Children enjoying life with an electric car

Your EV questions, answered. 

You asked, we listened. Read on to charge up your EV confidence.

Did you know, that over 90% of driverswho go electric never look back?

For Kate Jeffreys, EV Business Lead at Volkswagen, it speaks volumes about vehicle range, public charging and cost of ownership. Here to answer your questions, Kate explains why electric driving isn’t all that different from what you already know, but you will end up plugging-in to some surprising benefits…

*Source: Article published on Fleetworld in 2023. More details: https://fleetworld.co.uk/more-than-9-in-10-ev-drivers-would-not-return-to-ice-vehicles/

Hello Kate, our customers are worried about ‘range anxiety’. Should they be?

There’s been some bad press about EV practicality, but people shouldn’t be put off because the technology is improving so fast. The maximum range, on a full charge of Volkswagen EV cars can be up to 346 miles1 on an ID.3, and up to 436 miles2 on the ID.7, depending on trim. Compare that to the average UK commute of 20 miles a day**, and most people could use an EV five days-a-week without charging. In the UK, the average amount of time a car is spent parked is 22 hours a day*** so there’s a huge window of opportunity to charge, whether at home, in the office, or even when you’re shopping.

** Source: Insight article on mobilityways.com. More details: https://www.mobilityways.com/insights/cost-of-living-and-commuter-trends/
*** Source: Insight article on mobilityways.com. More details: https://www.mobilityways.com/insights/cost-of-living-and-commuter-trends/

How long does it take to charge an EV battery to 100%?

You don't need to completely drain or refill an EV’s battery. Regular ‘top-ups’ when you stop for breaks is a better use of time and is better EV etiquette. We recommend charging to 80% because it’s not only quicker but is also better for your battery. A 52-kWh battery running low can be charged to 80% in as little as 25 minutes at a fast-charging station (with a maximum charging capacity of 145 kW)3. But the last 20% takes longer to complete as capacity reduces, so charging to 100% can cause unnecessary delays. In the coming years we can expect that these times will be significantly reduced too. Once you’ve got used to that routine, you’ll be less focused on your battery level and be able to enjoy worry-free journeys with shorter stops.

Kate Jeffereys with an ID.Buzz
ID.7 overlooking a beach

What’s better? Charging at home, or at public charge points?

For those that can, the ideal scenario is to charge at home and use public infrastructure on the move. We partner with Ohme, our home wallbox provider who guide you through the process when you’re getting started. They’ll do all the hard work for you. Public charging is improving too. From May last year, the number of public charge points have increased in the UK by 43%****. New regulations mean by the end of 2024 all sites must be 99% reliable, accept contactless payments, and have a free 24/7 customer service phoneline if issues occur. It’s such a helpful community though, there’s nearly always someone at a charge point willing to give advice or have a chat.

**** Source : ZapMap data. More details: https://www.zap-map.com/ev-stats/how-many-charging-points

 

Do our customers need an app to charge their VW EV?
You can plug-in at home with or without the Volkswagen app. In public, we recommend using our We Charge card, which opens up over 29,000 high-quality charge points throughout the UK and 600,000 across 27 European countries, including IONITY’s high-power network.

Is driving an EV cheaper, compared to an internal combustion car?
Upfront costs of new EVs can be more expensive, but lifetime ownership costs can actually be reduced. Using a Smart Charger like Ohme at home linked to an EV energy tariff with our recommended partner OVOOpens an external link , can significantly reduce your overall fuel costs. For example, you’ll pay an estimated 2 pence per mile4 with an ID.3. And compared to a petrol or diesel vehicle, it generally costs less to service an EV, because there are fewer moving mechanical parts. 

Can customers compare cars and running costs across the VW range?
You can compare all of our EVs with any other model or make across manufacturers using our Car ComparatorOpens an external link. Have a browse through our Running Costs page. There’s loads of information on ways you can save money by driving electric.

