ELECTRIC POWER. THE CUPRA WAY

Semi-hybrids, which are not charged using a power cable, use the electric motor to assist the combustion engine.

In hybrids, the electric motor and battery are larger than in semi-hybrids. Hybrids can power the vehicle using the electric motor for short distances and recharge its battery using the motor or through regenerative braking.

A plug-in hybrid can be recharged by literally plugging it into a charging point at home, or in a public one. It offers greater pure electric autonomy thanks to the larger battery and electric motor. The plug-in hybrid allows many people to make their normal commute to and from work using the emission-free, electric powered engine.

Driver’s of a plug-in hybrid benefit from an almost silent driving experience in all-electric mode, as well as additional acceleration power (torque) thanks to the electric motor.

Many plug-in hybrid vehicle owners already manage most of their journeys in electric mode as daily trips are usually well under 50 kilometres in range. Depending on your electricity tariff, considerable savings are made when compared to a vehicle with a classic combustion engine. But with a plug-in hybrid, you never have to give up complete autonomy: if the battery charge or capacity is not sufficient, the combustion engine will be automatically activated as required.

This category of vehicles also has economic advantages: through direct aid and subsidies for electric vehicles. And indirectly, with tax advantages thanks to their lower CO2 emissions.

Most users charge their vehicles at home throughout the night, with a Wallbox unit that can be installed in the carport or garage. Others are able to charge their vehicle at work or at public charging stations which are fortunately becoming easier to find.

A plug-in hybrid can be charged from an outlet, a Wallbox system or a public charging point. The maximum efficiency of a plug-in hybrid is achieved with a fully charged battery, so the possibility of charging at home or at the workplace should be taken into consideration. It is recommended that you charge your plug-in hybrid vehicle as many times as you can, so as to take full advantage of the additional electric motor.

The electric range of a plug-in hybrid vehicle depends on the size of its battery. In the case of CUPRA, the maximum electric range is between 50 and 60kms, depending on the model. The overall range when combined with the combustion engine is of course significantly higher.

Obviously, the range will depend on the model, driving style, the topography and road conditions. The main advantage of a plug-in hybrid is that you always have the gasoline engine as a reserve when between charges, so autonomy should not be a problem.

Charging times may vary, depending on factors such as the outside temperature, the current temperature of the battery, the charging equipment, the condition of the battery and the condition of the vehicle. Specific charging times are detailed in the technical specifications for each available plug-in hybrid model.

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 Wallbox. 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.

8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first.

An external factor essential to the performance and capacity of a battery is temperature. For this reason, especially in winter, it is necessary to "precondition" the vehicle during the charging process, that is, to warm up the battery and the interior. Or cool them in summer. This way you will not only save energy to use during driving, but you will also gain extra efficiency right from the start, with a battery at optimal temperature. Furthermore, optimized operating strategies in your vehicle minimize the effects of temperature as much as possible. In addition to the temperature, the range also depends on  user-related factors: use of air conditioning, load weight and driving style etc.

The 5-door CUPRA Leon (180kW), The CUPRA Leon Sportstourer (180kW) and The CUPRA Formentor (150kW & 180kW) are all available with plug-in hybrid technology.