What does SOC on an electric vehicle dashboard mean?

[LaMackenzie]

SOC on an electric vehicle dashboard represents the State of Charge of the battery, also known as remaining battery level. It indicates the ratio between the remaining dischargeable capacity after the battery has been used for a period or left idle for a long time and its fully charged capacity, usually expressed as a percentage. It is represented by one byte (a two-digit hexadecimal number ranging from 0 to 100), meaning the remaining battery level is between 0% and 100%. When SOC=0, it means the battery is completely discharged, and when SOC=100%, it means the battery is fully charged. The SOC (State of Charge) of a battery reflects its actual available capacity, which is a crucial indicator during the operation of an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle refers to a vehicle powered by an onboard power source, driven by an electric motor to move the wheels, and compliant with all road traffic and safety regulations. Due to its relatively smaller environmental impact compared to traditional vehicles, its prospects are widely regarded as promising. Types of electric vehicles: pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles. Features of pure electric vehicles: Environmental friendliness: Pure electric vehicles use a power battery pack and electric motor for propulsion, producing no exhaust gases or tailpipe emissions during operation, making them highly beneficial for environmental protection and air cleanliness, almost achieving zero pollution. Low noise: Electric vehicles do not produce noise like conventional vehicles, and the noise they generate is almost negligible. Economical: The operating cost of electric vehicles is low, about one-fifth that of gasoline vehicles, with high energy conversion efficiency. They can also recover energy during braking and downhill driving, improving energy utilization efficiency. Charging during nighttime using the grid's low-cost "off-peak" electricity helps balance the grid's peak and off-peak differences. Easy maintenance: Electric vehicles use motors and batteries for propulsion, eliminating the need for the cumbersome maintenance items associated with traditional engines, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and belt changes. Electric vehicles only require regular checks of the motor and battery components. Features of hybrid vehicles: Low fuel consumption: During startup, acceleration, or traffic congestion, the vehicle can be driven solely by the battery, reducing fuel consumption. Low noise: Since it can operate in pure electric mode without engine interference, hybrid vehicles offer quiet, comfortable, and stable driving characteristics, providing a better riding experience for passengers. However, the battery storage capacity is limited, and as it relies on a single battery, it cannot support long-distance driving. The price is relatively higher. Compared to fuel-powered and pure electric vehicles, hybrids are more expensive. By drive type, they can be categorized into series hybrid vehicles, parallel hybrid vehicles, and mixed hybrid vehicles. By degree of hybridization, they can be classified as plug-in hybrids, mild hybrids, and full hybrids. Features of fuel cell vehicles: Nearly zero emissions: The fuel used in fuel cells is hydrogen and oxygen, with the byproduct being clean water. They do not produce CO, CO2, sulfur, particulates, high-temperature reactions, or NOx. If onboard methanol reforming catalysts are used to supply hydrogen, only small amounts of CO and even less CO2 are produced. High energy conversion efficiency: The energy conversion efficiency of fuel cells can reach 60% to 80%, which is 2 to 3 times that of internal combustion engines. Long lifespan: Fuel cells operate silently with no moving parts or vibrations. Their electrodes only serve as sites for chemical reactions and conductive channels, not participating in the reactions themselves, resulting in no wear and a long service life. Wide fuel source availability: Hydrogen fuel can be sourced widely, including from renewable energy, and does not rely on petroleum fuels. Currently, limitations in battery technology and charging infrastructure, such as energy density, driving range, charging speed, and the construction of charging stations, pose constraints. However, pure electric vehicles represent the ultimate direction. Precautions for electric vehicles: For electric vehicles equipped with lithium batteries, it is recommended that owners remove the lithium battery and store it separately if the vehicle will not be used for an extended period. On one hand, removing the lithium battery helps prevent battery drain. Additionally, removing the lithium battery minimizes the overall safety risks of the vehicle. In the event of a lithium battery self-ignition, which could lead to the entire vehicle catching fire, the consequences could be severe.