CUPRA, a relatively new brand under the SEAT umbrella, positions itself as a sportier and more emotional alternative within the Volkswagen Group. This is reflected in its electric vehicles EVs as well, which aim to stand out from other brands in several ways:

Performance: CUPRA EVs prioritize performance and driving dynamics. They often have more powerful motors, stiffer suspensions, and sharper handling compared to their Volkswagen or Škoda counterparts. For example, the CUPRA Born offers a 231 horsepower version, while the equivalent Škoda Enyaq tops out at 204 horsepower.

Design: CUPRA EVs feature a bolder and more emotive design language compared to other VW Group EVs. They tend to have sharper lines, more aggressive grilles, and sportier proportions. This is evident in the CUPRA Born's coupe-like SUV silhouette and the CUPRA Tavascan's muscular SUV design.

Interior: CUPRA EVs typically have a more driver-focused and premium interior compared to other VW Group EVs. They often use higher-quality materials, sport bucket seats, and a more performance-oriented layout. For instance, the CUPRA Born's interior features Alcantara upholstery and a digital cockpit with a head-up display.

Technology: CUPRA EVs often come equipped with the latest technology from the VW Group, including advanced driver-assistance systems, connectivity features, and performance-enhancing technologies. For example, the CUPRA Tavascan concept SUV boasts augmented reality head-up display and a panoramic sunroof that doubles as an electrochromic display.

Brand experience: CUPRA aims to create a more emotional and engaging brand experience compared to other VW Group brands. This is reflected in its marketing, dealerships, and customer service. For instance, CUPRA dealerships often have a more premium and performance-oriented atmosphere compared to Škoda or Volkswagen dealerships.

However, it's important to note that the differences between CUPRA EVs and other VW Group EVs can vary depending on the specific models being compared. Additionally, some features or design elements might be specific to certain markets or regions.

Overall, CUPRA EVs offer a unique blend of performance, design, technology, and brand experience that sets them apart from other electric vehicles in the VW Group. Whether they're truly "different" enough for you depends on your individual priorities and preferences.

CUPRA currently offers one fully electric vehicle, the Born, and two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles PHEVs, the Formentor and the Leon.

- CUPRA Born is a fully electric hatchback that offers a range of up to 541 kilometers 336 miles on a single charge. It comes in three different battery sizes: 45kWh, 58kWh, and 77kWh. The most powerful version has 231 horsepower and can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds.

- CUPRA Formentor is a plug-in hybrid SUV that offers a range of up to 59 kilometers 37 miles on electric power alone. It has a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor that combine to produce 245 horsepower or 290 horsepower, depending on the version. The more powerful version can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.

- CUPRA Leon is a plug-in hybrid hatchback that offers a range of up to 60 kilometers 37 miles on electric power alone. It has a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor that combine to produce 204 horsepower or 245 horsepower, depending on the version. The more powerful version can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.

The price of CUPRA EVs varies depending on the specific model, battery size, and trim level. However, I can give you a general idea:

New CUPRA EVs:

- Cupra Born: This sporty hatchback is the brand's only fully electric model currently available. Prices in the UK start at £36,475 for the base model and go up to £43,735 for the highest trim level. In Australia, the Born starts at $59,990 before on-road costs.

- Other models: CUPRA is planning to launch more electric models in the future, including the Formentor e-Hybrid and Tavascan EV. Pricing for these models is not yet available.

Used CUPRA EVs:

- The Born is still relatively new, so there aren't a lot of used models on the market yet. However, you can find them starting at around £22,490 in the UK on platforms like carwow.

Here are some additional factors that can affect the price of a CUPRA EV:

- Dealer markups: Some dealers may add additional markup to the MSRP of a CUPRA EV.

- Government incentives: Some governments offer incentives for buying electric vehicles, which can lower the effective price.

- Financing options: The financing options you choose can also affect the overall cost of the car.

It's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before buying a CUPRA EV. You can also consider getting a quote from an online car buying service to get a better deal.

Here are some resources that you may find helpful:

- CUPRA UK website: Link

- Carwow: Link

- EV Database: Link

CUPRA currently offers only one electric vehicle, the Born. The CUPRA Born comes in two battery sizes: 58 kWh and 77 kWh. The 58 kWh battery has an official WLTP range of up to 425 km 264 miles), while the 77 kWh battery has an official WLTP range of up to 545 km (339 miles.

However, it is important to note that these are official WLTP figures, and the actual range you will achieve will vary depending on a number of factors, such as:

- Driving style: Aggressive driving will use more energy and reduce the range.

