Glossary

The ABI is a trade association made up of UK insurance providers that offers consumer advice, while working with the government on regulation and policymaking. Its aims are to promote clarity, best practice and competition within the insurance industry. The ABI is also involved in recommending .

Detects when wheels are locking under hard braking and rapidly releases brake pressure to that wheel to maintain steering control.

An electric current that reverses direction at regular intervals.

More advanced version of cruise control that automatically adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance from the vehicle in front.

Uses cameras and sensors to detect imminent collisions and applies braking to avoid or lessen impact. May also provide audible warning.

Unit of electric current.

The annual rate of interest charged on any finance agreement or loan. Must be displayed on finance deals.

An automatic system that can divert power to all four wheels when needed for better traction in slippery conditions.

A liquid additive for diesel engines that helps convert harmful exhaust emissions into less harmful ones. It is stored in a separate tank and needs occasional topping up.

An upfront payment made at the start of a car lease agreement, typically up to 50% of the total rental cost. There is no cap on the amount for personal contract purchase agreements.

Opening up the hard shoulder as an active traffic lane to provide extra capacity, with overhead signs controlling speeds.

A change to the terms and conditions of your original car insurance policy.

How many miles you expect to drive in a year. If you use your car for business, your insurance provider may want you to detail how much you use your car for work, and how much for everyday errands. Your is one factor that affects the cost of your car insurance.

How much you’ll pay for your car insurance if you decide to pay for the full year up front. If you’re able to do so, could save you money.

Someone your insurance provider recommends using to fix your car and assess the damage after you’ve made a claim on your car insurance. You don’t have to use an approved repairer, but if you don’t, you might have to pay an extra charge. If you do use an , you’ll often get an extended guarantee (usually three years) on the work.

A conventional 12-volt battery in electric cars that powers systems like the alarm, lights, and central locking.

A rental agreement allowing a business to lease a vehicle for a fixed time without owning it.

A 100% battery-powered Electric Vehicle that runs purely on electric power, stored in an on-board battery that is charged from mains electricity (typically at a dedicated chargepoint).

The tax liability if an employee receives a company car as a job perk, based on the car's value.

Controls how the battery delivers power and recharges.

Large final payment at the end of some finance agreements, optional if you wish to own the car. Reduces monthly payments.

The power source in an electric car, measured in kWh.

Refers to the degradation of the battery over time.

If, when your car’s repaired, it’s worth more than it was when you bought it, your insurance provider might ask you to pay something towards the cost of those repairs. This is called a betterment charge.

Technology fitted to monitor driving behaviour, particularly for new drivers. Data may reduce insurance costs.

If you have black box, or , a small box is attached to your car to monitor your driving. It measures how you drive, for example how you brake and take corners, as well as your speed. The data is sent back to your car insurance provider. If you drive well, your insurance provider could charge you less for your premium. This can be useful for facing expensive car insurance quotes.

Businesses can claim back some of the VAT paid on lease rentals and service agreements if the vehicle has any private use. Blocked VAT refers to the adjusted total after VAT is reclaimed.

Allows wireless connection between car and phone to make handsfree calls and stream music.

gives you roadside assistance if your vehicle breaks down while you’re out and about. A trained professional will come out to where you’re stranded to either fix your car at the roadside and get you back on your way, or tow your car to a nearby garage for more extensive repairs.

An independent intermediary that sells insurance on behalf of different insurance companies. A can be useful if you need a specialist policy.

This quick charging system allows for charging capacities up to 50 kW at appropriate public charging stations. Compatible with various manufacturers like BD Otomotive, Citroën, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Subaru, Tesla (with adaptor), and Toyota.

Carbon dioxide produced as a by-product of burning fuel in a car's engine. Contributes to climate change so carmakers aim to reduce CO2 emissions.

Simplified auto gearbox with no fixed gears. More efficient than conventional automatic transmissions.

A car with a retractable roof that can fold away, allowing it to convert from a closed car to an open-top car. Also known as a convertible.

Subscriptions allow canceling with short notice, often only 30 days. Much more flexible than leases.

