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Hybrid & Electric Information

Charging Solutions

How do I charge a plug-in hybrid vehicle?

Using a standard charging cable, plug-in hybrid vehicles can be charged from a conventional 3-pin socket. For a faster charge, you can also use a charging station or a wall charger. The CUPRA CHARGER is equipped with its own charging cable. For public charging stations, you need what is known as a “public AC charging cable” with a “Type 2” plug on both ends. In addition, a plug-in hybrid can also obtain part of its charge via regenerative power.  Learn more about  CUPRA's charging options.

How long does it take to charge the battery?

Charging times may vary depending on factors such as outside temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment and battery and vehicle condition. The specific charging times are detailed in the technical specifications for each available plug-in hybrid model. Learn more about CUPRA's charging options.

What factors affect battery life?

An essential external factor for battery performance and capacity is temperature. For this reason, especially in winter it is necessary to "pre-adjust the temperature" of the car during the charging process, i.e., to heat the battery and the passenger compartment. Or, conversely, cool them in summer. This not only saves energy that can then be used while driving, but also increases efficiency from the start (with a battery at the optimum temperature). In addition, optimised operating strategies in the car minimise temperature effects as much as possible. In addition to temperature, the range also depends on factors related to the user: use of air conditioning, weight of the load, driving style, etc.

Should I recharge my electric vehicle every day?

While many do leave their electric car to charge every night, this can have negative effects on the battery's range and lifespan as is the case with all types of batteries from your phone's battery to your CUPRA's battery. It is recommended that you charge when needing to do so, to ensure that there is enough range in the vehicle for your next journey or configuring the system to charge for a specific amount of time. Learn more about CUPRA's charging options.

What is the difference between kW and kWh for CUPRA vehicles?

Electric car batteries store units of electricity, or kWh, and as you drive they get used up. The term 'kWh' ('kilowatt-hour'), signifies a 'unit of electricity'. The term 'kW' ('kilowatt'), refers to the power rating of charging points. For example, 7.4 kW is normal for a home charger.

How and where can I recharge my CUPRA plug-in hybrid or electric car?

Most users charge their car at home at night, with a wall charger that can be installed in the carport or garage. Others manage to charge the car at work or at public charging stations, which are increasingly easy to find.  A plug-in hybrid can be charged by connecting to an outlet, wall chargers or public charging point. The maximum efficiency of a plug-in hybrid is achieved with the battery fully charged, so you should consider charging at home or at work. It is recommended that the plug-in hybrid car be charged as many times as possible in order to take advantage of the benefits offered by the additional electric motor. Learn more about  CUPRA's charging options.

How long does it take to recharge the battery of a CUPRA plug-in hybrid?

It depends on the source of power you use to charge the vehicle. It could take as little as 30min with a lot of kW. However, If you use 3.7 or 7.4 kW, which is the norm in the home, then a full charge takes about 8 or 9 hours, respectively. Learn more about CUPRA's charging options.

What is the warranty offered by CUPRA for its e-HYBRID battery models?

Usually 8 years or 160,000km, whichever occurs first. You can find all the information regarding this type of warranty in "Electric Vehicle Batteries" here.

When do I charge with AC and DC?

The choice between AC and DC charging depends on your specific needs and the capabilities of your electric car. Many electric cars support both types of charging, giving you full flexibility.

 While DC (direct current) allows fast charging (up to 30 minutes), AC (alternating current) charging takes longer (up to 5 hours) and is gentler on battery life.

Which way of charging (AC or DC ) is better?

It always depends on the situation. DC charging is suitable if you're on longer trips or drive many miles a day and want to recharge your car as quickly as possible. Good to know: If you regularly charge your car with DC, it can affect the performance and condition of the battery.

If fast charging is not a priority for you and you can leave your car in one location for a longer time, AC charging is recommended - e.g. at night or when parking near your workplace.

What do the abbreviations AC, DC and HPC mean?

- AC (alternating current): AC charging uses alternating current (AC) to charge the electric vehicle. Typically, it is slower charging compared to DC charging. Typically, you'll reach speeds of up to 11 kW or even 22 kW with AC charging. This can vary greatly depending on the country and location of the charging station.
 

- DC (direct current): DC charging uses direct current (DC) to charge electric vehicles faster. Charging with DC has a significant advantage over charging with AC, as the battery can store direct current directly without the current having to be converted by your car first. This allows you to achieve much higher charging speeds - typically up to 50 kW.


-HPC (high-power charging): HPC charging is a special form of DC charging that can reach very high charging power. HPC charging stations power often exceeds 150 kW and can reach up to 350 kW or more.

Is my car compatible with any charging station?

Whether you can charge at a charging station depends on the plug type. You can find out which plug types your car supports in the manufacturer's specifications for your vehicle.

Which charging speed does my car support?

If you're not sure which charging speed your car supports, it's best to ask your dealer or check your vehicle's owner's manual. There you will find all the relevant information on the topic of "charging" that applies to your car.

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