woes. Last time gas prices were at record highs, there were no mainstream EVs for sale. In fact, Tesla’s original Roadster (which sold only 2,450 cars) made its debut in 2008. Although charging infrastructure lags behind sales growth, more and more drivers are making the switch.
In 2021, fully-electric and plug-in hybrid models reached 4.8% market share in the United States. It’s fascinating to imagine what would be possible in 2022 if new vehicle inventory was at historically normal levels.
Here’s how much an EV owner driving 1,200 miles a month and charging at home would spend on fuel (electricity). Miles driven and residential electricity rates reflect the US averages.
Battery (kWh)
Range (miles)
Cost per charge ($)
Tesla Model 3 LR
82
358
$11.48
Tesla Model Y Dual Motor
75
330
$10.50
Volkswagen ID.4
82
260
$11.48
Hyundai IONIQ 5
77
303
$10.78
Ford Mustang Mach-E
91
305
$12.74
Rivian R1T
135
314
$18.90
Breaking down the fuel cost per mile highlights potential savings even further:
Range
Fuel Cost ($)
Cost Per Mile ($)
Tesla Model 3 LR
358
11.48
0.03
Tesla Model Y Dual Motor
330
10.50
0.03
Volkswagen ID.4
260
11.48
0.04
Hyundai IONIQ 5
303
10.78
0.04
Ford Mustang Mach-E
305
12.74
0.04
Rivian R1T
314
18.90
0.06
Honda CR-V
420
63.00
0.15
Toyota RAV4
435
65.25
0.15
Chevrolet Silverado
480
108.00
0.23
Ram 1500
572
117.00
0.20
Ford F-150
520
117.00
0.23
This comparison includes gas at $4.50/gal and electricity at the average of $0.14/kWh.
Some headlines don’t age well. In 2008, Wired made a bold statement that is laughable in hindsight. “Rising Gas Prices Finally Kill The Once-Mighty SUV,” the title declared. 2008 saw gas prices climb to $4.10 a gallon, a record that stood until yesterday.
In 2008, sales of the Toyota Yaris increased 46%, and the Ford Focus model jumped 32% year-over-year. “It’s easily the most dramatic segment shift I have witnessed in the market in my 31 years here,” George Pipas, chief sales analyst for the Ford Motor Company told the New York Times that year.
Sales of SUVs were down more than 25% in 2008. Sales of the Chevrolet Tahoe fell 35%. Even the industry-leading Ford F-Series saw sales drop 27% month-to-month in mid-2008.
“The era of large SUVs is over,” said Michael Jackson, chief executive of AutoNation, the nation’s largest auto retailer.
As history would have it, gas prices declined back to $2.79/gallon in 2010. Truck and SUV sales climbed back to record levels by 2015. What could be different this time around? There were no attractive alternatives to combustion vehicles a decade ago. Hybrid cars remained compact, weird-looking appliances. Now, plenty of electric vehicles are hitting the market with good looks, and even better fuel savings.
The ongoing chip crisis and looming materials crisis due to the Ukraine conflict continues to bottleneck EV production, but dealers (and Tesla, Lucid and Rivian) are selling their EVs as fast as they can make them. Electric vehicle market share is likely to surpass the 5% mark in the first half of 2022. Will higher gas prices accelerate the adoption of EVs? The answer largely depends on supply. Dozens of EVs are technically available in 2022, but are they really if you have to wait months to take delivery? One-third of American drivers say they are seriously considering one for their next vehicle. The question is, will there be any to buy?
According to data from GasBuddy, the national average cost of one gallon of gasoline surpassed the 2008 record on Monday, March 7, 2022. The average price per gallon now stands at $4.10. AAA’s average is now $4.07, however several states are already over $4.50. How high will gas prices go, and what will it take to bring prices back down?
Likely the First of Many Records
Energy experts predict gasoline prices to reach $4.50 at a minimum, with $5.00 not out of the question nationally. In California, the price of a gallon of gas is already $5.34. GasBuddy Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick De Haan shared his predictions given the current state of affairs. “Most of the areas east of the Rockies are at low risk for some of the apocalyptic numbers like $5 and $6 per gallon…This is something that could change very quickly, but I don’t see that in most areas of the country just yet.”
Diesel prices average $4.63 per gallon, but are headed for $5.00 per gallon. GasBuddy petroleum analysts expect the record of $4.84 to be broken within two weeks.
