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byJewel Lopez/August 23, 2023/inE-mobility, Help & Advice

Your Škoda Charging Guide

Given the numerous advantages that come with driving an electric car (like NZ Government rebates, lower operating costs, and zero emissions, to name a few), getting behind the wheel of an electric car may appeal for many kiwis now more than ever. However, for some, stepping into the electric vehicle era may feel a little overwhelming given all the new things there are to learn about owning an electric vehicle. And chances are, if you’re reading the blog, you’re one of them. Not to worry, we’ll simplify all you need to know about electric car charging such as charging connectors, charging times, and costs.

Continue reading.

Electric car charging is considerably simpler than you may imagine, and eventually it’ll become as second nature as charging your smartphone is. It only requires a few straightforward steps and is as simple as hooking the wire into your car and the charging station. At home, you would use the standard cable supplied with the car, or the plug of an installed wallbox. On the road, there would usually be a cable that’s an integrated part of a charging station.

AC vs DC Charging

Direct current (DC) charging and alternating current (AC) charging are the two different forms of charging an electric vehicle. In contrast to AC charging, which transforms power from a public grid into the necessary direct current, DC charging converts alternating current into direct current prior to reaching the car, permitting a higher output during charging and cuts down charging time.

There are several types of connectors, however the CCS (Combined Charging System) is the common worldwide standard connector used for fast charging and is permanently attached to all DC charging stations.

Charging times

Charging times will vary depending on the charging wattage and the charging connector used.* What distinguishes DC charging from AC charging is an inbuilt inverter and charging times are significantly faster with DC charging. The Enyaq can be charged in under an hour to 80% of its battery capacity (which is the suggested charging level) using a 50kW charger and can take up to an hour and a half to reach its maximum capacity. The Enyaq can charge from 10% to 80% of its capacity in just 29 minutes at 135kW.

Public AC chargers typically have an output range of 3.6 to 22 kW, whereas a three-phase socket or home wallbox can handle outputs of 7.2 to 11 kW. If you’d enjoy the convenience of charging your car at home, we recommend investing in a wallbox as it will significantly speed up the charging time – which is six to eight hours using a normal conventional socket.

When it comes to battery capacity, the basic rule of thumb is to keep the battery between 10% and 80% of its capacity and it’s recommended to charge to 100% only before longer journeys to maintain battery health.

Costs

The cost of electricity varies on local conditions but is still generally lower compared to petrol or diesel prices. The costs of charging at home will naturally vary depending on your electricity provider’s specific electricity rates, and the costs of charging at public charging stations will vary depending on time of day, charging station, and subscription specifics. Electric vehicles must still be serviced on a regular basis, but because they have fewer moving parts than a conventional petrol/diesel vehicle, you may save money on servicing as well. According to the German Automotive Industry Association (IFA), electric vehicle maintenance costs are approximately 35% lower.

Curious to learn more about Škoda iV Battery technology? Click here to learn more. If you’d like to know more or have any queries, please contact our friendly team.

For your information

Electric vehicle/mode ranges are shown using WLTP (real world driving test). This variable is based on driving conditions, style, situation and terrain. The average New Zealander drives approx. 40 km per day.

International models might be shown for illustrative purposes only, and New Zealand specifications may vary.

*It’s important to note that charging times may vary and are also dependent on factors such as the charging equipment used, battery, and car conditions.