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ELECTRIC CARS FAQ

How many dealerships will be selling electric cars?

All of our dealers will offer electric vehicles. Each of these partners will give you basic information about eMobility and our larger dealerships will have at least one of the models in their showrooms. They should also be able to offer you a test drive in an iV car. (At this stage our iV range consists of plug-in hybrid models.)

Aren’t electric cars dangerous in an accident?

Like conventional cars, electric cars are subject to standard crash tests and have reported good results. Batteries are not explosive in an accident. What’s more, electric cars can also operate without a clutch, a gearbox or engine oil, typical causes of fires in a crash. Overall, they have much fewer components, which further reduce the likelihood of failure. The batteries are completely insulated from the rest of the car, and in the event of an accident, the whole system is disconnected.

Will my EV make any sounds?

This area is now covered by legislation and the SUPERB iV, OCTAVIA iV, and ENYAQ iV models use e-sound.

Is my EV a danger for pedestrians?

As EVs are generally quieter than conventional vehicles, drivers of EVs need to be that little bit more careful at low speeds. Legislation requires that our EVs have an e-sound to ensure that others can hear them, especially in pedestrian zones

What is the general lifetime of an EV?

Various factors come into play here, especially the driving style, car care, and the observance of prescribed maintenance appointments. ŠKODA provides an 8 year or 160,000km (whichever occurs first) warranty on high voltage batteries” as opposed to guaranteeing a battery life of 8 years or 160,000km.

Where will the ENYAQ iV be made?

• The SUPERB iV will be produced in Kvasiny.
• The ENYAQ iV is made in Mladá Boleslav.


Will all components be manufactured in the Czech Republic?

ŠKODA AUTO has invested significant sums in the construction of new infrastructure for electric vehicle production at our plants and in lithium-ion battery manufacture directly in Mladá Boleslav. In addition to electric vehicles, as of 2019 the Mladá Boleslav plant has also produced electrical components for the plug-in hybrid models of several Volkswagen Group brands. As with our conventional models, ŠKODA AUTO will be outsourcing individual parts across our supplier networks.

What is ŠKODA’s future vision for EVs?

Following the SUPERB iV and OCTAVIA iV, we will proudly launch the all-electric ENYAQ iV.

What models will be electrified?

ŠKODA AUTO are preparing several models across our model range for different types of electrification. By 2025, at least 10 ŠKODA models will be purely electric. ŠKODA AUTO will invest two billion euros in the development of electric cars and new services over the next four years.

What is the difference between a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and electric car?

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles combine a classic internal combustion engine with an electric motor which can be recharged from an electrical outlet. The PHEV can be driven in pure electric mode, but the range is limited to 50 to 60 kilometres. A hybrid (HEV) combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, but cannot be charged from an external network. The battery powering the electric motor is recharged solely by driving and is only built for short ranges, especially for starting off. An electric vehicle (BEV) does not have an internal combustion engine. Instead, it powers the car using only a battery, which can be charged from an external power supply.

What’s the difference between an electric car and a plug-in hybrid?

Both types are fitted with a charging socket, but otherwise they’re fundamentally different. The plug-in hybrid, sometimes referred to as a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), combines a classic internal combustion engine with an electric motor which can be recharged from an electrical outlet and from energy recovered while driving. A PHEV can also be driven in purely electric mode, but the range is limited to 30-60 kilometres.

What's the difference in the lifecycle of EVs and hybrids?

There is no fundamental variation in the lifecycle of any of the vehicles, whether they are hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or electric-only cars. The main difference is that hybrids and plug-in hybrids still have engines that rely on petrol, whereas a fully electric car doesn’t generate any emissions as it is completely battery-operated.

Are electric cars reliable?

All of our ŠKODA vehicles are highly reliable, and our electric cars are no exception. We put a lot of effort into producing top-quality vehicles and only build them with reliable parts of the highest standards that have been designed by our hard-working engineers.

Is there any difference in reliability between electric and conventional vehicles?