If you end your car insurance policy early, you may be . This should be detailed in your policy documents. If your because they find that you’ve given false or misleading information, this could mean higher car insurance premiums in the future.

This is a fixed charge you’ll pay towards a claim. There are two types of excess – compulsory and voluntary.

Your car insurance documents detailing the terms and conditions of your contract. There are three types of car insurance policy: Third Party, Compehensive and Third party, fire and theft.

A service that allows customers to subscribe to use a car for a monthly fee, rather than buying or leasing.

Refilling an electric car's battery with electricity.

Replenishing an electric car's batteries, categorized into public and home charging.

The location where electric vehicles can be plugged in and charged, whether at home, work or in a public accessible location.

How quickly electricity is sent from a charger to an EV, measured in kW.

An element of infrastructure that safely supplies electric energy for the recharging of electric vehicles, also known as an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment).

A dedicated EV chargepoint installed at home.

If you have an accident and want your insurance policy to cover the cost of repairing the damage, the formal application you’ll make to your insurance provider is called a claim.

Class of use covers how you intend to use your car. There are three groups: Social, Domestic and Pleasure (SDP), Social, Domestic, Pleasure and Commuting (SDP+C), and Personal Business use (SDPC+Business use).

Insurance providers have their own definitions of what constitutes a ‘classic car’. In some cases, an insurance provider may consider your car classic if it was built more than 15 years ago. Meanwhile, your car may be eligible for a ‘historic vehicle’ road tax exemption if it was built or first registered more than 40 years ago.

When a business leases a vehicle to be used by multiple employees for work purposes only, with no personal use allowed.

It's also known as fully comprehensive – is the highest level of cover. It insures you for damage to your own car, as well as any other cars you might damage in an accident.

Compulsory car insurance excess is the fixed amount that you must pay towards any claim you make on your car insurance policy. This amount is set by the insurance provider and is a non-negotiable part of the policy. Essentially, it's the portion of the claim that you are responsible for paying before the insurance company covers the rest.For example, if you have a compulsory excess of £100, and the repair costs for a claim come to £500, you would pay the first £100, and your insurance provider would cover the remaining £400.The purpose of compulsory excess is to deter small or frivolous claims and to share some of the risks with the policyholder, which can lead to reduced premiums.

A device attached to the cable from an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) that connects to an electric vehicle allowing it to charge.

The length of time a vehicle is leased for, typically 24, 36 or 48 months. The shorter the term, the higher the monthly payments.

Variable speed limits and lane closures are controlled by overhead gantry signs to manage traffic flow.

A four-digit code that is put on the driving licence and record of a motorist who is convicted of a motoring offence. Each offence has a different code and may include a certain number of penalty points. For example, if you’re convicted of ‘driving without due care and attention’, you’ll get the code CD10 on your licence and between 3-9 penalty points. These ‘endorsements’ may stay on your driving record for 4 or 11 years, depending on the offence.

A car with a sloping roofline and typically two doors. Often more stylish and sporty than a saloon car.

If you have an accident or your car breaks down, your insurance provider could offer you a courtesy car. You can drive the courtesy car until your car is repaired. It’s often included in a comprehensive car insurance policy, but might not be, so always check with your provider.

A document that is provided as a temporary proof of cover while your official insurance policy and certificate of motor insurance are being prepared by your insurance provider.

Warns driver of traffic approaching from sides when reversing, especially out of parking spaces with limited visibility.

A car that combines elements of an SUV with a regular family car. Usually higher and more spacious than a hatchback but smaller than an SUV.

Maintains vehicle at constant speed set by driver, without needing to press accelerator. Makes motorway driving easier.

An illegal and dangerous practice of welding two halves of written-off cars together to create one driveable car. Best avoided.

This is a term that was used in insurance policies to describe events such as natural disasters. It’s no longer used - instead policies will simply set out what is and isn’t covered.

A car where power is supplied to all four wheels for improved traction on loose or slippery surfaces.

Provides digital quality radio reception with more stations and information displayed.

An electric current of constant direction.

