Step into the world of Citroën's e-Mobility and Easy Electric Life

AC (Alternating Current)

Alternating Current (AC), generated by power plants and distributed through the public grid, is the most common form of electricity.

In electric vehicles, although batteries store energy as Direct Current (DC), AC is used for charging via domestic outlets or standard charging stations. The onboard charger converts AC to DC to power the battery. The charging speed is measured in kilowatts (kW).

 

AC charging

This is the most common charging method for electric vehicles, using alternating current (AC). AC charging is slower than DC fast charging but is more widespread and can be found in many locations, including at home or at work.

 

Battery

The battery of an electric vehicle is the component that stores and redistributes the energy required to power the motor(s). It is made up of electrochemical cells that store energy in the form of electricity. Its capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

 

BEV

A BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) is a type of electric vehicle that is powered entirely by electricity stored in its battery. It has no internal combustion engine (ICE) and operates solely using an electric motor. The battery is charged by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source.

 

Brake (B Mode)

Citroën vehicles feature a "B" or "Brake" mode to activate regenerative braking. You have the option to coast with minimal regeneration in "D" (Drive) mode, or you can activate the "B" mode for a fixed level of regeneration. This mode is particularly useful in cities, where frequent stops help maximize energy recovery.

 

Cable

A charging cable is an electric cable that is used to connect an electric vehicle to a charging station or outlet. The cable is equipped with connectors at each end, which must be compatible with both the vehicle’s port and the charging station’s port.

New Citroën vehicles come with a cable. Depending on the vehicle, it may be a cable compatible with a domestic outlet (domestic cable) or one that allows connection to a wall box or public charging station (Type 2 cable).

On fast and ultra-fast charging stations, the cable is attached and integrated into the equipment. This allows the vehicle to be connected with a single action and to take advantage of very high charging power.

 

CCS

The CCS plug is a combined plug for AC and DC. Alternating current (AC) flows through the upper, round part whereas direct current (DC) is transmitted through the two contacts in the lower part and is also used for high-power charging. It is largely used in Europe.

 

Cell

A battery is made up of several cells, which can be small cylinders similar to regular batteries or plates like those in a smartphone battery. These cells store electricity through chemical elements. They are often grouped into modules, which are then assembled into packs to form the battery, like Russian dolls.

 

Charging curve

Charging an electric car is not done at a constant rate, unlike filling up a fuel tank. It's more like filling a water bottle: initially, the flow is high, but it gradually decreases to prevent overflow. This is also the case with fast charging for electric vehicles, where the flow reduces significantly once the battery reaches 80% charge.

Depending on the type of charging station and the battery’s charge level, the vehicle's software adjusts the power to limit overheating and extend battery life. Each manufacturer defines its own charging curve, aiming to strike a balance between charging speed and battery durability.

 

Charging from 0 to 80%

Between 0% and 80% of its capacity, an electric car battery can generally charge at high power. Beyond that, the charging rate is significantly reduced due to physical limitations. This can be compared to filling a water bottle: the tap is fully open when the bottle is empty but is gradually closed as it nears the neck to prevent overflow. This is why manufacturers often highlight the "0 to 80% charging speed," especially for fast and ultra-fast chargers.

 

Charging modes

Mode 2 cables are designed to connect an electric vehicle to a standard domestic socket. These cables come equipped with an in-cable control box which ensures safety during charging by automatically shutting off power in case of overheating or overloading.

Using a Mode 3 cable, you can connect directly to a wall box or a public charging point, increasing the charging power to 7.4 kW or 11 kW depending on the vehicle chosen.

Mode 4 is for ultra-fast charging using direct current (DC) to charge the car’s battery directly. It is typically employed at public fast-charging stations, such as those located in parking lots and along highways.

 

Charging power

Charging power is the actual electrical power used to charge the car's battery from a socket or charging station, measured in kW. The higher the charging power, the faster the battery charges. However, the actual charging power may be lower than the station's maximum power because the car's system limits it to protect the battery's durability, considering factors like temperature and other conditions.

 

Charging station

A charging station is a location where electrified vehicles can recharge their batteries. These stations provide electrical power through various types of connectors and can be found in various settings such as public spaces, parking lots, homes, and businesses. They can be AC or DC and will charge in different speeds according to the type of current, the power output, the car charging speed capability and the number of Points of Charge that are being used on that station at a given time.

 

Charging time

Charging time refers to the time required to recharge an electric vehicle's battery. Actual charging times and speeds vary depending on the vehicle, the type of charging station used (domestic or public), and factors such as the state of charge (SOC), when the charging begins, driving behaviour and duration before charging (which affects battery temperature), and other variables.

 

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.