“Driving in winter places high demands on modern electric vehicles like the ŠKODA ENYAQ iV. While a model with a combustion engine uses the engine’s waste heat to warm the interior, the energy required for this in an electric vehicle comes from the traction battery. The thermal management of the battery also consumes electricity, which is why the range is reduced. However, by improving the battery temperature control using new software, the optional heat pump and a few simple steps the driver can take, the winter reduction in range can be greatly minimised.”
Axel Andorff, Head of MEB Projects
The ŠKODA ENYAQ iV has an impressive range, making it suitable for everyday use and long-distance journeys. For example, the ENYAQ iV 80 with an 82-kWh lithium-ion battery can travel more than 520 kilometres on a single charge (according to the WLTP cycle). When it is cold, however, the range of electric vehicles is reduced since the battery must be kept within an optimal temperature window by a sophisticated thermal management system. Energy from the battery is used for this as well as for heating the interior. Unlike models with combustion engines, electric models cannot use waste heat for this purpose. The heat pump, which is available as an option for the ENYAQ iV, offers a solution; it compresses CO2 to produce warm air, which heats the interior without drawing energy from the battery.
Improved thermal management of the battery using new software
The ENYAQ iV’s drive battery is kept within an ideal temperature window to enable optimal power output, efficient recuperation and the fastest possible DC charging at fast charging points. A new version of the vehicle software optimises the battery’s thermal management, further extending its range in winter temperatures as well as increasing the battery’s service life. The new software will also be installed in ENYAQ iVs that have already been delivered. ŠKODA guarantees that the battery will still have at least 70 per cent of its original capacity after eight years or 160,000 kilometres. To protect the health of the battery, it is advisable to charge it as often as possible to a maximum of 80 per cent for daily use.
Preparing well for winter driving with the ŠKODA ENYAQ iV
With a few simple tricks, ENYAQ iV drivers can increase the vehicle’s range in winter. When the car is parked in a garage, the battery and the interior do not need to be heated as much as when it is parked outside. In addition, preheating the interior can be programmed or switched on via the MyŠKODA app. If a charging cable is connected during preheating, the ENYAQ iV will not draw any energy from the battery. Before setting off, unused vehicle attachments, such as roof racks, should be removed and the tyre pressure checked. Insufficient air pressure increases rolling resistance and thus energy consumption. Eco mode offers additional savings potential; it reduces the power of the Climatronic and limits the engine output to a top speed of 130 km/h. The driver can override these settings at any time by kicking down.
Useful tips for additional energy savings
If the optional steering wheel and seat heating are switched on when driving in low temperatures, the interior heating can be set lower, which saves energy. If you are driving alone, it also makes sense to heat only the driver’s area with 2-zone or 3-zone Climatronic. The anticipatory Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) included in the Travel Assist package saves energy by driving smoothly at a constant speed. It also automatically detects speed limits, bends and roundabouts and allows the ENYAQ iV to brake or coast well in advance. When driving in the city, drive mode B should be selected so that as much energy as possible can be recovered through enhanced recuperation performance. When driving through rural areas or on the motorway, the ENYAQ iV’s low driving resistance makes it possible for only kinetic energy to be used when cruising over extended distances.