The fastest (high powered) way to charge electric vehicles quickly with an electrical output ranging from 50kW – 120kw. This will fully charge an average electric car in 30 to 40 minutes.

Volkswagen's dual-clutch automatic gearbox for faster gearchanges via steering wheel paddles or gear lever.

Shows estimated driving range remaining before refuelling needed. Displayed on dashboard.

DVLA stands for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. The DVLA is the part of the UK government responsible for keeping the records of UK drivers, collecting vehicle excise duty (VED) and issuing driving licences.

Also known as shock absorbers. Cushion the car's suspension system from bumps in the road to improve ride comfort.

An independent financial information and research business that aims to help consumers make informed decisions about financial products. Defaqto gives star ratings to financial products, on a scale of one to five, so that customers can easily compare them.

Some car subscription services offer delivery of the vehicle to the customer's home or office.

A discount or cash contribution provided by a manufacturer to reduce the upfront deposit required on a finance deal.

The loss in a vehicle's value over time. Depreciation is calculated as the difference between the purchase price and projected residual value at the end of the lease term.

Chargers found at journey endpoints like supermarkets and hotels.

If the same person has more than one insurance policy on the same vehicle at the same time, this is called double or dual car insurance. It often happens as a result of automatic renewal or overlapping policies.

Motors that turn the wheels of the car.

Background check on driver's record including DMV reports, credit checks and sometimes interviews.

Under the duty of disclosure, it’s your responsibility to inform your insurance provider straight away of any changes to your personal circumstances, such as moving house or changing vehicles.

Hard shoulder opened at busy times as an extra lane with overhead signs setting speeds.

Although the electric motor of a PHEV always drives the wheels, EREVs feature an auxiliary power unit, usually an internal combustion engine, that acts as a generator to recharge the battery when it runs out.

Detects loss of grip or skidding and automatically brakes individual wheels and/or reduces engine power to regain control and stability.

Short for electric vehicle, including cars, vans, trucks, etc. A car that runs solely on electricity, stored in batteries, to power electric motors. Produces zero exhaust emissions.

A safety protocol that enables two-way communication between a charging station and electric vehicle. It controls the safe current flow between the charger and the EV.

Parking brake operated by an electric switch rather than manual lever. Often engages automatically when engine switched off.

Background and driver history checks, minimum age requirement, license verification required.

After subscription term ends, vehicle is returned. No obligation to buy like a traditional lease.

This is an extra clause that changes the standard cover the car insurance policy provides. For example, you could get an endorsement on your policy if you change your car part way through your policy. Note that endorsement could also refer to the penalty points added to your driving record if you’re convicted of a motoring offence.

An independent body that crash tests new cars and publishes safety ratings to help buyers choose safer cars. Uses a 5 star rating system.

If the agreed annual mileage limit is exceeded, an excess mileage charge must be paid, calculated in pence per mile. Allows for higher usage.

There are specific things that insurance providers won’t pay out for. These exclusions should be clearly set out in your policy terms and conditions.

A vehicle that uses a fuel cell, usually hydrogen-based, to generate electricity that runs an on-board motor.

An electric vehicle that uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, rather than batteries. The hydrogen and oxygen react in the fuel cell to produce electricity to power the motors.

A record of all servicing and repairs carried out throughout a vehicle's lifetime, providing confidence in its maintenance.

Industry standard guide on acceptable condition for returned lease vehicles, considering age and mileage. Ensures vehicles are not unfairly penalised.

A claim made when an accident is your fault and you’re liable for the damage. Or it could be that the accident isn’t your fault but there’s no one to claim against. For example, a deer jumps into the road, or another driver causes the accident then drives off. If this is the case, it counts as a fault claim and you might be liable to pay for repairs. You could also lose your no claims discount.

Car subscriptions allow flexibility to change vehicles with shorter terms than traditional leases.

Fronting is a type of insurance fraud and is illegal. It usually happens when a younger driver names an older, more experienced, person as the main driver on their insurance policy to keep the premium down, even though it’s the younger driver who drives the car the most.

A satellite navigation system that uses signals from satellites to determine the car's precise location. Provides driving directions.