A woman walking past an ID.3
Family enjoying life with an electric car

Important information :

1.
All vehicles are tested according to WLTP technical procedures. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and equivalent electric range figures with other vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles, vehicle load (and, for battery electric vehicles, the starting charge of the battery). Figures for plug-in hybrid vehicles were obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. Plug-in hybrid vehicles require mains electricity for charging. Figures for battery electric vehicles were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. Battery electric vehicles require mains electricity for charging. Zero emissions while driving. Fuel consumption for battery electric vehicles is not applicable. Figures quoted are subject to change due to ongoing approvals/changes and range figures may include options not available in the UK. Please consult your retailer for further information. Official test (WLTP) electric range for the ID.3, Pro S Essential 204PS 77kWh. Test data obtained under standardised conditions after the battery had been fully charged (to 100%). The ID.3, Pro S Essential 204PS 77kWh is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare electric range figures with other vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles, route conditions, speed, vehicle and battery age and vehicle load. Data correct at July 2024. 
2.
Official test (WLTP) electric range for the ID.7, Pro S Match 286PS 86kWh. Test data obtained under standardised conditions after the battery had been fully charged (to 100%). The ID.7, Pro S Match 286PS 86kWh is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare electric range figures with other vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles, route conditions, speed, vehicle and battery age and vehicle load. Data correct at July 2024. 
3.
Estimated charging times for the standard specification ID.4 Match 52kWh Pure 170PS, model year 2025. Test data obtained under standardised conditions for comparison purposes. Actual charging times will vary depending on various factors, including the selected trimline (and battery option,  if available), the options you choose, the type of charger used, the level of charge in the battery, the age, type, condition and temperature of the charger and the battery, the power supply to and usage of the charger, ambient temperature at the point of use and other environmental factors.  Charging time will be longer in cold weather.  Charging times will also be affected by the charging curve (for example, once charging passes 80%, charging will slow to protect the battery's longevity) and will be longer if battery temperature activates safeguarding technology. Please consult your retailer for further information. Data correct as at July 2024.
4.
Pence per mile figures are estimates for the standard specification of ID.3 Pro Match based on test values (including WLTP combined consumption and range) and average values (including fuel and electricity costs). Assumes charging a 58kWH battery from 20-80% with 7.2kW smart home charger using the Charge Anytime add on with an OVO tariff at an external ambient temperature of [10˚C (charging takes longer and p/mile costs are higher at lower temperatures) and 100% of the battery's rated charge capacity (real world battery capacity and range will decline over time). For information and comparability only. Results should not be relied upon. Real world results will be different and will depend on multiple factors including actual specification (including options and accessories fitted [and differences between UK and standard specification]), type of charger used, level of charge in the battery, the age type, condition and temperature of the charger and the battery, the power supply, ambient temperature at the point of use and other environmental factors, the individual driving style, use of heating/AC, variations in road and weather conditions, vehicle load, actual charging costs etc. Figures are subject to change due to ongoing approvals or changes in model specification. Please consult your retailer for further information. Vehicle data correct as at July 2024. 

^If you are selecting a Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, ID.7 Tourer or ID.Buzz then prices shown are the MDP (Manufacturer's Direct Price).  This is the price set by Volkswagen which you pay for the vehicle.  Volkswagen ID vehicles are sold by Volkswagen UK, a trading division of Volkswagen Group United Kingdom Limited (please note that you will need to visit an authorised Volkswagen Retailer (acting as agent for Volkswagen UK) to order, purchase and take delivery of your Volkswagen ID vehicle).  The MDP includes delivery to an authorised Volkswagen Retailer (acting as agent for Volkswagen UK), number plates, new vehicle registration fee, the first year's Vehicle Excise Duty and VAT (calculated at 20%).  You can find out more about the Volkswagen model for selling ID vehicles by clicking https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/legal/mdp-explained.html.

If you are selecting any other Volkswagen vehicle (excluding the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, ID.7 Tourer or ID.Buzz) then prices listed are Manufacturer’s ‘On the road’ Recommended Retail Price. Actual prices are set by Volkswagen authorised retailers in their sole discretion – always obtain these prices from your chosen Volkswagen Retailer.  Recommended On-The-Road (OTR) retail prices include: delivery charge, number plates, new vehicle registration fee, the first year's Vehicle Excise Duty and VAT (calculated at 20%). Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information above. Prices are taken from the Volkswagen website - this website contains a large number of products and it is always possible that, despite our best efforts, some of the products listed may be incorrectly priced. Volkswagen may change prices at any time (this includes where there are government changes in regulation and/or legislation). There may be a delay to any price displaying correctly on our materials and it is always possible that, despite our best efforts, some vehicles may be incorrectly priced. Always check prices with your local retailer.

Please be advised we may not be able to provide valuations for vehicles which are outside certain age or mileage ranges, specialist or customised, or not registered in the UK. The actual sale price is dependent on a number of additional factors, which you can discuss further with your retailer. T&Cs will apply.