From Amps to Ultium: An Electric Vehicle Glossary Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion We want to put everyone in an electric vehicle, and that means making EV terminology and technology easy to understand. From batteries to charging, this guide serves as a quick reference and resource for current and future EV owners. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A Amp Short for ampere, a unit used to measure electric current (how fast an electric current flows), usually used in the context of EV charging (i.e., a 50-amp EV charger). Anode The part of a battery that releases electrons during discharge. Anodes are always negative. B Battery Composition Battery Cell: The most basic unit of the lithium ion battery that stores electricity. Battery Module: A grouping of battery cells within a structure. GM combines cells in modules for necessary electrical arrangements to measure and maintain key cell parameters and to manage cell temperatures. Battery Pack: The final shape of the battery system in an electric vehicle, composed of modules, a surrounding enclosure, high voltage hardware and protective/structural features. C Cathode The part of a battery from which the current leaves the cell. Cathodes are always positive. D DC (Direct Current) Fast Charging Offers accelerated charging away from home, primarily available at public stations. Enabled by an off-board charger that connects directly to a vehicle high voltage battery bus, this type of charging allows for high power transfer (>50kW) and faster recharge times - minutes instead of hours1. Drive Units The combination single-speed transmissions and electric motors that give EVs horsepower and torque. GM’s third-generation EVs will be powered by a family of five drive units known as “Ultium Drive” which is expected to offer industry-leading torque and power density. Ultium Drive contains single-speed transmissions and up to two electric motors in the same drive unit, and all related power electronics. E EV (Electric Vehicle) A vehicle that is entirely powered by electricity. EV Battery The battery is the energy center of the electric vehicle and is recharged by plugging the EV into an electrical outlet or charging station. eTrunk™️ Similar to a traditional trunk, but instead of being in the back of a vehicle, an eTrunk™️ is located in the front. GM EVs may have an eTrunk™️, due to the extra space from not having an engine or transmission. This feature may also be referred to as "front trunk" or "frunk" in the industry. F Factory ZERO The plant, formerly known as Detroit-Hamtramck, dedicated to building vehicles that advance GM’s zero-crashes, zero-emissions, zero-congestion vision. Factory ZERO will open in 2021 and build the Cruise Origin, the GMC HUMMER EV, the GMC HUMMER EV SUV, and the Chevrolet Silverado electric pickup truck (of globally sourced parts). I ICE Stands for internal combustion engine, which is powered by fuel in the form of diesel or gasoline. Internal combustion engines were the standard for vehicles for more than a century. K kW (Kilowatts = 1,000 Watts) The basic measurement of an EV’s power that is generated by its batteries. kWh (Kilowatt-Hour) The basic measurement of an EV’s energy – how much power (kilowatts) it can supply over a period of time (hours). L Level 1 Charging The type of charging usually done at home because it uses a typical 120-volt electrical outlet, charging between 8-20 amps. Level 1 charging is typically done with a portable charging cord. Level 2 Charging Level 2 chargers often need to be professionally installed and can deliver faster charging times than Level 1 chargers, charging up to 80 amps. Portable Level 2 chargers are also available. R Range The total distance an electric vehicle can travel on one full charge before the battery needs to be recharged. Renewable Energy Energy sources that naturally replenish, such as solar or wind power. GM’s commitment to renewable energy use began more than two decades ago and is expected to culminate by 2040, sourcing 100 percent renewable energy to meet all global electricity needs. U Ultium GM’s brand of next-generation EV batteries, drive units and platform. Ultium battery cells: Are expected to offer a GM-estimated driving range of up to 400 miles2 on a full charge with 0 to 60 mph3 acceleration in as low as 3.0 seconds. These cells can be arranged in different combinations of flexible modules and battery packs to provide the energy needed for every segment on the road today and some that don’t even exist at present. Ultium packs: Can be formed from 6, 8, 10 or 12 modules, or up to 24 modules from two double-stacked Ultium battery packs. GM's ability to stack long pouch cells vertically or horizontally in modules is unique in the industry. It allows for a lower cabin floor where it matters most, yielding more interior room than comparable EVs that use cylindrical cells in battery packs with a uniform height. V Volts A measure of the electromotive force that drives electrons through a circuit. W Watts The basic measurement of electrical power. Wh/kg (Watt-Hours per Kilogram) A unit of specific energy. Equates to battery energy divided by battery mass. The higher the better, as it equals more energy in less mass. Wh/L (Watt-Hours per Liter) A unit of energy density. Equates to battery energy divided by battery volume. The higher the better, as it equals more energy in less volume. Wireless Battery Management System (wBMS) A nearly wireless system that balances chemistry within the individual battery cell groups for optimal performance. It can also conduct real-time battery pack health checks and refocus the network of modules and sensors as needed – this helps safeguard battery health over the vehicle’s lifespan. 1 Actual charge time is limited by battery chemistry, infrastructure and other factors. Vehicles must be equipped to handle DC fast charging. 2 Vehicle range may vary based on several factors, including temperatures, terrain, battery age, and how you use and maintain your vehicle. 3 GM Estimated. EPA estimates not yet available. Follow us and the future of transportation. ENTERPRISE OWNERS SHOP LEGAL GM Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Information © General Motors Sitemap Global Sites