When Will Gas Prices Peak?
Energy analysts point to the Russian invasion of Ukraine as the overwhelming cause of spiking prices. Russia is responsible for about 7% of global oil supply. Talk of cutting off Russian oil exports to Europe and America is raising oil prices to $130 per barrel on fears of further instability. In 2008, the price per barrel of oil hit a record $147. That record may be within reach, especially as warmer weather brings higher demand for fuel.
Analysts say that prices will rise and remain elevated until global instability calms and subsides. In other words, once Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ends. However, we’re entering spring, and warmer weather historically heralds higher gas prices. On average, gas prices in America rise about fifty cents per gallon in March and April.
US May Ban Russian Oil Imports
On Monday, anonymous sources familiar with ongoing discussions told Reuters that the United States is seriously considering a ban on Russian oil imports as yet another sanction. The move has bipartisan support from lawmakers. In a Monday meeting, US officials tried to get European nations to join the Russian oil ban, but apparently none of them were willing to make the move.
The U.S. only gets about 3.5% of its oil from Russia, so Rabobank energy analyst Ryan Fitzmaurice told CNN that a U.S. ban would have symbolic significance. However, the European Union relies on Russia for over one quarter of its crude oil. A ban in the EU would have far greater effects. In Germany, gasoline sold for an average of $7.72 USD per gallon ($2.04 per liter) at the end of February. Shutting off Russian pipelines would send prices even higher.
A lot can change in two years. Back in April of 2020, quarantine shutdowns sent gas prices sinking to an average of $1.74 nationally. Many of us saw gas for under one dollar per gallon. Who knows where prices will be two years into the future.
DC chargers, EVSEs, kilowatts and kilowatt-hours, a whole dictionary of new words, units and ownership experiences awaits first-time electric vehicle adopters. There’s a real learning curve that comes along with owning and operating an electric vehicle. Even if you plan to get every last mile out of your favorite combustion engine, the electric floodgates are open, and every automaker is making the switch.
There’s a lot to cover. You could read this valuable resource like a book, or better yet make use of the table of contents to skip around. These are the electric car terms you’ll be hearing a lot more of in tomorrow’s auto market. Did we miss any? Let us know!
A Better Route Planner
This is the preferred planner used for road trips in electric vehicles. A Better Route Planner is fully-customizable, making charging stops much easier to plan.
AC charger
AC stands for alternating current. Electricity supplied by the power grid is AC, yet electric vehicles need direct current (DC) to charge the battery. The “onboard charger” built into the vehicle converts power from AC to DC and then feeds it into the car’s battery. Charging at home will convert AC from the power outlet into DC in the car.
Amps
Amperes, or amps, are the base unit of electric current. Current is the speed or rate at which the electrons flow through a conductor, such as copper wire in a charging cable. Charging an EV from a basic level one 110 volt wall outlet provides around 12 amps of electricity current. Stepping up to a level two home charger (240 volt dryer outlet) sends around 32 amps to the car. Level three DC fast chargers supply over 100 amps.
Auto hold
This allows the vehicle to come to remain at a complete stop with the foot off of the brake. Auto hold is an essential part of one-pedal driving.
Asynchronous or induction motor
Some EVs are powered by asynchronous motors, which are cheaper to produce than permanent magnet motors. Most modern electric vehicles are powered by permanent magnet motors due to their higher efficiency and improved power generation.
Great news! CarEdge published an entire guide to autonomous vehicles. There are different levels of autonomous driving. The lower levels are basically cruise control and lane centering. Advanced autonomy permits the driver to take hands off of the steering wheel. Fully autonomous cars don’t require the driver to pay attention at all, and can travel anywhere at a moment’s notice.
Battery buffer / usable battery
EV batteries don’t drain all the way to their true 0% state of charge. Doing so often would permanently damage the battery. Instead, all batteries are engineered to have a buffer. For example, a 82 kWh battery may only have 77 kWh of usable battery. The rest is the buffer. Some automakers send over-the-air updates to electric vehicles that can increase driving range by reducing the battery buffer.
Battery cells
You know the AA or AAA batteries in household electronics? Those are battery cells. Modern EV battery packs are made of several modules (sealed encasings) containing thousands of individual battery cells. Different battery form factors are used, depending on the engineering of the battery technology. The form factor is basically the shape and size of the battery cell.
