Glossary
Technical terms used across the database, with short definitions and a link to the related page for each.
- E-CVT
- An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission used in hybrids; it blends engine and motor power without fixed gear steps. Related page →
- DCT
- Dual-clutch transmission: two clutches pre-select gears for fast, near-seamless shifts. Related page →
- AT
- Automatic transmission using a torque converter; smooth and widely used. Related page →
- CVT
- Continuously variable transmission; stepless ratios via a belt-and-pulley system for smooth, efficient running. Related page →
- DSG
- Volkswagen's brand name for a dual-clutch transmission (a type of DCT). Related page →
- RWD
- Rear-wheel drive: engine power is delivered to the rear wheels. Related page →
- FWD
- Front-wheel drive: engine power is delivered to the front wheels. Related page →
- AWD
- All-wheel drive: power is distributed to all four wheels, improving traction. Related page →
- kWh
- Kilowatt-hour: the unit of battery energy capacity. Higher kWh generally means more electric range. Related page →
- CLTC
- China Light-duty vehicle Test Cycle: the Chinese driving-cycle standard used for range and efficiency figures. Related page →
- NEDC
- New European Driving Cycle: an older European test standard, often more optimistic than real-world figures. Related page →
- EREV
- Extended-range electric vehicle: driven by an electric motor, with a small combustion engine acting only as a generator to recharge the battery. Related page →
- BEV
- Battery electric vehicle: pure electric, no combustion engine. Related page →
- PHEV
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle: an engine plus an externally rechargeable battery. Related page →
- HEV
- Hybrid electric vehicle: an engine plus a self-charging battery, not plug-in. Related page →
- ICE
- Internal combustion engine: petrol or diesel powered. Related page →
- DM-i
- BYD's plug-in hybrid system, a series-parallel architecture with a dedicated hybrid engine. Related page →
- LHD
- Left-hand drive: steering wheel on the left, standard in most export markets. Related page →
- RHD
- Right-hand drive: steering wheel on the right, required in markets such as Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria. Related page →
- Trim
- A specific equipment and configuration level of a model, with its own powertrain and specifications. Related page →