A car that integrates a small battery and an electric motor to enhance the efficiency of the engine. The battery's charge is maintained by the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) engine — it cannot be charged by plugging into an electrical supply. Hybrids offer greater fuel economy than a traditional ICE but can only travel very short distances on electric power only.

Projects key driving data like speed onto the windscreen within driver's line of sight, keeping their eyes on the road.

A system that warms the air in an EV.

A finance deal to spread car payments over time. You hire the vehicle before owning it fully with a final payment.

A vehicle history check that reveals past owner, mileage, repairs, outstanding finance etc. Strongly recommended when buying a used car.

Charging at home, often using a wallbox.

Measurements of an engine's power output and braking power. More horsepower means faster acceleration.

A car with both an electric motor and a petrol or diesel engine.

A petrol or diesel car that also contains an electric motor and battery, allowing it to drive short distances on electricity alone. Improves fuel economy and reduces emissions compared to a regular combustion engine.

The technical name for the gas-powered engine in most cars, SUVs, and trucks.

Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) is a tax on all insurance policies. It’s automatically included in the premium price.

Electronic security device to disable engine unless correct key used. Prevents vehicle theft.

A vehicle that was made outside of the UK and not intended for sale in the UK, that is then imported into the UK. If you are importing a vehicle into the UK, you’ll need to tell HM Revenue and Customs, pay any required tax and import duties, get the vehicle approved and register it with the DVLA.

Many governments offer incentives to encourage buyers to choose an electric car. Incentives for EVs can include grants towards the purchase price, free parking, zero road tax, low company car tax and exemption from city emissions and congestion charges.

This ensures you won’t lose out financially after an accident. So if your car is damaged, you’ll still be in the same financial position you were before it happened.

The amount your car is insured for.

Secure points for child seat fittings, for simple and safe installation.

The weight of a car including fluids but excluding cargo or passengers. Used to calculate payload capacity.

Units for measuring electricity flow and battery size.

Combines leasing with a final 'balloon' payment if you wish to take ownership of the vehicle.

The contracted duration of the vehicle lease agreement, typically 12, 24, 36 or 48 months. The shorter the term, the higher the monthly payments.

The legal owner of a car is the person who paid for it. This won’t necessarily be the same as the registered keeper of the car, who is the person who keeps and uses it. Company cars are an example of when the legal owner and the registered keeper may be different.

The person or business leasing the vehicle from the finance provider. Makes the regular payments.

The leasing company or finance provider that owns the vehicle and leases it out to a customer for a fixed term.

On-site circuit/outlet delivers 110-120V of alternating current. Typically, a “cord set” is used to connect to a 120V wall outlet at 15, 20 or 30 amps, which usually comes with the EV. The low power flow leads to long recharge times.

Level 2 supplies 240V, like what an electric dryer or oven uses. It goes through a box and a cord that improves safety by waiting to send power to the plug until it’s plugged into an EV.

Energy efficient headlights that use multiple small LED bulbs rather than a single filament. Give whiter light for better visibility.

The price a car is first advertised at by the dealer, prior to any discounts or negotiations.

The current standard in electric vehicle batteries, offering good energy density, power, and fast charging ability. The life of a lithium-ion battery is estimated to be the same as the life of the car (eight to ten years). After 10 years, a lithium-ion battery is expected to be 80% still efficient, so they will still be usable – replacement will be a choice, not a requirement.

An electric vehicle with an extended driving range on a single charge, typically over 200 miles. Achieved by larger battery capacity.

Someone who investigates claims on behalf of an insurance provider to make sure it’s a legitimate claim, and to ensure that the insurance provider isn’t paying out more than they should.

The Motor Insurance Database (MID) is a national database of all the cars registered in the UK. It’s used by the police and the DVLA to check drivers are insured.

This is whoever drives the car most, not necessarily who owns it. This is worth noting if your teenager drives your car more than you do, for example. If that’s the case, you’ll need to make sure they’re named as the main driver on your policy, or you could be guilty of .