Battery degradation
All batteries lose the capacity to hold power over time due to wear and tear. For the time being, it’s an unavoidable characteristic of battery chemistry. However, battery chemists and engineers are always looking for ways to extend battery life and improve durability. Modern EVs are known to retain over 90% of the original battery capacity and range after 100,000 miles. Many Teslas on the road today have gone well over 200,000 miles on the same battery pack.
Battery management system (BMS)
Think of the BMS as the ’brain’ of the car’s battery. The EV battery management system ensures the optimized and safe operation of the battery, carefully monitoring and adjusting the temperature, power output and charging intake at all times.
Battery module
An EV battery module is made of several battery cells arranged and secured into a frame so that it becomes one unit. Battery packs contain several battery modules, which contain thousands of individual battery cells. For example, the Tesla Model 3’s 7,920 battery cells are arranged into five battery modules within the battery pack.
In an electric vehicle, the battery pack contains the individual battery cells and components. In modern EVs, the battery pack lies under the floor of the car, encased in a reinforced, waterproof case that is designed to withstand severe abuse from road debris, off-roading or accidents.
Battery preconditioning
Battery preconditioning prepares an electric vehicle’s battery for fast charging. DC fast chargers supply more power to the battery when the battery is functioning at ideal temperatures. If a battery is still relatively cool, battery preconditioning may automatically warm up the battery to the optimum temperature when the car’s navigation system is navigating to a charger. Preconditioning capability can save drivers time at the charging station.
BEV
Some refer to fully-electric vehicles as ‘battery electric vehicles’, or BEVs. The term is used to separate plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) from fully electric vehicles.
CCS plug
The CCS connector is now the most common charging connector in North America. It’s the closest thing to a ‘standard’. It uses the J1772 charging inlet, and adds two more pins below to make faster charging possible. General Motors (all divisions), Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Honda, Kia, Fiat, Hyundai, Volvo, smart, MINI, Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley, Rolls Royce and others use the CCS plug.
CHAdeMO plug
Japanese brands continue to use the CHAdeMO connector, despite all other automakers abandoning this charging connector type. In North America, the only manufacturers currently selling electric vehicles that use the CHAdeMO connector are Nissan and Mitsubishi. The Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid are the only EVs that use the CHAdeMO charging connector type. Electrify America stations typically have one CHAdeMO plug.
This is where the EV charger is plugged into the car. In some models, the charge port is located where the gas cap is located on traditional cars, but it may be located on the front grille or above the front wheels on some EVs.
ChargePoint
ChargePoint is a popular charging station provider. Many ChargePoint stations are located in parking lots at shopping centers.
Charging adapter
Adapters make it possible to charge a vehicle with an incompatible charge port. For example, Tesla vehicles all come with a Tesla plug, which is different from the common CCS plug that Volkswagen, Ford, GM and others use. A charging adapter can be purchased and attached to solve this plug mismatch. It’s wise to keep an adapter in the vehicle when traveling.
Charging station
This is where EV drivers charge up their batteries on road trips, or if they don’t have the ability to charge at home. Charging speeds determine the amount of time drivers spend at a charging station. Older DC fast chargers peaked at 150 kilowatts, but newer charging stations are capable of charging cars at 350 kilowatts. Most charging stations are located in grocery store or gas station parking lots. In the US, a new national charging network is under development to bring charging stations to every corner of America.
DC fast charger
DC stands for direct current. A DC charger converts alternating current (AC) from the power grid into direct current inside the charger itself. DC chargers are often called ‘fast chargers’ because this makes it possible to feed much more electricity to the battery much faster. Charging in America is about to get a lot easier.
Dual motor
In electric vehicles, a dual-motor setup enables all-wheel drive. Electric motors are only a tad larger than a basketball, so they can easily be placed on each axle. In fact, high-end EVs often have three motors (tri-motor) or even four motors (quad-motor). Often, dual-motor EVs operate with just the rear motor until additional acceleration or traction is needed.
Eco mode
Most electric vehicles include an eco mode, which activates efficiency measures to reduce battery consumption and prolong driving range.
Electrify America
Yes, you can even buy an electric motorcycle.
Electrify America is a large and rapidly growing operator of charging stations in the United States. It was established as a result of Volkswagen’s dieselgate emissions scandal. An average of four EA stations were opened every week since the official debut of Electrify America in May of 2018. Now, EA is embarking on the next stage of growth.
