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Discover Electric

Here we have put together a selection of current and interesting articles on the subject of electromobility. Have fun reading, browsing and discovering.

Category 1

Things to consider when installing a wallbox

Installing a wallbox at home lets you charge your electric car cheaply, securely, and conveniently at home. Who will install your charging station and what do you need to consider in advance?

Crossover – the best of everything

Everyone has heard of SUVs. But a crossover? We reveal what the name means and why these models are currently so popular as electric cars. 

Charging station tariffs: always find the cheapest electricity

The amount it costs to charge an electric car on the move differs. Firstly, the prices at charging stations vary depending on the provider. Secondly, driving habits and the required energy also play a role. So, what should you look out for at public charging points to save as much money as possible on your journey?

Inductive charging: charge your electric car at a red light

No need to search for a vacant charging station – simply charge your electric vehicle wirelessly when you're hanging around, like at a red light, for example. This would become part of everyday mobility with inductive charging.

Maximum range: efficient driving and new technology

The consumption of electric cars is the same as for combustion engine vehicles: the more efficiently you drive, the further you will travel. The Volkswagen ID.3 has shown how far it can go: 602 kilometres. This is much further than the officially proven furthest range of an electric car – and it's also a record.

Volkswagen software: developing VW's operating system

Volkswagen has set up a new business unit to fit its own software into its electric cars in going forward. Among other projects, the business unit is working on the VW.OS operating system. 

Just compare: with the EV Check app

Curious to know if electric mobility is right for you? Quickly find out with the Volkswagen EV Check app.

Used electric cars: what you need to know

Before buying a used electric car, take a really good, close look at it. First and foremost, look at the battery. But not just the battery.

The ID.3 range test

Since its market launch in September 2020, the ID.3 has proven that it is a vehicle suitable for everyday use. But what about long-distance journeys? Is the ID.3 also ready for a holiday trip? We at Volkswagen tested its range on a 460km test drive from Wolfsburg to Amsterdam.

Welcome home: smart wallboxes for electric cars

A wallbox is a convenient way of charging your electric car at home. It allows you to fully charge the batteries of plug-in hybrid or battery-powered electric vehicles in a few hours or overnight (depending on the battery capacity and charging power).

Autonomous driving: levels and legal regulations

The Autonomous Driving Act (Level 4) has been in force in Germany since 28 July 2021. What does the law mean for the further development of Level 4 autonomous driving

Climate-conscious travelling: on the road with an electric camper

How about a holiday in an electric campervan or motorhome? This will be possible in future! Find out how, even today, you can enjoy camping in an electric vehicle, and how the ID. Buzz and ID. California are leading the way.

Electric cars as electricity storage

Renewable energy is the most sustainable road to the future of energy. Sometimes, the sun and wind deliver such large quantities of electricity that there is overproduction. How can electric cars help to store this valuable energy?

What’s the right battery size for your electric car?

With batteries, biggest isn't always best. Many factors play a part when deciding on the right battery size.

A wallbox for rented flats: how to plan your installation

Tenants in rental properties can charge their electric car conveniently at home. Isn't it far too expensive? Not necessarily. We explain here how to install a charging station for the parking space of a rented flat.

How to charge your electric car

Even if an electric car with a charging cable attached looks just like a combustion engine car being filled up: charging electric cars is completely different. Among other things, you can do so in your garage. 

The carbon footprint of electric cars

All-electric cars don't emit particulates or CO2 when driving. This is probably their most obvious benefit over combustion engines. But electric cars have a better carbon footprint over their entire lifetime, not just when they are being driven. 

Keeping the battery of your electric car cool

Electric cars aren't keen on extreme temperatures – like most drivers. Therefore, clever management is indispensable for optimum battery life and capacity.

Drive technology in electric cars: where electric motors still have potential

When it comes to the further development of electric cars, the focus tends
to be on the battery. But what about the drive of the vehicle? We explain how
the electric motor works and what could make it even more powerful in the
future.

