Batteries, charging and safety - more Q&As on electric mobility
E-mobility is an increasingly relevant topic, but one that many of us still know relatively little about. We’ve come up with answers to some of the most frequent questions on electric cars.
What are the advantages of lithium-ion batteries?
Compared to other battery types, the lithium-ion battery has a high energy density, good performance, a long service life and reasonable marketable costs (which will drop further over the next few years) and a minimal “memory effect”. Memory effect is when energy capacity is lost due to the repeated recharging.
Lithium-ion batteries meet all Volkswagen Group criteria in terms of everyday suitability, service life and safety criteria.
How does the weight of the battery affect driving?
The battery is installed in the vehicle floor centrally between the axles. The consequence is a low centre of gravity with optimal weight distribution on the front and rear axles. This results in sporty road handling and cornering.
Can the battery be damaged if it is charged every day or for too long?
No, daily charging is no problem. The process is stopped automatically when the battery is fully charged.
Do you always have to charge the battery to 100 per cent?
No, this is not necessary. The memory effect throughout its entire life span is minimal and it is not noticeable in a non-complete charge.
How long can the vehicle be parked without the battery discharging?
That depends on the outside temperature and the battery’s condition when it is parked. When it is full and the outside temperature is low, it can last for several months.
What happens if the car is struck by lightning?
An electric car behaves in the same way as a conventional car - the battery is waterproof.
What happens when the car drives through deep water?
Again, an electric car behaves like a conventional car - the battery is sealed against water intrusion.
Can the battery be damaged, or its performance limited, by magnetic objects and mobile devices in the car?
Since the battery is electromagnetically shielded, these items have no negative effect.
How long does the battery last?
The life of the battery is designed and built to be the same as the car’s life span. Volkswagen Group guarantees at least 70 percent of the battery’s usable capacity for eight years.
Is it dangerous if the charging cable gets wet, if the vehicle is in a puddle or it is raining?
No. The charging cycles are completely safe. There is no danger to people at any time.
What happens if you forget to detach the plug from the charging station and start driving?
Nothing - the engine can only be started when the charging cable is removed.
Do you need to remove the plug as soon as the battery is charged?
No, the charger in the vehicle switches itself off at the end of the charging cycle.
Can you stop charging even if the battery is not fully charged? Does it harm the battery?
You can interrupt the charging cycle at any time without damaging the battery. Charging is interrupted when you unlock the vehicle or you can pause the charging cycle via the We Connect app with e-Remote.
Source: ŠKODA