Table of Contents

The Comprehensive Automotive Glossary

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Abbreviation Term Definition
EV Electric Vehicle A vehicle powered by one or more electric motors, using energy stored in rechargeable batteries.
ICE Internal Combustion Engine A traditional engine type that generates power through the combustion of fuel and air.
SDV Software-Defined Vehicle A vehicle where key functions are primarily controlled and enhanced through software, allowing OTA updates and new services.
OTA Over-the-Air Updates Wireless delivery of software updates, maps, and diagnostics to a vehicle without requiring a visit to a dealership.
ADAS Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Electronic systems in vehicles that use sensor data to help the driver with driving and parking functions, enhancing safety.
V2X Vehicle-to-Everything Communication between a vehicle and any entity that may affect the vehicle, including infrastructure, other vehicles, or the cloud.
BMS Battery Management System Electronics that monitor and manage the performance, safety, and lifespan of an electric vehicle’s battery.
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer A company that produces parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer under its own brand.
TCU Telematics Control Unit A component in a vehicle that manages wireless communications for navigation, vehicle tracking, and remote diagnostics.
CAN Controller Area Network A robust vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate without a host computer.
ECU Electronic Control Unit A generic term for embedded systems in automotive electronics that control one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in a vehicle.
AUTOSAR Automotive Open System Architecture A global development partnership that establishes standardized software architecture for automotive ECUs.
HMI Human-Machine Interface The interface that allows interaction between the driver and the vehicle’s digital systems (e.g., touchscreens, voice control).
EOL End-of-Life Vehicle A vehicle that has reached the end of its useful life and is typically dismantled or recycled under circular economy policies.
ASPICE Automotive SPICE A set of process assessment guidelines tailored for the automotive industry, particularly for software development.
ISO 26262 Functional Safety Standard An international standard for functional safety of electrical and electronic systems in production automobiles.
LV 123/124 Low Voltage Testing Standards Automotive testing standards for low-voltage electrical distribution systems in vehicles.
NVH Noise, Vibration, and Harshness A term used to quantify and refine the sound and feel of a vehicle to improve driving experience.
DMS Driver Monitoring System A safety system that uses cameras and sensors to monitor the driver’s attentiveness and detect fatigue or distraction.
C-V2X Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything A communication technology based on cellular networks to allow real-time data exchange between vehicles and their surroundings.
LIDAR Light Detection and Ranging A remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to map distances and objects, essential for autonomous driving.
BEV Battery Electric Vehicle A fully electric vehicle that operates only on battery power, with no internal combustion engine.
PHEV Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle A vehicle that combines a conventional engine with an electric motor and battery that can be recharged via external power.
TCO Total Cost of Ownership The full cost of acquiring, operating, and maintaining a vehicle over its lifecycle, including fuel, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation.
SCR Selective Catalytic Reduction An emissions control technology used in diesel engines to reduce NOx emissions by injecting a urea-based solution into the exhaust stream.
WLTP Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure A global standard for measuring vehicle emissions, fuel consumption, and range.
TPM Tire Pressure Monitoring System A safety feature that alerts the driver when tire pressure is too low, improving efficiency and preventing accidents.
UBI Usage-Based Insurance A type of auto insurance where premiums are based on driving behavior, mileage, and vehicle usage patterns.
HIL Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing A simulation technique used to test ECUs by integrating real hardware with simulated environments.
IVI In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems that combine entertainment and information features for drivers and passengers, including navigation, music, and voice control.

 

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