Glossary

Every abbreviation and technical term on this site, explained in plain language.

• WLTP
• AC and DC
• CCS and MCS
• Laadsnelheid and laadvermogen
• kW, kWh and kWp
• N1, N2, N3 and Euro 6 / Euro VI
• Total cost, residual value and Cheaper from
• AanZET, MIA, SPRILA and ERE's

Charging and electricity

AC and DC: AC means charging with alternating current from a standard charge point, usually more slowly. DC means fast charging with direct current from a fast charger.

CCS and MCS: CCS is the standard fast-charging connector for European trucks and vans. MCS (Megawatt Charging System) is the new connector for heavy trucks, designed to add a lot of charge very quickly during a break.

Charging speed and payload: charging speed is how fast a vehicle or charge point can charge, in kilowatts (kW). Payload is something else: how many kilograms you may carry in the vehicle, as shown on the registration document.

kW, kWh and kWp: kW is how fast electricity flows (power), kWh is how much electricity (the amount in a battery or used per trip) and kWp is the peak output of solar panels.

Grid congestion: the electricity grid in an area is full, so you cannot get a larger connection, or only after a wait.

Vehicle and range

WLTP: the official test method manufacturers use to quote range and consumption. In practice you usually get less, especially in winter and with heavy loads.

Usable battery capacity: the part of the battery you can actually use. Gross is the whole battery; usable (net) is what remains after the margin the manufacturer holds back.

N1, N2 and N3: European weight classes. N1 is up to 3,500 kg (vans), N2 up to 12 tonnes and N3 above that (trucks). Euro 6 and Euro VI are diesel emission standards: Euro 6 for vans, Euro VI for trucks. The higher the standard, the cleaner the vehicle and the longer it may enter zero-emission zones.

Costs and rules

Total costs: All costs of One Vehicle over de tijd dat je het hebt: Purchase min Grant and residual value, plus Energy, Maintenance, Insurance, Road tax and heffing. In de sector heet dit vaak TCO. Residual value is what the vehicle is still worth when you sell it at the end. Electric is cheaper from is the tipping point: for example from how many kilometres a year, or from which diesel price, electric becomes cheaper.

AanZET, MIA, SPRILA and EREs: AanZET is a grant towards a new electric truck, MIA is an extra deduction from your profit, SPRILA is a grant for charge points at your own premises, and EREs are units you can sell for electricity charged into your own vehicles.

Kilometre charge (truck toll): a charge per kilometre driven for trucks over 3,500 kg. Electric trucks pay a lower rate. ETS2 is a European CO2 charge that will be included in the diesel price from 2027. Zero-emission zone: an area in a city centre that only vehicles without emissions may enter.

Finance lease and operational lease: with a finance lease you eventually own the vehicle yourself. With an operational lease the leasing company remains the owner and you pay a fixed monthly amount.