Volkswagen Automotive Cloud: connected driving is the future of the car

The Volkswagen Automotive Cloud is helping vehicle manufacturers to make connected services in cars a reality much more quickly. Over-the-Air (OTA) updates are already available today. 

Maintaining Electric Car Batteries in Cold Weather

Freezing weather and minus temperatures drain lithium-ion batteries more quickly. It's the same with your smartphone as it is with your electric car. Why is this, and how can you protect your battery and charge it properly in cold weather?

Building New Cell Factories in Europe

Battery cells play a key role in electric mobility. To meet the growing demand for batteries, the Volkswagen Group is planning six battery cell factories in Europe, supported by various Group brands and partly in collaboration with suppliers.

Understanding The Car Battery Memory Effect

Do electric car batteries have a battery memory effect? Plus, what is the ideal way to charge and discharge them to maintain full capacity for as long as possible?

Electric Car Carbon Footprint

All-electric cars don't emit particulates or CO2 when driving. This is probably their most obvious benefit over combustion engines. But electric cars have a better carbon footprint over their entire lifetime, not just when they are being driven.

Charging times you can rely on

An important question in the everyday life of electric mobility is: How long does it take to charge an electric car? And are there any factors that can affect the charging time?

Connected cars: more in sync than ever before

Cars go digital: you can now stream your favourite music, dictate, and send e-mails using the intelligent voice assistant, while the large screens of your infotainment systems display information about traffic congestion and the availability of fast-charging stations in real-time. There is no doubt that the mobile internet has entered the car. Manufacturers are now taking the next step and elevating connectivity to a new level.

Electric or hybrid vehicle? The key features of each type of drive

Alternative drives are becoming very popular. Eco-awareness is just as important as tax benefits, driving bans, and rising fuel prices. So, it is no wonder that electric cars and hybrid vehicles are taking over the roads. But what are the advantages of each type of drive? Here's an overview.

Charging an electric car – with smart solutions and intelligent charging cables

Smart charging solutions for electric cars are becoming increasingly relevant. Read here what efficient electric car charging can be like, and how intelligent charging cables help achieve this.

The carbon footprint of electric cars

How climate-friendly are electric cars? What is their carbon footprint? Just a couple of the questions commonly asked by people considering an electric vehicle. Studies show that electric cars have better carbon and environmental footprint than internal combustion engine vehicles when their entire life cycle is considered. 

What kind of motor does an electric car have?

In electric cars and plug-in hybrids, electric motors convert the electrical energy stored in the lithium-ion battery into mechanical power. A system like this always consists of three components: the battery, the power electronics, and the motor. All three together determine the performance of the car.

What it costs to charge an electric car

How much does it really cost to charge an electric car? We reveal all – and also tell you how to save money when charging.

Electric cars – the optimum speed

The faster a car drives, the faster it will travel a certain distance – or will it? How do driving speed and charging stops correlate, and is there an ideal speed for electric cars?

Electric cars as towing vehicles

Caravans or garden waste: cars with an electric powertrain can pull trailers, too.

Always heading in the right direction: route planning for electric cars

A successful holiday trip begins with good planning. People who travel longer distances in their electric cars, in particular, need to plan their routes and possible charging stops well in advance. There are various online route planners and a host of apps for this, some of which also provide direct access to the charging station and enable payment. 

Lithium-ion batteries, of the type used in most electric vehicles (including Volkswagen electric vehicles) have a restricted lifespan. Battery capacity will reduce over time, with use and charging. Reduction in battery capacity will affect the performance of the vehicle, including the range achievable, and is one of a number of factors that may impact resale value. New vehicle performance figures (including battery capacity and range) may be provided for the purposes of comparison between vehicles. You should not rely on new vehicle performance figures (including battery capacity and range), in relation to used vehicles with older batteries, as they will not reflect used vehicle performance in the real world. For further information on battery degradation/preservation and the Volkswagen 8 year/100,00 mile new car battery warranty, please see here. Exclusions and Warranty Terms Apply.

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Important information :

^If you are selecting a Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 or ID.7 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 and ID.7) 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.

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