Zakoračite u svijet Citroënove e-mobilnosti i lakog električnog života

AC (naizmjenična struja)

Naizmjenična struja (AC), koju proizvode elektrane i distribuira javna mreža, najčešći je oblik električne energije.

U električnim vozilima, iako baterije pohranjuju energiju kao jednosmjernu struju (DC), AC se koristi za punjenje putem kućnih utičnica ili standardnih stanica za punjenje. Ugrađeni punjač pretvara AC u DC za napajanje baterije. Brzina punjenja se mjeri u kilovatima (kW).

 

 AC charging

Ovo je najčešći način punjenja za električna vozila, koristeći naizmjeničnu struju (AC). AC punjenje je sporije od brzog punjenja DC, ali je raširenije i može se naći na mnogim lokacijama, uključujući kod kuće ili na poslu.

 

Baterija

Baterija električnog vozila je komponenta koja pohranjuje i redistribuira energiju potrebnu za napajanje motora. Sastoji se od elektrohemijskih ćelija koje skladište energiju u obliku električne energije. Njegov kapacitet se mjeri u kilovat-satima (kWh).

 

BEV

BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) je vrsta električnog vozila koje se u potpunosti napaja električnom energijom pohranjenom u bateriji. Nema motor sa unutrašnjim sagorevanjem (ICE) i radi isključivo pomoću električnog motora. Baterija se puni uključivanjem vozila u izvor električne energije.

Brake (B Mode)

Citroën vozila imaju "B" ili "Brake" način rada za aktiviranje regenerativnog kočenja. Imate opciju da se izvučete uz minimalnu regeneraciju u "D" (vožnja) načinu rada ili možete aktivirati "B" način rada za fiksni nivo regeneracije. Ovaj način rada je posebno koristan u gradovima, gdje česta zaustavljanja pomažu maksimalnom povratu energije..

 

Kabel

Kabel za punjenje je električni kabel koji se koristi za povezivanje električnog vozila na stanicu za punjenje ili utičnicu. Kabel je opremljen konektorima na svakom kraju, koji moraju biti kompatibilni i sa priključkom vozila i priključkom stanice za punjenje.

Nova Citroën vozila dolaze sa kablom. Ovisno o vozilu, to može biti kabel kompatibilan s kućnom utičnicom (domaći kabel) ili kabel koji omogućava povezivanje sa zidnom kutijom ili javnom stanicom za punjenje (kabl tipa 2).

Na brzim i ultra brzim stanicama za punjenje, kabel je pričvršćen i integriran u opremu. Ovo omogućava da vozilo bude povezano sa jednom akcijom i da iskoristi prednost veoma velike snage punjenja.

 

CCS

CCS utikač je kombinovani utikač za AC i DC. Naizmjenična struja (AC) teče kroz gornji, okrugli dio, dok se jednosmjerna struja (DC) prenosi kroz dva kontakta u donjem dijelu i također se koristi za punjenje velike snage. Uveliko se koristi u Evropi.

 

Ćelija

Baterija se sastoji od nekoliko ćelija, koje mogu biti mali cilindri slični običnim baterijama ili pločice poput onih u bateriji pametnog telefona. Ove ćelije pohranjuju električnu energiju putem hemijskih elemenata. Često se grupišu u module, koji se zatim sklapaju u pakete kako bi formirali bateriju, kao ruske lutke.

 

Kriva punjenja

Punjenje električnog automobila se ne vrši konstantnom brzinom, za razliku od punjenja rezervoara za gorivo. To je više kao punjenje boce vode: u početku je protok visok, ali se postepeno smanjuje kako bi se spriječilo prelijevanje. To je također slučaj sa brzim punjenjem za električna vozila, gdje se protok značajno smanjuje kada baterija dostigne 80% napunjenosti.

 

Ovisno o vrsti stanice za punjenje i nivou napunjenosti baterije, softver vozila prilagođava snagu kako bi ograničio pregrijavanje i produžio vijek trajanja baterije. Svaki proizvođač definira svoju vlastitu krivulju punjenja, s ciljem uspostavljanja ravnoteže između brzine punjenja i trajnosti baterije.

 

Punjenje od 0 do 80%

Između 0% i 80% svog kapaciteta, baterija električnog automobila se općenito može puniti velikom snagom. Osim toga, brzina punjenja je značajno smanjena zbog fizičkih ograničenja. Ovo se može uporediti s punjenjem boce za vodu: slavina je potpuno otvorena kada je boca prazna, ali se postepeno zatvara kako se približava vratu kako bi se spriječilo prelijevanje. Zbog toga proizvođači često ističu "brzinu punjenja od 0 do 80%," posebno za brze i ultra-brze punjače.