EV tax credit
The current electric vehicle federal tax credit saves EV buyers $7,500 on their tax bill, so long as they owe at least that much in federal tax liability. In 2022, US lawmakers are considering an expansion to the EV tax credit, possibly up to $12,500 for some models. As of 2022, all automakers except Tesla and GM still qualify for the credit, which phases out after sales surpass 200,000. Learn more here.
EVSE
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) supplies charge to the vehicle and controls communication between the car’s battery management system and the charger. EVSE includes the charging cable, connector type, and communication infrastructure between the vehicle and the charger.
Frunk
What do you call a front trunk? A frunk, of course! Not all EVs have a frunk, but Tesla models are known for their generous frunk sized. Electric trucks have massive frunks.
ICE car
In the automotive world, ICE stands for internal combustion engine. In other words, old-fashioned, fossil fuel-burning vehicles.
ICE’d (verb)
When you pull up to a charging station only to find that it is blocked by an ICE car, you’ve been ICE’d. It’s a real problem when there are no other chargers available, and just annoying in general.
J1772 connector
Every electric vehicle sold in North America can use any charging station that comes with the standard J1772 connector. Every non-Tesla level 1 or level 2 charging station sold in North America utilizes the J1772 connector. CCS chargers are a modified version of the J1772 connector.
Kilowatt (kW)
One kilowatt equals 1,000 Watts. A Watt is a unit used to quantify the rate of energy transfer. Your home microwave uses 1,000 Watts, and an electric motor uses 100 to 300 kilowatts (100,000 to 300,000 Watts). EVs consume a lot of power, so power usage and charging rates are measured in kilowatts. DC fast chargers use 150 to 350 kilowatts.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
The kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy equal to one kilowatt of power used or supplied for one hour. The kWh unit is most often used with regards to battery capacity. Modern electric vehicle batteries typically have a capacity between 58 kWh and 125 kWh.
Kilowatt-hours per 100 miles
This is the preferred unit of measuring EV efficiency in Europe. In the United States, miles per kilowatt-hour is the most common unit of measuring efficiency.
Level 1 charger
Level one charging is simply plugging into a standard wall outlet that supplies 110 volts. This is the most affordable charging option, as no installation or accessories are required. However, it is very slow. Often called ‘trickle charge’, level one charging is best for plugging in overnight. It may take 12 to 24 hours to fully charge, depending on the state of charge when plugging in. Here are five common myths about charging at home.
Level 2 charger
Level two EV chargers use a 240-volt dryer outlet to draw more power, and therefore to charge the car more quickly. Installation of a level two charger costs on average $700 – $1,500, but local, utility and state incentives can reduce the total cost. A level two charger can fill most EV batteries from empty in under 8 hours, adding between 18 and 30 miles of range per hour. Here are five common myths about charging at home.
Level 3 charger
Level 3 chargers are known as DC (direct current) fast chargers. These are the quickest, most powerful chargers. In the United States, Electrify America and Tesla Superchargers are the most widespread level three charging networks. Depending on the vehicle model, a level three charger can fill an electric vehicle battery in 20 to 50 minutes from a low state of charge. Here’s how much it costs to charge at a level 3 charger.
Lithium-ion battery
For the time being, all electric vehicle batteries are made of lithium, a rare earth mineral known for high energy density, durability and rechargeability. Other rare minerals and chemicals are also included in the composition of EV batteries, such as nickel, cobalt, iron and phosphate. Lithium is mined from rock deposits.
Miles per kilowatt-hour (mi/kWh)
In the United States, miles per kilowatt-hour is the most common unit of measuring efficiency. It serves the same purpose as ‘miles per gallon’ with combustion vehicles.
MPGe
Miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) is one of the units used to characterize the efficiency of an electric vehicle’s battery and electric motor powertrain. One kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity contains the same amount of energy as one gallon of gasoline. MPGe is how many miles the electric vehicle can drive on 33.7 kWh of electricity. It is primarily used in the United States. Most electric vehicles get between 90 MPGe and 125 MPGe.
Onboard charger
Electric vehicles contain a built-in ‘onboard’ charger that converts AC power from the grid into a DC voltage that is used to charge the battery pack in the vehicle. Level one and level two charging at home is supplied by alternating current (AC) from the grid, however direct current (DC) fast chargers at Electrify America, Tesla Superchargers and others supply direct current directly to the vehicle.
