Electric range behaviour

While you consider these hints and tips, it’s important to remember that our advertised range figures are intended as a guide only and are derived from WLTP testing in specific conditions under moderate ambient temperatures. In real-world conditions, your electric range will generally differ due to various factors which may have a positive or negative impact.

Top 3 factors that impact your range

There are a variety of factors that influence your electric vehicle’s range. Examples include environmental influences like temperature and weather; your driving style; the type of driving you’re doing; the vehicle’s condition; traffic conditions; accessories fitted; the weight of a load and systems used like air conditioning and heating.

The three biggest impacts are climate control, outside temperatures and driving styles. But, planning ahead and driving economically will have the most positive impact on your battery's range.

How does the temperature impact my range?

The battery is most efficient when the outdoor temperatures are around 20°C - 30°C. When it is colder outside, the battery requires more energy to get to its optimum. On top of this, you're more likley to use climate control features within the car such as heating, air conditoning and windscreen defrosting features to name a few. 

Unlike combustion engines that use heat energy lost from the engine to warm the car, all the energy comes from the battery. As a result, you may notice an impact in your battery range when temperatures are cooler.

How does heating and air conditioning impact my range?

Most systems in a car, such as heating and air conditioning require electrical power from the battery. This consumes the most energy within your electric vehicle, which can be up to 30% of the cars battery capacity. Try to limit excessive heating or cooling, as the higher the settings, the more battery energy is consumed. It is also recommend to pre-heat or pre-cool your car while it’s on charge.

How do different driving styles impact my range?

Just like a combustion-powered car, the type of driving you’re doing, whether its a long motorway journey or driving in the city, will impact its energy consumption - and therefore its range. With an electric car, it is least efficient at higher speeds as the aerodynamic drag works against the car and becomes proportionately greater, meaning there is more energy required. On the other hand, driving in the city at lower speeds gives your electric car more opportunity to recuperate through braking and coasting, to help extend your range.

How does the Enyaq calculate my range?

The Škoda Enyaq uses previous driving data to estimate your future range. When the battery is full the system reviews the previous 62 miles of driving and uses this to estimate future range. When the battery is nearing empty, the system switches to using the last 6 miles of driving to more accurately predict how much battery you have left based on more recent driving characteristics.

It is for this reason when Enyaq is new it will take some time to accurately predict your range as it needs to understand more about your personal driving habits. It is recommended that you drive at least 300 miles of typical everyday journeys to allow for the car to gather sufficient data to accurately estimate range.

How to enhance your recuperation level

An electric Škoda can recover kinetic energy released during braking and coasting, converting it to an electric charge that’s channeled back to the battery. This is known as recuperation or regenerative braking. Electric vehicles have various recuperation modes, the strength of the braking energy recovery can be adjusted by the driver themselves from maximum deceleration (and recovery) to minimum deceleration with low energy recovery. Selecting a stronger level will increase the recuperation intensity, harvesting more energy, and therefore maximising your range.

In long-distance traffic, the recovery effect is less than in urban and short-distance traffic because the number of braking operations are lower. The greater the regenerative braking intensity, the higher the braking effect (deceleration) and the more intensive the battery charging. 

Best driving modes to save range

The Škoda Enyaq has an economical driving mode which helps maximise your range. ‘Eco’ mode changes settings to the on-board comfort systems (Air-conditioning, heating, etc.) to deliver the longest possible range. You will see a slower reaction of accelerator pedal, limited torque and maximal speed (130 km/h).

Limit heating and air conditioning

Heating and air conditioning can impact your range by as much as 30%. By reducing or turning them off, you can considerably increase your range. Tip: heated seats and heated steering wheels are less power-hungry than the internal heating system; on winter days you may wish to use just these to keep comfortable.

Pre-conditioning whilst on charge

Hetaing or cooling your vehicle while on charge can improve the range significantly. Doing this before you start your trip will minimise the impact on the battery and, with Škoda Connect, you can control this remotely from your mobile phone.

Next steps

Discover our electric range

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Charging your car

Find out everything you need to know about charging your electric Škoda .

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Ever wondered if an electric car would be a good pick for you? Compare your current petrol or diesel car with a selected Škoda EV to find out whether it’s worth your while.