 

Načini punjenja

Mode 2 kablovi su dizajnirani za povezivanje električnog vozila na standardnu ​​kućnu utičnicu. Ovi kablovi dolaze opremljeni sa kontrolnom kutijom u kablu koja osigurava sigurnost tokom punjenja automatskim isključivanjem struje u slučaju pregrijavanja ili preopterećenja.

Koristeći Mode 3 kabel, možete se povezati direktno na zidnu kutiju ili javno mjesto za punjenje, povećavajući snagu punjenja na 7,4 kW ili 11 kW ovisno o odabranom vozilu.

Mod 4 je za ultra-brzo punjenje korištenjem jednosmjerne struje (DC) za direktno punjenje akumulatora automobila. Obično se koristi na javnim stanicama za brzo punjenje, poput onih koje se nalaze na parkiralištima i duž autoputeva.

 

 Snaga punjenja

Snaga punjenja je stvarna električna snaga koja se koristi za punjenje akumulatora automobila iz utičnice ili stanice za punjenje, mjerena u kW. Što je veća snaga punjenja, to se baterija brže puni. Međutim, stvarna snaga punjenja može biti niža od maksimalne snage stanice jer je sistem automobila ograničava kako bi zaštitio trajnost baterije, uzimajući u obzir faktore kao što su temperatura i drugi uslovi.

 

Stanica za punjenje

Stanica za punjenje je lokacija na kojoj elektrificirana vozila mogu puniti svoje baterije. Ove stanice daju električnu energiju preko različitih tipova konektora i mogu se naći u različitim okruženjima kao što su javni prostori, parking, kuće i preduzeća. Mogu biti AC ili DC i punit će se različitim brzinama ovisno o vrsti struje, izlaznoj snazi, mogućnosti brzine punjenja automobila i broju punjača koji se koriste na toj stanici u datom trenutku.

 

Vrijeme punjenja

Vrijeme punjenja se odnosi na vrijeme potrebno za punjenje baterije električnog vozila. Stvarna vremena punjenja i brzine variraju ovisno o vozilu, vrsti stanice za punjenje (domaća ili javna) i faktorima kao što su stanje napunjenosti (SOC), kada punjenje počinje, ponašanje u vožnji i trajanje prije punjenja (što utiče na temperaturu baterije) i druge varijable.

 

DC (Direct Current)

Electricity comes in two forms: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Direct current is the one stored in the battery.

Direct Current is produced by converting the alternating current (AC) supplied by the public grid. This conversion takes place through a converter built into the fast-charging station. As a result, DC current is delivered directly to the battery, bypassing the vehicle's onboard charger, which allows for much faster charging.

 

DC Charging

DC charging refers to the process of charging an electric vehicle using direct current (DC). DC charging is faster than AC charging and can be done at specialized fast charging stations, typically found near highways.

 

Direct current is stored directly in the battery at high power, significantly reducing charging times. However, DC fast charging stations are less common and generally involve an additional cost.

 

Domestic socket

A domestic socket is a standard household outlet. Charging an electric car using a domestic outlet is possible but not ideal. These outlets, commonly found in homes, provide low power for an electric vehicle, making the charging process very time-consuming.

Additionally, a household outlet is not always properly grounded, sufficiently calibrated, or adequately connected to the electrical panel to meet the safety requirements of an electric car. If you are unsure about the quality of your electrical system, it is best to avoid charging your vehicle this way and consult a professional.

 

Eco Mode

The Eco mode is a feature that optimizes the range of an electric car by limiting the power of the motor and reducing the consumption of energy-intensive elements such as air conditioning or heating.

It is particularly recommended to use this driving mode during urban trips, where accelerations do not require the full power of the electric motor.

 

Eco driving

Electric cars are particularly sensitive to the different driving habits of the driver. Driving calmly and with anticipation significantly reduces energy consumption, thereby increasing range.

 

Electric motor

The electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy and vice versa. It offers numerous advantages over a combustion engine: enhanced driving pleasure due to instantly available torque, low operating costs, zero emissions, and high efficiency. An electric motor utilizes almost 95% of the available energy for propulsion, whereas a combustion engine can lose up to one-third of its energy through heat dissipation.

 

Green energy

Green energy comes from renewable natural resources that don't deplete with use and produce little to no pollution. Unlike fossil fuels, green energy sources have minimal impact on greenhouse gas emissions and are considered more environmentally friendly.

 

Heat pump

Since the heat generated by the electric motor alone is insufficient to warm the cabin, a heat pump is used. Using a compressor, it compresses the gas present within various vehicle components, raising its temperature significantly. The system then captures this heat and directs it to the air vents to warm the interior. The heat pump significantly reduces electrical energy consumption and maximizes driving range, especially in outdoor temperatures below 15°C.

