AutoSkoda expands in-car services and turns old EV batteries into a charging stationSkoda X is set to bring new digital services and solutions to its EV and ICE models across Europe and the UK, plus a clever way to recycle its batteriesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
AutoSkoda expands in-car services and turns old EV batteries into a charging stationSkoda X is set to bring new digital services and solutions to its EV and ICE models across Europe and the UK, plus a clever way to recycle its batteriesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Skoda X is set to bring new digital services and solutions to its EV and ICE models across Europe and the UK, plus a clever way to recycle its batteries
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Skoda)
(Image credit: Skoda)
Skoda’s DigiLabs studio is now Skoda X, a new branded department focused on working with Eastern European start-ups to provide its digital services and solutions. This week, it showed off some of these new services being rolled out across Europe (and to the UK) later this year and into 2024. These services aren’t limited to itselectric carrange either.
At Skoda’s holistic user experience (HUX) centre in Prague, Jaroslav Pelant, Managing Director of Skoda X introduced me to some of these technologies, including a new car rental and test drive scheme, a pay-for-fuel service and digital offers on the infotainment system. I also got a closer look at its standalone charging station that uses recycled EV batteries.
(Image credit: Skoda)
(Image credit: Skoda)
Test drive and rent a Skoda
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Pay to park and fuel
The pay-to-fuel service works in a similar way. When you drive up to one of the partner petrol stations, the car automatically gives you the option to pay for fuel via the touchscreen. Once authorised you get a limited time to start fueling and will then be sent the bill once finished. This service is rolling out across Europe this year and is set to include over 1600 fuel stops – including those in the UK.
Skoda already offers its Powerpass to pay for EV refuelling across Europe and is set to also grow as the number of partner chargers increases.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Skoda offers
Offers are already available in vehicles across Europe and the UK, with over 130 offers currently available. The idea is that the system uses your location and preferences to serve you up with the most suitable offers for that moment – money off refuelling when you’re low on fuel, food deals when you normally eat… The system learns your behaviour over time and improves the recommendations accordingly, with data tied to the car’s VIN.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
2nd Life Battery Energy Storage charging hub
The stations are already being trialled at some Skoda dealers in the Czech Republic, and can also be topped up using wind or solar power and used completely off the grid. Each station harnesses the power of between eight and 12 recycled EV batteries, all safely contained in a special casing. I love the idea of smaller versions being made available for customers to have in their garages, to both store cheap energy at off-peak times, but also deliver faster charging when required.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Build bigger arms in just 30 minutes with this 5-move dumbbell-only workoutIt’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!
It’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!
OMEGA puts the moon on your wrist with its new Speedmaster Moonphase MeteoriteOMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up
OMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up
Christmas car gifts for auto addictsFind the perfect present for those who know their Porsche from their Pagani and their 800 volts from their V8
Find the perfect present for those who know their Porsche from their Pagani and their 800 volts from their V8
Mercedes’ new all-electric CLA coupe is mountains ahead of the competitionThe upcoming next-generation Mercedes EV is a step-change in efficiency and charging
The upcoming next-generation Mercedes EV is a step-change in efficiency and charging
This is my favourite classic car EV conversion yetMazda MX-5 goes electric! But not in the way you’d think…
Mazda MX-5 goes electric! But not in the way you’d think…
You’ve seen the rebrand, now here’s the first new Jaguar EVThe Type 00 concept previews Jaguar’s all-new electric line-up. We speak to the creatives behind it
The Type 00 concept previews Jaguar’s all-new electric line-up. We speak to the creatives behind it
Audi A6 e-tron: your up-market EV estate has landedThe Audi A6 saloon and Avant estate – plus sportier S6 versions of both – deliver futuristic looks and promise huge range.
The Audi A6 saloon and Avant estate – plus sportier S6 versions of both – deliver futuristic looks and promise huge range.
Here’s your best look yet at the first-ever electric Range RoverThe new Range Rover EV creates a tricky game of spot-the-difference
The new Range Rover EV creates a tricky game of spot-the-difference
When it comes to EVs, buttons are better than touchscreens – and this car proves itLiving with a Genesis GV60 proves how buttons are best
Living with a Genesis GV60 proves how buttons are best
This even sportier Taycan GTS is the Porsche EV we want most of allSportier than ever, the new Porsche Taycan GTS has 700 horsepower and a new soundtrack
Sportier than ever, the new Porsche Taycan GTS has 700 horsepower and a new soundtrack