One-pedal driving
What is one pedal driving? One pedal driving is when an electric vehicle combines regenerative braking and auto hold capabilities to make driving with just the accelerator pedal possible in most situations. With one-pedal driving, the brake pedal is only applied when the need arises to quickly slow down. When ‘creep mode’ is engaged (or the default setting), the car will creep forward when the foot is not on the brake, much as ICE cars do.
Over-the-air (OTA) update
With OTA capability, vehicles can receive enhanced performance and safety improvements via a simple wireless internet connection. Some EVs, such as Tesla vehicles, have received OTA updates that actually increase their driving range or charging speed. CarEdge’s guide to OTA updates covers everything you need to know about this feature.
Most modern EVs are powered by highly-efficient, compact permanent magnet motors. Previously, the rare earth minerals needed to make permanent magnet motors were too expensive, but significant improvements in affordability and engineering have made this the gold standard for EV motors.
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) contain an electric motor and a gasoline-powered combustion engine. Most PHEVs can travel 20 to 30 miles on pure electricity before they begin to use the hybrid combustion engine for the remainder of the journey. PHEVs can be charged at a charging station, but they don’t require charging. However, PHEVs do contain far more mechanical components than a true EV, and therefore may eventually require more maintenance.
PlugShare
The PlugShare app is the go-to resource for electric vehicle owners when traveling. PlugShare’s map displays over 440,000 EV charging stations worldwide. The Trip Planning feature makes it quick and easy to plan out charging stops along any journey, and it’s fully customizable. This resource is especially useful when driving an EV into a rural area.
Range
EV range is how many miles a vehicle can travel on a single charge, or remaining charge. Most electric vehicles are rated for somewhere between 250 and 350 miles of range on a full charge. In the United States, the EPA rates the official range based on a standardized driving course. Unlike internal combustion vehicles, EVs get better range in urban driving. For example, a Volkswagen ID.4 may get 230 miles on the highway at 70 mph, but nearly 300 miles of range when driving around town.
Electric vehicle range is always emphasized, but not at the fault of the car itself. Infrastructure is slow to catch up, and many parts of America remain charging deserts. Fortunately, public-private partnerships are coordinating the installation of a national charging network that will reach every corner of the United States by mid-decade. Charging in America will soon become much easier.
Regenerative braking
This is one of the superpowers of electric cars. Rather than letting all of the force applied by the brakes go to waste, EVs recapture some of the power through regenerative braking. How does regenerative braking work? When decelerating to slow down, the wheels drive the electric motor and convert kinetic energy from movement into potential energy to be stored in the battery pack. This is why EVs can actually gain significant driving range when cruising down a steep mountain. If a Tesla Model Y has 50% state of charge at the top of the mountain, it may have 55% by the time it reaches the valley below.
Solid state battery
Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte found in other batteries with a solid electrolyte. The electrolyte is the part of the battery that is commonly known as battery acid. It conducts electricity between the cathode (negative terminal) and anode (positive terminal).
In essence, most of today’s batteries are ‘wet batteries.’ Solid-state batteries are ‘dry’, and with that comes many benefits, but also some new challenges. Affordability and the ability to withstand thousands of charging cycles remain the engineering challenges of solid state battery development. Several automakers are currently working on solid state development with hopes of producing EVs with much greater ranges and faster charging. Learn more about this technology at the CarEdge guide to solid state batteries.
State of charge
How much charge is left in the battery? That’s the state of charge, usually displayed as a percentage. Some EV models display miles remaining by default, but most have the option for viewing the actual remaining battery percentage.
Supercharger
The Tesla Supercharger network is the largest charging network in the world, with over 30,000 chargers around the world. Version three (V3) superchargers supply up to 350 kilowatts of electricity to EVs, making it possible to charge up in as little as 20 minutes. The Tesla Supercharger network is only available to Tesla vehicles. Costs average around $0.28 per kilowatt-hour of electricity. Therefore, most Tesla cars will spend around $10 – $15 charging to full, gaining around 250 – 300 miles of range. Learn more about how much it costs to charge an electric car with our CarEdge guide to charging.
Tesla plug
Tesla vehicles have a proprietary Tesla connector that accepts all voltage, so there’s no need to have a different connector specifically for DC fast charge. Only Tesla vehicles can use their DC fast chargers, called Superchargers. Be sure to check out the other plug types in the electric vehicle dictionary.