 

kW

The kilowatt (kW) is the unit used to measure the power of electrical equipment. In the context of electric vehicles, kW is used to measure both the power output of the electric motor and the charging speed of the battery. For example, the Citroën ë-C4 has a motor that delivers 100 kW of power, while a fast-charging station might have a power rating of 100 kW, meaning it can charge an electric vehicle's battery at a rate of up to 100 kilowatts.

One kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts. This unit can also be converted to horsepower, with 100 kW being equivalent to around 136 horsepower.

 

kWh

The kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of measurement for electricity, representing the energy stored in a battery, supplied through a charge, or consumed during a trip.

The amount of energy stored in the battery is a key factor in determining the driving range of an electric vehicle. The biggest the battery capacity, the more energy it can store.

The kWh is also crucial when calculating the cost of recharging an electric vehicle, as charging stations often charge based on the amount of energy used, measured in kilowatt-hours.

 

kWh/100 km

This is a standard measure for the average energy consumption of an electric vehicle over 100 kilometres. It is the electric vehicle equivalent of "litres (of gasoline or diesel) per 100 kilometres." For example, 15 kWh/100 km means that the vehicle consumes an average of 15 kWh of electricity to travel 100 kilometres.

 

LFP

LFP stands for Lithium Iron Phosphate. It refers to a battery technology.

In an electric vehicle, the battery is the most crucial, bulky, and expensive component. Some automakers, including Citroën, now use two types of chemistries: on one side, nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC), and on the other, lithium iron phosphate (LFP).

The LFP chemistry offers several advantages, including increased safety, improved longevity, and lower costs.

 

Lifecycle analysis

The lifecycle analysis is a comprehensive analysis of a vehicle's life cycle, from its manufacture to its use and end of life. In the case of electric cars, the comparison with thermal vehicles highlights their role in the transition to cleaner mobility.

The life cycle of an electric vehicle consists of five distinct stages: extraction of raw materials, manufacturing of the vehicle and its battery, transportation from the manufacturing site to the destination country, use, and finally, the vehicle's end of life along with the second life of the battery.

The conclusion is clear: in 2023, the NGO Transport & Environment estimated that electric cars in circulation in Europe emit 63% less CO2 than their thermal counterparts.

 

MHEV

Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) combine a battery-powered electric motor with a conventional petrol or diesel engine to enhance fuel efficiency and lower emissions, all without requiring external charging.

 

Nm

The Newton-meter is a unit of measurement for engine torque, regardless of the energy source. In electric cars, torque is delivered instantly, allowing for rapid acceleration.

 

NMC

NMC stands for Nickel Manganese Cobalt. It refers to a battery technology.

In an electric vehicle, the battery is the most crucial, bulky, and expensive component. Some automakers, including Citroën, now use two types of chemistries: on one side, nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC), and on the other, lithium iron phosphate (LFP).

NMC batteries are widely used in electric vehicles for their high energy density, allowing more energy to be stored in a smaller space, resulting in better range.

 

On-board charger (OBC)

The on-board charger, also commonly called AC/DC converter, is a device integrated into every electric vehicle.

Its main function is to convert the alternating current (AC), which is the standard for the electrical grid in France, into direct current (DC), the form in which electricity is stored in the vehicle's battery. It is through this component that it is possible to recharge the electric vehicle via a charging station or a home outlet. The charging speed depends on the power of the power source, the cable used, and the conversion capacity of the on-board charger.

 

PHEV

A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) is a hybrid car with a battery pack that can be plugged in to charge it up. PHEVs have both a petrol or diesel combustion engine and an electric motor. However, the battery pack that powers a PHEV’s motor is larger than that of a standard hybrid, and this means the car run for longer on pure electric power alone.

 

Preconditioning

Preconditioning allows electric vehicle owners to heat or cool the cabin in advance. This function can be activated or scheduled directly from the car or remotely via the MyCitroën app.

In winter, preconditioning offers two key benefits: the driver enters a pre-heated car, and battery range is optimized by reducing the impact of cold temperatures. In summer or during extreme heat, the air conditioning system ventilates the cabin for comfort.

When the vehicle is plugged in, preconditioning draws power from the outlet, preserving battery energy for the journey.

 

Range

The range of an electric vehicle refers to the distance it can travel between two full battery charges.

This range is evaluated according to the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) protocol, used in most countries. However, the actual range can be influenced by several factors, such as driving conditions (road, speed), the use of air conditioning, or the outside temperature.

 

Regenerative braking

Regenerative braking is one of the main advantages of electric cars. It involves capturing the kinetic energy generated during braking and deceleration to partially recharge the battery, while also reducing brake pad wear. By selecting mode B, the engine braking effect is increased for greater energy recovery.

