Alternatively fuelled vehicle
A vehicle that runs on fuel other than petrol or diesel – such as electricity, solar power or biofuels – including hybrids.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV)
Often referred to as a “pure electric vehicle” because they’re powered purely by electricity – and nothing else. Instead of a traditional internal combustion engine, a BEV contains a large battery, which is charged by plugging it into the electrical grid. This battery then powers the vehicle’s electric motor.
Charge point
A charging station for battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Charge points come in four main forms: standard, fast, rapid and ultra-rapid.
Clean Air Zone (CAZ)
An area where targeted policies are implemented to reduce air pollution and improve air quality. These policies can include charging drivers to enter the zone if their vehicles do not meet specified emission standards.
Company Car Tax (CCT)
A Government tax on a car received by an employee as a benefit in addition to their salary.
Euro emission standards
These set limits on exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and other pollutants for all new vehicles in the European Union. The latest standards – Euro 6 – apply to cars and small vans registered after 1 September 2015, and larger vans registered after 1 September 2016.
Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme
This offsets 75% of the cost of installing a charge point at home, up to a maximum of £350 (including VAT).
Internal combustion engine (ICE)
In an ICE, the ignition and combustion of the fuel – generally, petrol or diesel – occurs within the engine itself. The engine then uses some of the energy created to power the vehicle’s movement.
New European Driving Cycle
A laboratory-based emissions and fuel consumption test procedure, introduced in the early 1990s and last updated in 1997. It is being replaced by the Real Driving Emissions tests and the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure.
Plug-in Car Grant
This grant currently takes 35% off the cost of new electric cars, up to a maximum of £2,500, provided those cars: a) cost less than £35,000, b) have CO2 emissions of less than 50 grammes per kilometre, and c) can travel at least 70 miles without any emissions.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
Has both an electric battery and an internal combustion engine – however, unlike older hybrids, the electric battery is primarily charged by plugging it into the electrical grid. The plug-in hybrid can then run entirely on the electric battery, entirely on the internal combustion engine, or by using both.
Real Driving Emissions
A new system for testing vehicles’ emissions of oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter. Vehicles are fitted with a Portable Emissions Measurement System and driven for 90 minutes on urban and rural roads, as well as on the motorway.
Ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV)
A vehicle that emits less than 75 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre and can drive for at least 10 miles with no emissions.
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)
An annual Government tax on cars used on the road, based on their fuel types and levels of carbon dioxide emissions.
Workplace Charging Scheme
Offers vouchers worth £350 for each of the first 40 charge points installed by an employer.
Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP)
A new laboratory-based system for testing new vehicles’ CO2 emissions, as well as their fuel consumption. It involves longer tests with more realistic conditions and driving behaviour than the New European Driving Cycle.
Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ)
An area where penalties are imposed on all petrol and diesel vehicles – with only zero-emission vehicles, such as BEVs, left untouched. Oxford City Council is currently trialling a ZEZ in the city centre.