Turtle mode
When an electric vehicle’s battery gets to a very low state of charge (often under 3%), the EV will have limited acceleration and even a limited top speed if the state of charge drops below 1%. It is important to avoid letting the battery drain this low often, as it can affect the long-term health of the battery.
Usable battery
All electric vehicle batteries contain a buffer, or unusable portion of the battery capacity. This is meant to preserve the longevity and health of the battery. Draining a battery entirely damages the internal components. Usable battery is the portion of the overall battery capacity that is accessible during normal operation. For example, the Ford Mustang Mach-E has a 98.8 kWh battery pack, but 91 kWh usable capacity. The rest serves as the buffer.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L)
The latest generation of electric vehicles are capable of powering home electronics, charging other cars, and even powering an entire home. This feature is known as vehicle-to-load, or V2L. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 are both capable of vehicle-to-load transmission. It’s a great feature for avoiding the disruptions caused by utility power outages. You can even power an outdoor party (or campsite).
Volts
Think of voltage as the pressure from an electrical circuit’s power source that pushes electrical current through a wire, such as an EV charging cable. Amps multiplied by volts equals watts, which is the measurement used to determine the amount of energy. Most existing EV models are built with 400 V charging infrastructure, however newer models like the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6 and Porsche Taycan use next generation 800 V architecture. The result is much faster charging.
Watt-hours/mile (Wh/mi)
There is a close relationship between watts, amps and volts. Amps multiplied by volts equals watts, which is the measurement used to determine the amount of energy. In the United States, the energy consumption of an electric vehicle is most often measured in watt-hours per mile, which is how much energy would need to be sustained for one hour for the vehicle to travel one mile. Highly efficient EVs average under 350 watt-hours per mile (Wh/mi).
Did we miss anything in our electric vehicle dictionary? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t forget to check out the new CarEdge Car Search, where you can find new and used vehicles listed for sale with unique industry insights that dealers don’t want you to see! You can even filter for electric vehicles. See the CarEdge electric car listings here.
Finally, the world knows why Ford has yet to name an electric vehicle the ‘Model e.’ On March 2, Ford announced the formation of a distinct unit for electric vehicle operations. The decision paves the way for the automaker to accelerate EV development while opening new avenues for direct-to-consumer sales. Ford says they are driven by the need to compete and win against both new EV competitors and established automakers.
3/3/22 Update: Ford CEO and President Jim Farley explained the move and how it affects dealers.
“This is only about creating incredible products that improve over time. To create a better customer experience than yesterday. And ultimately, to win as a company. The reality is, our legacy organization has been holding us back. We had to change.”
Ford wants a certain number of dealers to opt in to a new Model e sales model. Model e dealers would not hold inventory. Instead, they will facilitate the delivery of online orders, much as Tesla does for their customers. Electric vehicles will be sold at non-negotiable prices. That’s just one step away from direct-to-consumer sales.
“Our message to dealers is, we’re betting on you. Get ready to specialize,” Farley said.
The Ford+ Plan in 2022
Ford’s announcement outlines the establishment of two new operational divisions that will remain under the corporate umbrella of Ford Motor Company. Ford Model e will take on the future of electric vehicle development and sales. Ford Blue will become Ford’s combustion-powered division, encompassing everything from the F-150 to the Bronco.
The two new divisions within Ford will continue to collaborate and propel the greater Ford enterprise forward, according to the press release detailing the plans. Ford Model e and Ford Blue will join Ford Pro as the corporation continues to branch out its business model. In 2021, Ford Pro was launched as a one-stop shop for commercial and government customers.
Ford Model e: Ford’s New Electric Vehicle Business
The creation of Ford Model e was driven by the success of the popular Ford Mustang Mach-e and the overflowing support for the upcoming F-150 Lightning. Interestingly, Ford cited the success of their dedicated EV division in China as another source of inspiration for the launch of Ford Model e.
Ford President and CEO Jim Farley will take on yet another role as President of Model e. Farley has long been an outspoken proponent of Ford’s ambitious electrification plans.
“Ford Model e will be Ford’s center of innovation and growth, a team of the world’s best software, electrical and automotive talent turned loose to create truly incredible electric vehicles and digital experiences for new generations of Ford customers,” Farley said.
