Skoda Enyaq iV 80 Long Term review

The long (range) goodbye

Efficiency has been a strong point for the duration of our loan period. It hovered around the high threes to fours in miles per kWh over the summer which equates to an empty-to-full range of around 290 miles in those milder conditions, but I’ve regularly had 310 miles out of a full charge and for the first time ever I’ve managed to do my regular drive down to my favourite Cornish stop on a single charge! Which made me happy.

Our car has the optional heat pump fitted (at a cost just over £1,000) and I reckon it’s made a real difference over the last few weeks. Although I’m disappointed that a heat pump is an option on the Škoda price list (any range-extending kit should come as standard), I can’t fault its performance. Current average efficiency is averaging 3.0 miles per kWh (which equates to around 240 on a full charge), which isn’t bad for a big SUV.  

When it comes to charging I do most of mine at home and tend to top up regularly overnight taking advantage of my off-peak tariff, which I’ve found is the most cost effective way of running it. But, because the battery is a whopper at 77kWh, it takes a few night sessions to fill it up from empty to full. And that leads me on to one of the handful of things I think Škoda could improve: charge scheduling. To be fair, Škoda isn’t alone in this (almost all brands have the same issue), but I don’t understand why it has to be so complicated to set up. 

As for public charging, the Enyaq has been equally impressive. Our car has a peak DC charging speed of 125kW and during the warm summer months, I’d regularly see 110kW – which is decent enough. Newer versions of the Enyaq feature updated infotainment software which include battery preconditioning that can be triggered via the in-built navigation or via a manual button. It will be interesting to see how much of a difference that will make in colder conditions. It’s been a game-changer for our long-term Hyundai IONIQ 5 in terms of charging times, so I can see it making a big difference in the Enyaq. 

Sadly, this is my last report on the Enyaq because our six months with the car is now up. But what an amazing six months it has been. The Enyaq might not be the sexiest, most dynamic or desirable electric car on the market, but it is a great package and one that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a full-size family car. With used prices starting to look very attractive, this could be the perfect option.