Base price of a vehicle before any options, discounts or taxes are added. Used to calculate on-the-road price.

This is the price your car would sell for on the open market now. Your car’s market value is likely to be less than you bought it for. When you take out car insurance, you’ll usually give the price you paid for the car as its value. But if your car is written off and you make a claim, your pay-out will be for its market value.

The make or brand of a vehicle e.g. Ford, Vauxhall, BMW.

Some car subscription services offer membership tiers with differing pricing and vehicle options.

Monthly mileage limits vary by car subscription plan, extra fees may apply above the limit.

The distance a car can travel on one gallon of fuel. The higher the MPG, the more fuel efficient the car is.

A measure of efficiency, similar to miles per gallon.

Annual test checking vehicles meet legal standards for roadworthiness and emissions. Required in UK for vehicles over 3 years old.

Allows smartphone apps and functions to be displayed and controlled through the car's infotainment system.

Mobile apps allow subscribers to manage their subscription, swap vehicles, schedule deliveries.

Any changes you make to your vehicle’s ‘factory settings’, such as alloy wheels, tinted windows, changing the engine, adding spoilers or lowering the suspension, are classed as modifications. You’ll need to tell your insurance provider about any modifications and in some cases you may need .

A car designed to carry more than 5 passengers, with flexible seating arrangements and often sliding rear doors for easy access. Larger than a normal saloon car.

A (NCD), also known as a no claims bonus (NCB) is the discount you’ll receive on your premium if you don’t make a claim. The discount is calculated every year when you renew. The policy has to run for a full year before you can earn that year’s discount.

A is an additional driver who’s been added to a car insurance policy, for example your partner or child.

Car subscriptions typically don't require a large down payment like financing a car purchase would.

Car subscriptions don't require a long-term contract like a lease. Plans are month-to-month.

A non-fault claim is when your insurance provider can recover the total cost of a claim from the person responsible for the accident.

Government agency for electric cars.

The Ogden rate is a discount rate applied to the lump sum that insurance providers pay out to people who have suffered extreme personal injury. The rate is meant to reflect the likely return on the money that person should receive if they invest the lump sum, and it can have a significant impact on the price of car insurance premiums.

Here are some common optional car insurance extras in the UK:Breakdown Cover: Provides roadside assistance and recovery if your car breaks down. This can include services like towing to a garage, on-site repairs, or even a replacement vehicle.Legal Expenses Cover: Covers legal costs if you need to pursue compensation from another driver or defend yourself against a motoring prosecution.Courtesy Car Cover: Offers a temporary replacement vehicle if your car is being repaired following a claim. This ensures that you still have transportation while your vehicle is out of commission.Personal Accident Cover: Provides financial support if you or a passenger are injured or killed in an accident. This can include payouts for medical expenses, loss of limbs, or permanent disability.Windscreen Cover: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing your car's windscreen, windows, or sunroof if they are damaged.No Claims Discount Protection: Allows you to make a certain number of claims without affecting your no-claims bonus, which can help you maintain lower premiums in the future.Key Cover: Provides assistance if you lose your car keys or they are stolen. This can include the cost of replacing the keys and the locks.Excess Waiver: Reduces or eliminates the amount you have to pay as excess in the event of a claim.Gap Insurance: If your car is written off, gap insurance covers the difference between the amount your car insurer pays and the amount you originally paid for the car or the amount remaining on a car loan.Misfuelling Cover: Protects you if you accidentally put the wrong type of fuel in your car, covering the cost of draining and cleaning the fuel system.European Cover: Extends your coverage to other European countries, handy if you plan to drive abroad.Enhanced Personal Belongings Cover: Covers personal items in your car, such as a phone or laptop, if they are stolen or damaged.These optional extras allow you to customise your car insurance policy to fit your particular needs and lifestyle.

A type of car that is configured like a traditional hybrid, but with a bigger battery pack that can be charged by plugging into an EVSE. PHEVs offer the chance to make short journeys on cheap, zero-tailpipe-emission electricity, but also enable long journeys.

When you trade in your old car to a dealer in exchange for them reducing the purchase price of your new car by the part exchange value.