Ford hopes that Model e will attract and retain the best engineers and software developers to Ford. As autonomous driving and wireless over-the-air updates become the norm, Ford wants to be a leader in the reimagined automotive industry that’s currently in the making. A lot more computers, and a lot less oil. They’re pushing full steam ahead with ground-up development of electric vehicles. EV platform design, battery research and development, electric motors and inverters and charging infrastructure will all fall under the umbrella of Ford Model e. There are also plans to advance recycling infrastructure in both cost-cutting and environmentally responsible ways.
Ford not-so-subtly shared one of their larger ambitions for their new electric vehicle division: foregoing the dealership model. We’ve seen Ford’s corporate leadership speak out against outrageous dealer markups as the F-150 Lightning nears delivery. Ford’s announcement highlights the changes to their EV sales model:
“Ford Model e also will lead on creating an exciting new shopping, buying and ownership experience for its future electric vehicle customers that includes simple, intuitive e-commerce platforms, transparent pricing and personalized customer support from Ford ambassadors.”
Yeah, transparent pricing would be welcome. It’s great and almost shocking to see a legacy automaker making such a large pivot away from the status quo. Could the direct-to-consumer model win over new customers to the Ford brand?
Ford Blue: Combustion Lives On
CEO Jim Farley calls the Ford+ plan the company’s biggest opportunity for growth and value creation since Henry Ford scaled production of the Model T. Ford Blue will work to optimize Ford’s combustion-powered models and profitability through strengthened consumer relationships, quality improvements and greater operational efficiency.
“Ford Blue’s mission is to deliver a more profitable and vibrant ICE business, strengthen our successful and iconic vehicle families and earn greater loyalty by delivering incredible service and experiences. It’s about harnessing a century of hardware mastery to help build the future. This team will be hellbent on delivering leading quality, attacking waste in every corner of the business, maximizing cash flow and optimizing our industrial footprint.”
Ford Model e: Why Is It a Big Deal?
Ford CEO Jim Farley has long said that Tesla needs to be taken seriously. Tesla, Rivian, Lucid and newcomer Fisker are all having success with direct-to-consumer sales. However, these automakers and any others who go this route face a maze of state laws that present roadblocks for direct-to-consumer sales. The dealership lobby is strong in much of the United States. So much so that a recent West Virginia bill was introduced that would ban most over-the-air updates in the state, all so that dealerships can continue to rake in service center revenue.
Other automakers are in the weeds with the dealership model, too. Kia’s much-lauded EV6 electric crossover is facing opposition from Kia dealerships. They’re simply not adapting to the coming rush of electric vehicles. Jalopnik reported that EV6 buyers are reaching out to them with stories of dealers who are making buying an EV6 a lot harder than it should be.
Nationwide, 17 states currently have a ban on direct-to-consumer sales. Eleven more states have carved out specific exceptions for Tesla (and in some cases, other automakers that sell only EVs). That’s why Tesla technically can’t sell directly to consumers in states like Texas and Washington. It’s an antiquated system in need of change.
Source: Mackinac Center for Public Policy (2021)
Ford recognizes the tides of change approaching automotive sales. Automotive News reported that efforts to permit direct-to-consumer sales have been introduced in 10 states. Several of the bills already failed. More are surely to come as electric vehicle market share surpasses 5% of new auto sales in America.
CarEdge’s Take
This is long overdue. Consumers are fed up with dealer markups, deceptive sales tactics and stressful experiences at the dealership. But this isn’t the end for dealerships. There will be a need for dealers for decades to come, even if sales shift away from their franchises.
Electric vehicles are coming, like it or not. Ford is aiming for annual production of more than 2 million EVs by 2026. They expect EVs to represent half of global volume by 2030. Automakers say that half a trillion dollars will go to electric vehicle development this decade. However, EVs currently can’t be serviced at the neighborhood repair shop, or in one’s home garage. Certified technicians certified in electric vehicle repair are quickly going to be in high demand at service centers everywhere. Dealership service centers aren’t going away. In fact, dealership service centers will likely see business grow as more consumers opt for electric vehicles.
Ford’s new Model e and Ford Blue divisions present a massive opportunity for new revenue streams and efficiency within Ford’s R&D and sales operations. Will other legacy automakers follow suit? Truthfully, they are very likely making plans as we speak. CarEdge will keep you up to date with consumer-focused automotive news. More change is surely to come.
CarEdge Insights
