In today’s fast-changing world, the way we travel is going through a major shift. With rising fuel prices, increasing air pollution, and the global push for cleaner, greener energy, Electric Vehicles (EVs) are gaining more attention than ever before. From cities to small towns, people are starting to explore EVs as a smarter and more sustainable way to commute. However, many still feel unsure or when it comes to understanding how EVs work, what makes them different, and whether they’re truly practical for daily use.
To make informed choices, it’s important to understand the basic terms and concepts behind EV technology—like kWh, battery range, regenerative braking, charging types, and more.
In this blog post, we break down the key EV terminologies in simple language to help anyone interested in electric vehicles get a clear head start. Whether you’re planning to buy an EV or just curious, this guide will help you feel more confident and informed about the EV revolution.
What is an Electric Vehicle (EV)?
An Electric Vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that runs on electricity instead of petrol or diesel. Instead of a fuel tank, it has a battery pack, and instead of an engine, it has an electric motor. You charge it just like your mobile phone—plug it in, and it’s ready to go.
Types of Electric Vehicles
Not all EVs are the same. Here are the main types you should know about:
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BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle):
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Runs completely on battery.
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Needs to be charged with electricity.
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Example: Tata Nexon EV.
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PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle):
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Works on both petrol/diesel and electricity.
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It can be charged from a plug.
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Example: Toyota Prius Plug-in.
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HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle):
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Runs on both fuel and a small battery.
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Battery charges automatically while driving.
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Example: Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid.
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FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle):
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Uses hydrogen fuel cells instead of a battery.
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Still rare in India.
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EV Terminologies You Should Know
When people talk about EVs, they often use technical terms. Here’s a simple mini-dictionary for you:
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Battery Pack → Like the fuel tank of an EV.
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kWh (Kilowatt-hour) → Unit of battery size. Bigger kWh = longer driving range.
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Range → Distance an EV can travel on one full charge.
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Charging Station → A Place where you charge your EV, just like a petrol pump.
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AC Charging → Slow charging (mostly at home).
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DC Fast Charging → Quick charging (usually on highways).
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Regenerative Braking → EVs can recharge a bit when you apply the brakes.
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Torque → The instant pulling power that makes EVs feel faster.
What is kWh (Kilowatt-hour) in EVs?
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A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy.
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In EVs, it tells us how much electricity the battery can store.
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You can think of it just like liters in a petrol tank.
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Example: A 40 kWh battery = a 40-liter petrol tank (but in electricity form).
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How kWh Relates to EV Mileage (Range)
In electric vehicles (EVs), kWh (kilowatt-hours) is akin to the “fuel tank” size. It indicates the amount of energy the battery can store. The more kWh your EV has, the more energy it holds and the farther it can drive on a full charge. For example, if an EV has a 60 kWh battery and uses 15 kWh to drive 100 km, its total range would be around 400 km (60 ÷ 15 × 100).
👉 This is just like how a larger fuel tank lets a petrol car travel more.
How kWh is Used for Charging Price
The electricity cost for charging an EV is calculated in Rupees per kWh.
Example: If your electricity board charges ₹8 per kWh and your EV has a 30 kWh battery →
- Charging cost = 30 × ₹8 = ₹240 for a full charge.
- If that EV gives 200 km range → per km cost = ₹240 ÷ 200 = ₹1.2/km.
Compare this to a petrol car:
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15 km/litre mileage & ₹100 per litre fuel → per km cost = ₹6.6/km.
👉 EVs are much cheaper to run.
Simple Way to Understand
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kWh = size of battery (fuel tank).
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More kWh = more range (distance you can travel).
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Charging cost = kWh × electricity rate.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Advantages vs Challenges
| ✅ Advantages of EVs | ⚠️ Challenges of EVs |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Eco-Friendly – No tailpipe emissions, reduces pollution | 💰 Higher Purchase Cost – More expensive upfront |
| 💸 Low Running Cost – Costs less per km than fuel cars | 🗺️ Limited Charging Stations – Not available everywhere |
| 🤫 Smooth & Silent Drive – No engine noise | 🔋 Range Anxiety – Worry about running out of battery |
| 🔧 Less Maintenance – Fewer moving parts, no oil changes | 🛠️ Battery Replacement Cost – Can be high (warranties help) |
Future of EVs in India
The future of electric vehicles (EVs) in India looks very bright. The government is giving strong support through programs like FAME and E-Drive to promote clean and green transport. By 2030, India aims to have up to 80% electric two- and three-wheelers on the roads.
Big companies like Maruti Suzuki have already launched electric cars like the e-Vitara, which will be sold in over 100 countries. Global brands like VinFast are also building factories here, showing strong confidence in India’s EV market.
Charging stations are growing fast across cities and highways, and it’s becoming easier to own and drive an EV. Experts say India could sell 10 million EVs every year by 2030, creating millions of new jobs and helping the environment at the same time.
Conclusion
Electric Vehicles are more than just a trend—they represent the future of smart and sustainable travel. By learning the basic EV terms and how they work, you’re better prepared to make informed choices, whether you’re planning to buy an EV or simply want to stay updated. With benefits like lower running costs, cleaner energy, and modern technology, EVs are shaping the way we move forward.
Now, the next time you hear terms like kWh, range, or regenerative braking, you’ll understand exactly what they mean and how they fit into the bigger picture of cleaner, smarter mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – EV Basics & Key Terminologies
1. What is an EV (Electric Vehicle)?
An EV is a vehicle that runs on electricity instead of petrol or diesel. It uses a battery and an electric motor to move.
2. What does kWh mean in EVs?
kWh (kilowatt-hour) is a unit of energy that shows how much electricity a battery can store. A higher kWh means the car can go farther on a full charge.
3. What is the battery range?
Battery range is the distance an EV can travel on a full charge. For example, if the range is 300 km, the car can go up to 300 km before needing to charge again.
4. What is regenerative braking?
This is a special system in EVs that turns some of the energy lost during braking back into battery power, helping improve range.
5. What are charging levels (Level 1, 2, and DC fast charging)?
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Level 1: Slowest, charges using a regular home socket.
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Level 2: Faster, needs a special wall charger.
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DC Fast Charging: Very fast, usually at public stations.
6. What is a charging station?
A place where you can plug in your EV to charge its battery, just like a petrol pump, but for electricity.
7. What is an electric motor?
It’s the part of the EV that powers the wheels using electricity. It replaces the engine in petrol/diesel cars.
8. What does “range anxiety” mean?
It’s the worry that your EV battery might run out of power before you reach a charging station.
9. What is a hybrid vehicle?
A hybrid car uses both a fuel engine and an electric motor. It’s not fully electric, but it helps save fuel.
10. What does “zero emissions” mean?
It means the EV doesn’t produce harmful gases like petrol or diesel vehicles. It’s better for the environment.
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