The dates an insurance policy is valid for.

A long term rental agreement where you pay monthly for the use of the car but never own it.

Pay an initial deposit and low monthly payments for an agreed term, with an optional final payment to take full ownership.

When an individual leases a vehicle for their sole personal use. Cannot be used for business purposes and only one named driver.

When different models of vehicles share major structural components and parts, reducing manufacturer costs.

A now-ended government-funded discount for new electric cars.

A hybrid car with a larger battery that can be charged from the mains electricity, allowing it to drive further in electric mode compared to a standard hybrid.

A car with an engine and an electric motor, with batteries that can be charged externally.

Points are added to your driving licence when you’re convicted of a motoring offence, such as speeding or driving under the influence. The number of points awarded reflects the severity of the crime. Points stay on your licence for 4 or 11 years, depending on the offence. If you’re given 12 or more penalty points in a three-year period, you can be disqualified from driving.

This is part of the insurance contract and sets out details of your policy. It shows the period of insurance, car details and information about the policy excess.

The person who took out the car insurance policy.

Warming the cabin while the car is plugged in to save battery.

How much you’ll pay for your insurance policy. This is usually paid via direct debit either monthly or annually. Check out our to find out what will affect the cost of your car insurance premium.

Some tiers may allow access to luxury or specialty vehicles for a higher subscription fee.

Over 30,000 public chargepoints across the UK.

The fixed price at which the leasing company will sell the vehicle to the lessee at the end of certain lease agreements. Purchase is mandatory if exercised.

A vehicle powered solely by electric motors using power provided by on-board batteries.

When a starts with the letter Q, it means that the car is either a ‘kit car’ or has undergone radical modifications. Drivers of cars with may need to look for specialist car insurance cover.

The distance you can travel on pure electric power before the battery requires a recharge.

This refers to the anxious feeling of operating an electric vehicle with the fear of running out of battery charge while driving.

An electric car with a small engine that acts as a generator.

These are the factors that insurance providers look at when they’re calculating your premium. Rating factors include your age, your address, your job, what car you drive, your claims history and if you have any motoring convictions.

Engine power is sent to rear wheels only, unlike front wheel drive cars. Improves handling in dry conditions.

Rewards or account credits for referring new subscribers to the service.

Using braking energy to add charge back into the battery.

The registered keeper of a car is the person who uses it and keeps it. They’re also responsible for the car as far as the police and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are concerned, and their details will be on the V5 registration document. The registered keeper isn’t necessarily the same person as the legal owner of the car – the owner is the person who paid for it. Think of a company car, for example. This is why the V5 document isn’t considered evidence of ownership.

An option for a temporary replacement vehicle if the leased vehicle is off road for repair. Provided by the leasing company.

Mobile apps may allow remote locking/unlocking, starting vehicle, location monitoring and theft alerts.

The date when your current car insurance period ends, is when it’s up for renewal. Your insurance provider should send you a renewal notice to remind you when it’s time to renew. Some insurance providers offer , but it’s a good idea to shop around before the renewal date to make sure you’re still getting the best deal.

The estimated value of the vehicle at the end of a finance contract, used to calculate monthly payments.

Insurance providers calculate your insurance premium by looking at risk factors and is one of them. Your risk address is the place where you normally keep your car overnight.

The legislation passed in the Road Traffic Act 1988 means that all drivers in England, Scotland and Wales must have third party motor insurance as a minimum to drive on roads and in other public places

Reinforced tyre that can be driven on for limited time and distance if punctured, allowing you to reach a garage. Cannot be repaired.

The CCS plug is an enhanced version of the type 2 plug, with two additional power contacts for the purposes of quick charging, and supports AC and DC charging power levels (alternating and direct current charging power levels) of up to 170 kW. In practice, the value is usually around 50 kW.

The North American standard for electrical connectors for electric vehicles.

SORN stands for . If you want to take your car off the road for a while and you don’t want to pay road tax or insurance, you must apply for a SORN. The car must be kept on private property though. If you want to keep it on a public road, it would have to be taxed and insured.

