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Tesla and EV Glossary
Your complete guide to understanding the terminology associated with Tesla vehicles.

Welcome to the Tesla Glossary - your complete guide to understanding the terminology associated with Tesla vehicles. Whether you're a proud Tesla owner, an enthusiast, or just getting familiar with electric vehicles, this glossary is designed to clarify the language surrounding Tesla's cutting-edge technology.

Charging

CCS
Combined Charging System -
a cutting-edge charging port now widely adopted as the standard in Europe and various global markets. This adapter empowers you with charging speeds of up to 250 kW and the flexibility to utilize it at third-party charging stations.

MC
Tesla's Mobile Connector This portable charging solution proves invaluable during extended trips away from home. It enables you to charge your vehicle from various outlets at low to medium speeds. Even with a standard household outlet, you can achieve charging speeds of up to 3 miles of range per hour.

SC
The Supercharger, a key feature in the Tesla network, stands out as a testament to Tesla's commitment to efficient charging. With a remarkable 50,000+ Superchargers worldwide, Tesla proudly operates the most extensive fast-charging network on a global scale.

SOC
The State of Charge (SOC) refers to the percentage of your battery that is currently charged. It is a metric used to measure the amount of energy available in a battery at a specific moment, expressed as a percentage.

PPU
Tesla offers a pay-per-use model for charging, whether it's at Superchargers or other public charging stations. This flexible payment approach allows users to pay based on the actual usage of charging services.

Electricity & Energy
AC
AC stands for Alternating Current, which is the type of electricity used in households. The electrical power in your home is supplied as an alternating current.
DC
DC stands for Direct Current, and it is the type of electricity used in batteries. The energy stored in batteries is typically in the form of direct current.
kW
kW stands for kilowatt, which is a unit of electric power equivalent to 1000 watts.
kWh
kWh represents kilowatt-hours, a measure of total energy consumption. It is an absolute figure, comparable to the gallons or liters of gas burned in an internal combustion engine (ICE) car.
Wh/mi
Wh/mi' is a crucial term for EV owners. It stands for Watt-hours per mile, serving as the electric vehicle equivalent of MPG (miles per gallon). It provides insight into how efficiently energy is being utilized. 

Regen
Regen' is a commonly used term in the EV community, especially among Tesla owners. Short for Regenerative Braking, it describes the process of capturing kinetic energy during deceleration or when descending a steep incline.

Computing Hardware
CPU
CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, which is the primary chip in a computer tasked with processing data.

MCU
The MCU, or Media Control Unit, is the prominent touchscreen located in the center of the dashboard, serving as the computer that operates it. It manages the car's diverse radios, entertainment features, and visualizations related to driving.


Driver Assistance System

DAS
DAS stands for Driver Assistance System, and in the context of Tesla, it encompasses features like Autopilot. The distinction between ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and Autonomous Driving is noteworthy. ADAS refers to features commonly present in modern cars, whereas Autonomous Driving represents a system enabling a car to operate without human control.

AP
AP stands for Autopilot, a term denoting Tesla's capability for some degree of self-driving. Every Tesla vehicle currently comes equipped with basic Autopilot functionality, enabling features such as TACC (Traffic-Aware Cruise Control) and Autosteer.

FSD

FSD stands for Full Self-Driving, representing the package that, in its beta form, empowers Teslas to navigate a broader range of streets and scenarios autonomously, with an alert and engaged driver on standby. While FSD capabilities are currently limited in Europe and Asia, vehicles equipped with the FSD package are poised for action from a hardware perspective, awaiting regulatory approval.


Software

UI

UI stands for User Interface, and it is frequently synonymous with GUI (Graphical User Interface). This term is commonly used in discussions about software design, emphasizing the visual and interactive aspects of a program.

UX
UX represents User Experience, focusing on the overall interaction and satisfaction users derive from a piece of software.


Car Features

IC
IC can refer to the Instrument Cluster in a Model S or Model X, providing essential vehicle information. Alternatively, IC may also stand for Integrated Circuit, denoting a chip that is seamlessly integrated into a circuit board.


TPMS
TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, a crucial feature in a vehicle that monitors and alerts the driver about the tire pressure levels.

HVAC
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, representing the system responsible for regulating temperature and air quality in both homes and vehicles.

General Information
EV
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, which is a type of vehicle powered by electricity rather than traditional internal combustion engines.

PHEV

A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, often abbreviated as PHEV, is a hybrid vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric drive. This allows the vehicle to be powered by both traditional fuel and electricity, offering a versatile and efficient driving experience.

LHD
LHD stands for Left-Hand Drive, indicating that the vehicle is designed with the steering wheel on the left side of the car.

RHD
RHD stands for Right-Hand Drive, a configuration commonly used in countries such as Australia, England, and Japan, where the steering wheel is positioned on the right side of the vehicle.

OEM
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, referring to a company that produces components or products that are used in another company's end product.


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