 

Reinforced socket

A reinforced socket is a specialized electrical outlet designed to handle higher power loads than a standard household socket, making it a common alternative for home EV charging when a wall box is not installed. It is typically less expensive and simpler to install than a wall box, but slower charging speeds (up to 3.7 kW) mean it may cost more over time due to extended charging durations. Additionally, a dedicated charging cable is required.

 

RFID Charging card

Each charging station network has its own subscription card. If you don’t want to carry multiple subscription cards, there are mobility operator cards that are "interoperable," meaning they can be used with several networks. This is the case with Free2Move Charge, our partner for charging solutions.

 

Single-phase vs three-phase

Alternating current (AC) from the public grid can be supplied to homes in either single-phase or three-phase form. In most countries, the vast majority of households receive single-phase current. Three-phase current is reserved for high-consumption homes, businesses, and industries. To access it, you need an adapted electrical installation, a specific meter, and a corresponding subscription.

Three-phase current allows the installation of a wall box with a power rating above 7 kW, enabling faster charging of an electric car. However, the vehicle must be equipped with an onboard charger compatible with three-phase current. Otherwise, it will only charge at lower power levels.

 

SoC (State of Charge)

The SoC (State of Charge) refers to the amount of charge remaining in the battery, typically displayed as a percentage, ranging from 0% (completely discharged battery) to 100% (fully charged battery). It is essentially the electric vehicle equivalent of a fuel gauge.

 

SoH (State of Health)

The SoH refers to the state of health of a battery and is the main indicator measuring its level of degradation. Expressed as a percentage, the SOH evaluates the level of wear of an electric car battery - it is calculated by comparing the maximum capacity of the battery at a given time to the maximum capacity when it was new. A document indicating the state of health of your battery is given to you if you subscribe to an extended warranty or a maintenance contract.

 

TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)

The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compares the costs of owning and operating a vehicle over time, factoring in purchase price, fuel/charging, maintenance, and financing. While the upfront cost of an electric vehicle is higher than for an internal combustion engine vehicle, government incentives help reduce this, and EVs generally have lower operating costs due to cheaper electricity and less maintenance. Additionally, EVs tend to depreciate slower, as they are increasingly in demand, unlike petrol or diesel cars, which will be phased out in the near future.

 

Total (installed) capacity

The total capacity of a battery refers to the maximum amount of energy it can store to ensure long-term performance and reliability for the customer. This value is measured in kWh.

In other words, the total capacity represents the entire energy stored in the battery, while the usable capacity is the amount of energy available for driving.

 

Trip Planner

The Trip Planner is a valuable tool for long trips in an electric car. It uses algorithms to suggest optimized routes based on distance and available charging points along the way. When connected to the vehicle, such as with Citroën's e-Routes app, these tools can account for real-time energy consumption and adjust charging locations and durations during the journey.

 

Turtle mode

Turtle Mode is a feature specific to electric vehicles, designed to help you when your EV's battery is almost empty. Instead of stopping suddenly and leaving you stranded on the highway, your vehicle will automatically enable Turtle Mode. This will result in a dramatic reduction in power and the speed that you are able to maintain, but it will allow you to pull over safely.

Turtle Mode activates automatically when the car’s battery is almost out of charge. By then, your car will have given you enough acoustic and visual signals to let you know your battery is almost empty.

 

Type 2

The Type 2 connector is the standard plug for charging electric vehicles in Europe, compatible with most EVs and public charging stations. It supports single-phase and three-phase AC charging. Known for its safety features and reliability, it is widely used for efficient charging. They have an oval shape and seven pins.

 

Type E/F

Type E/F sockets are standard electrical outlets used in many European countries, operating at 230V and up to 16A. They are commonly used for household appliances and basic EV charging, though charging is slow.

 

Usable capacity

The usable capacity refers to the amount of energy in the battery that can be actually used. It determines the actual distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. This value is measured in kWh.

Usable capacity can be affected by several factors, such as temperature, battery age, and charge/discharge cycles.

 

Wall box (Wallbox)

A wall box is a dedicated charging station installed at home or workplaces to recharge electric vehicles (EVs) more efficiently than a standard socket. It delivers faster charging, typically offering power between 3.7 kW and 22 kW, depending on the setup. Wall boxes are safe, user-friendly, and often equipped with smart features like energy monitoring and scheduling.

 

WLTP

WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) is a global standard for measuring fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and driving range in vehicles, including electric cars. It simulates real-world driving conditions more accurately than previous methods, providing more reliable and comparable data. WLTP helps consumers understand a vehicle's performance and range under typical driving scenarios.