Generally EVs, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids are as reliable as any other ŠKODA vehicle. Full electric vehicles have fewer moving parts and less operating costs, which is very convenient for you and doesn’t affect our vehicles’ reliability in any way.

Does an EV need extra maintenance?

An EV does not need more maintenance than any other vehicle as regular maintenance and service checks are important for every car to ensure its reliability and safety. Having said that, electric cars don't have oil or transmission fluids that need to be changed, and also have fewer moving parts.

How do I find a car service centre that services electric cars?

All Authorised ŠKODA service centres will be able to service electric cars and hybrids. However, specialised battery repairs can only be carried out by selected service centres. We are currently working on the development and certification of service centres to offer a standard of service in line with what our customers are used to.

What needs to be serviced?

Electric vehicles are not so service-intensive. They have fewer parts that wear out. They do not have spark plugs, cylinders, injection, turbochargers, oil tanks, etc. Therefore, services focus mainly on checking the brake system and voltage or to measure the battery capacity, i.e. the vehicle’s wiring. The details of electric vehicle servicing will depend on the model and its equipment.

Do I save money by buying an EV?

Electric vehicles can definitely save you money in the long term, as the average operating costs are much lower than for conventional vehicles.

How often will my EV need a service and maintenance check?

At ŠKODA, we recommend our customers to have a general service after the car reaches a specific mileage.

What are the regular service intervals?

BEV vehicles require a basic service inspection after 2 years and thereafter every 30,000km or once a year. An extended service inspection is required after 3 years or 60,000km and thereafter every 60,000km or two years. This might differ in some places. PHEV vehicles require a basic service inspection after the standard 12 months or 15,000km timeframe.

Can I do a routine maintenance myself, considering the amount of electronics in the car?

As the vehicle has an electrical system, the specific work that drivers can handle themselves (of the type they are used to with conventional ŠKODA cars) needs to be defined. However, the scope of this activity will be limited as the engine becomes simpler over time. Of course, basic tasks associated with the operation of the vehicle, such as checking the tyre pressure and refilling the operating fluids, will remain. We recommend that you leave everything else to an Authorised Service Centre for a first-class service.

Can I tow a car on a rope?

An electric-motor car cannot be towed on a rope or with a tow dolly. Always use a hydraulic arm and load the car on to a platform when towing is required. You can push the vehicle over short distances, but it must be in neutral and the ignition must be switched on.

Is it better to park an e-vehicle in the shade or in the sun?

No direct sunlight reaches the battery because it is in the vehicle floor. However, cooling down the vehicle requires battery energy, which reduces the range.

What happens if the car is struck by lightning?

The car behaves like a conventional car. A lightning strike is not critical. If the vehicle is being charged, a fuse will trip. In the worst-case scenario, the charger will be destroyed.

What happens when the car drives through high water?

The car behaves like a conventional car. The high-voltage battery is sealed to prevent water penetration.

Can my EV explode in water?

An EV behaves like any conventional vehicle driven through a puddle or high water. The high-voltage battery is sealed to prevent water penetration and you definitely won’t have to worry about unexpected explosions.

Is the battery damaged by magnetic objects, mobile devices or high voltage in the car, or is its performance reduced?

Since the battery is electromagnetically shielded, these items have no negative impact on the battery.

How far can I drive in the winter?

With every generation of electric vehicles, the range for a single charge is getting better and better. The ŠKODA ENYAQ iV anticipates a range of up to 500 kilometres, which is ample for full and unrestricted travel. Just as cars with a combustion engine have slightly higher consumption in winter, electric cars also have to use more energy in cold weather. 

Are ŠKODA EVs value for money?

By launching hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric cars, we want to make electric mobility accessible to everyone. We think our EVs are a great cost-efficient alternative that either generate low emissions or are emission-free. 

Do I save money by buying an EV?

Electric vehicles can definitely save you money in the long term, as the average operating costs are much lower than for conventional vehicles.