Your Guide to Electric Vehicles with CUPRA

9 March 2026/inElectric Vehicles, Help & Advice

Your Guide to Electric Vehicles with CUPRA

Considering an electric vehicle but not sure where to start? CUPRA is here to help!

The below information has been provided by CUPRA New Zealand, via CUPRA Christchurch, to help you step into the world of electric vehicles. It’s not an exhaustive list, and there’s plenty more to it, but we’ve heard guests say that once they’ve driven an electric CUPRA, they would never go back.

Our team are here to help you step into that world. Contact us any time.

Electric Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I charge my EV on the road?

With ChargeNet’s network of more than 520 strategically positioned fast-charging stations (and growing), you have access to a convenient and reliable EV charging network throughout New Zealand.

Find a ChargeNet charger: www.charge.net.nz/map

Find all EV chargers recognised by NZTA Waka Kotahi: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/ev-chargers

How can I charge my EV at home?

Charging your CUPRA at home is easier than you think.

The Evnex charger, partnered with CUPRA, allows you to charge comfortably with a number of added benefits. Their smart chargers are designed and manufactured in NZ – in fact they’re founded in and operated from Christchurch – so you can count on a locally-based team of Kiwis with a can-do attitude.

Learn more about Evnex chargers.

How long does it take to charge an EV?

This very much differs depending on your electric vehicle and your charging capabilities. As an example, the CUPRA Tavascan charges from 0%-100% in just 8 hours when using an AC wall box charger of 11kW, but from 10%-80% in just 28 minutes when using a DC fast charger of 135kW.

Is my battery covered by a warranty?

While a new CUPRA vehicle is covered by a 5 year/100,000 km warranty (whichever occurs first), the vehicle’s high voltage battery is covered by its own warranty for up to 8 years/160,000 km, whichever occurs first. At time of writing, CUPRA new vehicles are also provided with a 3 year/45,000 km scheduled maintenance plan. See our team for full details, conditions, and exclusions.

Electric Vehicle Glossary

Alternating Current (AC)
Only current available for PHEV vehicles

All Electric Range (AER)
All Electric Range (AER) is the driving range of a vehicle using only power from its electric battery pack to traverse a given driving cycle. In the case of a battery electric vehicle, it means the total range per charge

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Type of electric vehicle that uses energy stored in rechargeable battery packs for propulsion.

Charging Point Operator (CPO)
A Charging Point Operator (CPO) is a company operating a pool of charging points

Direct Current (DC)
Fast charging, available for BEVs

Electric Vehicle (EV)
An electric vehicle (EV), also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, is a vehicle which uses one or more electric motors for propulsion

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
HEV is a vehicle which combines a conventional ICE with an electric propulsion system

Kilowatt Hour (kWh)
The kilowatt hour (symbol kWh or kW h) is a unit of energy equal to 3.6 mega joules. If energy is transmitted or used at a constant rate (power) over a period of time, the total energy in kilowatt hours is equal to the power in kilowatts multiplied by the time in hours

Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB)
Volkswagen Group’s MEB technology is a platform created specifically for electric cars. This allows us to construct cars of various sizes and categories on the same chassis, with the same or similar construction of the electric battery. The flexible modular system works by placing the battery under the car, instead of in the boot, or under the rear seat.

Regenerative braking
Using the electric motors to decelerate a vehicle by converting kinetic energy into electricity, which is stored in the battery pack.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Combination of conventional hybrid electric vehicle (electric motor, internal combustion engine) and all-electric vehicle (plug to connect to the electrical grid)

Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP)
The Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) is designed to provide a standardised measurement and enables the consumer to make reliable comparisons between vehicles in terms of energy (fuel and/or electricity) consumption, emissions, and electric vehicle range. However, it should be noted that the results of this test may not accurately reflect the actual fuel consumption, emissions, or range that a driver might experience in the real world.

Actual results may vary depending on various factors such as driving style, road conditions, temperature, weather, vehicle load, and maintenance. Therefore, the WLTP results should be considered as an indicator of the vehicle’s performance and not as a guarantee of the actual energy consumption, emissions, or range that a driver will experience in real-world driving conditions, or for making a vehicle-to-vehicle comparison.

All WLTP test values are provided in accordance with New Zealand Land transport Rule: Vehicle Efficiency and Emissions Data 2022.

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV)
A zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) is a vehicle that emits no exhaust gas from the onboard source of power

Ready to get started?

Explore the Electric CUPRA Tavascan

Ready to experience the Tavascan for yourself? The CUPRA Tavascan is available now to test drive from CUPRA Christchurch, located at 50 Tuam Street, Christchurch. Discover a bold new era of electrified performance and design.