The amount of money an insurance provider is willing to pay out if a claim is successful.

Internet-connected charging that can optimize for grid demand or tariffs.

Use of technology to monitor traffic and dynamically manage speed limits and lane closures. Aims to reduce congestion.

A large car with high ground clearance for optional off-road ability. Usually with 4 wheel drive. More spacious than a hatchback and with a higher driving position.

The amount of electricity in the car's battery.

A form showing all the information you’ve given to your insurance provider. A statement of fact forms part of your insurance contract.

A declaration to the DVLA that your car is off the road and not being used, meaning you don't have to pay road tax.

The monthly payment made by a customer to access a car subscription service. Typically includes insurance, tax and maintenance.

A small, fuel-efficient car with limited passenger and luggage space. Cheap to run for urban journeys. E.g. Ford Fiesta.

Also known as ‘black box insurance’, involves an in-car device or online app that monitors your driving. The information is relayed back to your insurance provider who may use it to work out your premium. It’s useful for who can sometimes lower the cost of their premium by showing they can drive safely.

Tesla's brand of chargers.

Refers to whether the charger has a permanently fixed lead.

A type of electricity supply that allows for 11kW or 22kW charging at home.

A measurement of rotational force or twisting power produced by the engine and sent to the wheels. Measured in Newton-metres (Nm).

The level of equipment and options fitted to a particular version of a car model. Higher trim levels add more features but increase price.

The type 1 plug is a single-phase plug that allows for charging power levels of up to 7.4 kW (230 V, 32 A).

Triple-phase plug. In Europe, the type 2 plug is the standard plug for charging electric cars. It allows for charging power levels of up to 22 kW (400 V, 32 A).

A car that has official tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions of less than 75g/km, and is therefore eligible for grants and benefits from the UK government.

Underwriters create insurance policies and cover. They decide whether someone is a good risk and worth insuring. They also work out the cost of premiums for insurance providers.

This is a feature on many comprehensive car insurance policies that means you won’t lose your no claims discount and you’ll have your excess reimbursed if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.

If you have an accident that’s not your fault, uninsured loss recovery (ULR) could help you reclaim any money you have to pay out to fix the damage.

Any fees required at the outset of a lease agreement, such as initial rental, deposits and advance rentals. Paid before contract starts.

The concept of using your electric car battery to release power back through the charger either for use in the local building or back into the grid at large during times of high grid demand.

Annual car tax that must be paid to drive your vehicle on UK roads. Also known as road tax. Rates vary by emissions.

A unique serial number assigned to every car during manufacture for identification purposes. Can be found on a dashboard plate or engine block.

Exchanging one subscribed vehicle for another, offered by some car subscription plans.

Sending electricity from an EV to the electricity grid.

Using an EV as a power source for other electrical items.

A digital instrument display behind steering wheel providing driving information, navigation etc.

Compulsory car insurance excess is the fixed amount that you must pay towards any claim you make on your car insurance policy. This amount is set by the insurance provider and is a non-negotiable part of the policy. Essentially, it's the portion of the claim that you are responsible for paying before the insurance company covers the rest.For example, if you have a compulsory excess of £100, and the repair costs for a claim come to £500, you would pay the first £100, and your insurance provider would cover the remaining £400.The purpose of compulsory excess is to deter small or frivolous claims and to share some of the risks with the policyholder, which can lead to reduced premiums.

How much you choose to pay if you make a claim. This is usually agreed when you take out the policy. Having a higher voluntary excess could bring down the cost of your premium (just make sure you can afford both the voluntary and compulsory excess if you have to claim).

The distance between the centre of the front and rear wheels on a car. Longer wheelbases tend to improve ride comfort.

Also known as total loss in insurance terms, a car is ‘written off’ after an accident when it would cost more to repair than it would to replace.

When the cost of repairing a damaged vehicle exceeds its value, the insurance company may declare it a write-off and scrap it.

Intense white headlights using xenon gas. Up to twice as bright as halogen bulbs for better night vision.

A vehicle that emits no tailpipe pollutants from the onboard source of power.