- Over 1.4 million Brits are picking up new EV slang as electric vehicle culture expands
- Phrases like “Volt-and-Bolt” and “Ghost Charging” describe real-life charging experiences, issues, and etiquette
- Be.EV has released a slang dictionary to help new drivers navigate the growing EV community
Be.EV has compiled an EV slang dictionary to support the 1.4 million Brits who are confident ‘speaking EV’
With EV sales surging, a new electric language is spreading across the UK’s roads. Over 1.4 million Brits are now using unique EV slang terms. From “Volt-and-Bolt” to “Ghost Charging,” this fresh vocabulary is becoming well-known.
EV drivers are coming up with their own terms to describe the ups and downs of charging life. To help newcomers, Be.EV has compiled a handy dictionary of the most common phrases.
Adrian Fielden-Gray, COO at Be.EV, commented:
“The EV revolution is in full swing and this new subculture of electrifying language proves it. It proves how creative and colourful the EV community is, but we’re aware that this might be confusing for new EV drivers and others considering the transition. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the most common slang we hear at charge points across the UK.”
Some phrases celebrate the speed and convenience of electric cars. For example, “Volt-and-Bolt” means stopping for a quick top-up charge before hitting the road again. Others highlight common problems, like “Bay Blocking” — when someone parks in a charging bay but isn’t charging.
There’s even etiquette slang. “Charger Hogging” calls out drivers who sit on a rapid charger long after their battery is mostly full. And “Ghost Charging” refers to people plugged in but not actually charging, often to avoid parking fees.
The slang also includes useful technical tips. “Yo-Yoing,” for instance, is when a driver accelerates and brakes repeatedly to warm up the battery before charging.
Adrian continued:
“The slang is really simple to understand once you get going in your EV, and includes lots of handy tips on how to get the most out of each charge.
There’s going to be at least 8 million EV drivers by 2030, now is the time for drivers to get ahead of the curve before the whole country starts speaking EV. So, plug in, power up, and prepare to level up your EV lingo with the top slang terms every electric driver needs to know.”
As the EV transition propels forward, with over 68,000 fully electric cars sold last in the UK month alone. Resources like this will be essential to de-mystifying the emobility world, and opening useful phrases for the drivers of the future.
