1) What is ŠKODA iV?

iV is the new ŠKODA sub-brand for ŠKODA EVs and our connected E-Mobility ecosystem. Amongst other things, this E-Mobility ecosystem is planned to include wall boxes which will allow customers to conveniently recharge their vehicles at home.

2) When will ŠKODA electric vehicles be available?

The first vehicle available under the new ŠKODA iV sub-brand was the SUPERB iV. This vehicle is powered with Hybrid technology combining a 1.4 TSI petrol engine and an 85 kW electric motor creating a maximum power output of up to 218PS. You can learn more about this model here. Following on from this will be the All-New OCTAVIA iV, expected later this year.

Customers may have also had the chance to experience the all electric CITIGOe iV which is unfortunately now closed for new orders but offered a first step into the world of fully electric vehicles with ŠKODA.

More details will follow on the other exciting iV vehicles joining our range soon. To see a glimpse of what the future may hold take a look at our VISION iV here.

3) What are the benefits of having a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)?

Owning a PHEV can provide you with excellent flexibility, offering you the benefit of driving purely electric for shorter journeys but the peace of mind of having a petrol engine for longer trips.

Hybrid vehicles such as the SUPERB iV attract low BiK rates as well as offering companies who provide these hybrid vehicles a 100% tax write-down in the first year, plus lower NI employer contributions.

Please visit the Government website for more information.

4) Where can I learn more about public charging points for my EV?

With new charge points being added regularly, the UK’s charging infrastructure is continuously expanding to meet the growing demand for EVs. As of the 19th March 2020, there are 18,109 devices spread across 11,232 locations, offering a total of 31,391 connectors across the UK (source Zap-Map: [https://www.zap-map.com/]).

Zap Map is a great website (also available as an app) that specifies where chargers suitable to your preferences are available across the entire country.

5) Why do ŠKODA and other brands talk about an 80% charging time?

Typically, Electric Vehicle drivers would charge their car to between 20% and 80%.

Like a mobile phone, charging is quickest the first 20% and once it passes 80% it slows to protect the battery’s longevity.

6) What will happen to my vehicle battery after the vehicle life?

The Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 require batteries to be taken back free of charge on request. ŠKODA UK aim to make sure that high-voltage batteries are disposed of properly. Contact your local ŠKODA retailer for further information.

7) I live in a flat and the cable for charging isn’t long enough to reach my car, can I extend it using an extension cable?

No. Extension cables cannot cope with the power draw required to charge an electric vehicle. If you are unable to find a suitable place to charge at home perhaps consider if you can charge at work, on your day to day journey or at a local public charging point (again, we would recommend using Zap Map to help you with this).

8) Who can I get a home wall box from?

Our recommended wall box provider is currently Pod Point. Please visit the Pod Point website for more information.

9) Can I charge my electric car in the rain?

Yes. The vehicle is designed to be safe whilst charging on rainy days. However, the plugs and sockets are not designed to be immersed in water. Make sure you do not allow excess water to get into the plugs or socket.

10) Can I use an electric vehicle in a car wash?

Yes. Electric vehicles are designed and tested to the same standards as conventional combustion engine vehicles and can be taken through all types of car washes.

11) Is the range of an electric vehicle significantly affected by the cold weather in the winter?

It might surprise you to learn that Norway and Canada are the countries with the most electric car drivers. As with combustion engines, electric motors do consume more energy in the cold; however, there are lots of ways to get around this. Electric cars can be heated via an app, which reduces consumption when driving. Most electric vehicles, including the CITIGOe iV, also come with heated seats, which can be more economical than using the heater to stay warm in the winter months.