battery

Fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV)

A vehicle that uses a fuel cell to convert hydrogen into electricity to power an electric motor. It emits only water vapor and has a longer range than many battery electric vehicles. 

battery

Hybrid electric vehicle

A vehicle that combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor. It uses both sources of power to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. 

phev

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)

A type of hybrid that can be charged from an external power source, like a wall outlet. It can run on electric power alone for a certain range before reverting to the internal combustion engine to go the distance. 

ac

AC charging

The most common type of charging, from a wall outlet or standard charging point, where alternating current (AC) electricity is used. Typically, slower than direct current (DC) charging. 

dc

DC charging

A method of charging that uses direct current (DC) electricity commonly used in fast charging stations. All Mercedes-Benz EVs can be charged quickly using DC. For example, the all-electric eSprinter can be charged from 10 to 80% in just 34 minutes

charge

Charging point

A location where you can connect your electric vehicle to a power source to recharge its battery. Charging points can be found at a home, workplace, or in public areas. 

connector

Combined charging system

A standardised charging system that allows electric vehicles to use both AC and DC charging. It has a unique connector that supports faster charging options.

slow charge

Slow charging

Typically found in homes, and some workplaces that are yet to adopt fast or rapid charging, slow chargers use AC to charge to your electric van. Although better for your EV battery’s health in the long term, it can take up to a day to fully charge.

fast charge

Fast charging

A type of charging that significantly reduces the time it takes to recharge an electric vehicle’s battery, typically using DC charging stations.

charge

Rapid charging

A very fast method of charging that can recharge an electric vehicle’s battery to a significant level in a short time, often found at high-power DC charging stations.

Smart charging

A system that optimises the charging process based on factors like energy demand, cost, and the vehicle’s needs. It can schedule charging during off-peak hours to save money.

cable

Home charging

Charging your electric vehicle at home, either through a dedicated charging station or a standard electrical outlet.

public

Public charging

Charging your electric vehicle at dedicated stations located in public areas, such as shopping centres or car parks.

grid

Vehicle to grid

A technology that allows electric vehicles to send electricity back to the power grid. This helps balance energy supply and demand, especially during peak times.

load

Vehicle to load

A feature that lets an electric vehicle supply power to other devices or appliances, effectively using the car’s battery as a power source.

battery

Battery cell

The smallest unit of a battery that stores energy. Multiple cells are combined to create larger battery modules and packs.

battery module

Battery module

A group of connected battery cells. Modules can be combined to form a battery pack, which powers the vehicle.

pack

Battery pack

All the battery components assembled to supply the vehicle with power. Comprised of cooling systems, safety features, and battery cells combined into modules. 

capacity

Battery capacity warranty

A guarantee from the manufacturer that specifies the expected performance and longevity of the battery, including how much capacity it will retain over a certain distance or period of time. With Mercedes-Benz electric vans, our battery capacity warranty is valid for up to eight years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever comes first.  

lithium

Lithium-ion

A type of rechargeable battery commonly used in electric vehicles, including the full range of Mercedes-Benz electric vans. Its high energy density allows it to store more energy in a smaller space. 

solid state

Solid-state battery

An advanced type of battery that uses solid materials instead of liquid or gel electrolytes. It promises higher energy density, faster charging times, and improved safety compared with traditional batteries.

Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)

The equipment used to charge electric vehicles, including the charging station and the connectors. It ensures safe and efficient charging.

range

Range anxiety

The worry that an electric vehicle will run out of battery power before reaching a charging station or the destination.

extension

Range extender

A secondary power source in some electric vehicles (often a small petrol or diesel engine) that can generate electricity to extend the driving range when the battery is low.

rph

Range per hour (RPH)

The metric used to measure how many miles an electric vehicle can add to its range during a charging session. Drivers can use it to estimate how far they can go after plugging in their EV.

reducer

Reducer

A component in an electric vehicle’s drivetrain that reduces the speed of the electric motor's output, while increasing torque, helping the vehicle move efficiently.

recyclable

Regenerative braking

A system that captures energy generated during braking and uses it to recharge the battery, increasing overall efficiency. All Mercedes-Benz EVs use regenerative braking, so they are as efficient as possible. On the eSprinter and eVito there are five recuperation modes available, including the standard, automatic mode. 

speedometer

Recuperation modes

Different recuperation modes affect how quickly your electric van decelerates when you release the accelerator going downhill or anticipate braking early.  

 

The greater the recuperation level, the faster you decelerate and the more energy your vehicle will recover through regenerative braking. 

wind turbine

Renewable energy

Energy that comes from natural sources that are constantly replenished, like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Using renewable energy to charge electric vehicles helps reduce emissions further by cutting fossil fuels out of the charging process completely. 

rfid

Radio frequency identification (RFID) cards

These are used for easy access to charging stations, allowing users to authenticate and charge their vehicles.

transmission

Transmission

The system that transfers power from the electric motor to the wheels of the van. In electric vans, this system is often simpler than in traditional vehicles.

ULEZ

Ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ)

A designated area in London where strict emissions standards apply to vehicles, 24/7. Introduced to improve air quality, ULEZ charges drivers of higher-emission vehicles, including older vans and cars, to enter the zone.

 

Only vehicles that meet specific low emissions standards can enter without incurring a daily charge – one of the incentives to choose an electric van

amp

Ampere (Amp)

A unit of measurement that indicates how much electricity is flowing through a circuit. Higher amperes mean more electricity moving.

amp

Kilowatt hour (kWh)

A unit of measurement for electrical energy consumption, commonly used for utility bills. In terms of EVs, this unit is used to measure battery capacity. Usually, the more kWh your battery holds, the greater the range and the further you can travel on a single charge.

volts

Volts (V)

A unit that represents the force that pushes electric current through a circuit. Higher voltage means a stronger push of electricity.

watts

Watts

A unit of power that measures the rate of energy consumption. The higher the wattage (no. of watts) the more energy being used. 

bms

Battery management system (BMS)

A system that monitors and manages the performance of a vehicle's battery. It ensures safe operation by tracking battery health, state of charge, and temperature, helping to prolong battery life.

soc

State of charge (SOC)

A measure of the current energy level in a battery compared to its total capacity, usually expressed as a percentage. Just like the battery indicator on your mobile phone.