From Amps to Ultium: An Electric Vehicle Glossary
Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion
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).
The part of a battery that releases electrons during discharge. Anodes are always negative.
The part of a battery from which the current leaves the cell. Cathodes are always positive.
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.
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.
A vehicle that is entirely powered by electricity.
The battery is the energy center of the electric vehicle and is recharged by plugging the EV into an electrical outlet or charging station.
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.
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).
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.
The basic measurement of an EV’s power that is generated by its batteries.
The basic measurement of an EV’s energy – how much power (kilowatts) it can supply over a period of time (hours).
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 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.
The total distance an electric vehicle can travel on one full charge before the battery needs to be recharged.
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.
GM’s brand of next-generation EV batteries, drive units and platform.
A measure of the electromotive force that drives electrons through a circuit.
The basic measurement of electrical power.
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.
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.
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 GM estimated. Actual range will vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, loading, use and maintenance.