- Weather conditions: Cold weather can reduce the range of an electric vehicle.

- Terrain: Hilly terrain will use more energy and reduce the range.

- Ancillary features: Using features such as air conditioning or heating will use more energy and reduce the range.

As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to achieve around 80-85% of the official WLTP range in real-world driving conditions. So, for the CUPRA Born with the 58 kWh battery, you can expect a real-world range of around 340-360 km 211-224 miles), and for the CUPRA Born with the 77 kWh battery, you can expect a real-world range of around 436-463 km (271-288 miles.

The charging time for a CUPRA EV depends on several factors, including:

- Model: CUPRA offers different EV models with varying battery capacities and charging capabilities. The Born is the most popular, and it comes in two battery sizes: 58 kWh and 77 kWh.

- Charger type: You can charge a CUPRA EV using various sources, each with different speeds:

- Standard wall outlet 2.3 kW: Slowest option, can take up to 39 hours for the 77 kWh battery.

- Home AC charger 3.7 kW or 7.4 kW: Faster than a wall outlet, takes around 17-24 hours for a 77 kWh battery.

- Public AC charging station 11 kW or 22 kW: Quicker than home chargers, takes around 8-9 hours for a 77 kWh battery.

- DC fast charging station 125 kW or 175 kW: The fastest option, can charge a 77 kWh battery from 10% to 80% in about 25 minutes.

- Battery remaining: Charging from empty to full will take longer than topping up a partially charged battery.

- Environmental factors: Cold weather can slightly decrease charging speed.

Here's a table summarizing the approximate charging times for a CUPRA Born 77 kWh:

| Charger type | Charging time empty to full) | Charging time (10% to 80% |

|---|---|---|

| Wall outlet 2.3 kW | 39 hours 30 minutes | Not applicable |

| Home AC charger 3.7 kW | 24 hours 30 minutes | Not applicable |

| Home AC charger 7.4 kW | 12 hours 15 minutes | Not applicable |

| Public AC charging station 11 kW | 8 hours 15 minutes | Not applicable |

| DC fast charging station 125 kW | Not applicable | 26 minutes |

| DC fast charging station 175 kW | Not applicable | 25 minutes |

As you can see, the charging time for a CUPRA EV can vary significantly. If you're looking for the fastest option, using a DC fast charger is ideal. However, if you have time, charging at home or a public AC station is significantly cheaper.

For a more precise estimate of charging time for your specific CUPRA EV and situation, you can use an online charging calculator or consult the manual of your car.

The maintenance requirements for a CUPRA EV will vary depending on the specific model you have, but here's a general overview:

Regular maintenance:

- Battery check: Every 12 months or 12,000 kilometers whichever comes first, an authorized CUPRA dealership should check the battery health and performance. This includes checking for any degradation or potential issues.

- Tire rotation and balancing: Every 10,000 kilometers or as recommended by your dealership, you should get your tires rotated and balanced to ensure even wear and tear and optimal performance.

- Brake fluid flush: Every 2 years or as recommended by your dealership, the brake fluid should be flushed to prevent corrosion and ensure proper braking function.

- Cabin air filter replacement: Every 12 months or 15,000 kilometers, the cabin air filter should be replaced to keep the air inside your car clean and fresh.

- Wiper blade replacement: As needed, replace worn or damaged wiper blades to ensure good visibility during rain or snow.

Additional maintenance:

- Charging system check: If you experience any issues with charging your CUPRA EV, have the charging system checked by an authorized dealership.

- Software updates: CUPRA may periodically release software updates for your EV to improve performance, fix bugs, and add new features. These updates can be installed at an authorized dealership.

Here are some additional tips for maintaining your CUPRA EV:

- Avoid extreme temperatures: Extreme heat or cold can damage your EV's battery. Try to park your car in a shaded area or garage whenever possible.

- Use the correct charging equipment: Always use the charging equipment that came with your car or a compatible charger from an authorized dealership.

- Don't let the battery completely drain: It's best to avoid letting your EV's battery completely drain, as this can damage the battery. Try to keep the battery level above 20%.

- Take your car for regular service: Even though EVs require less maintenance than traditional gasoline cars, it's still important to take your car for regular service as recommended by CUPRA.

By following these tips and adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule, you can help keep your CUPRA EV running smoothly and efficiently for many years to come.

It's also important to note that the specific maintenance requirements for your CUPRA EV may be different depending on your model year and location. For the most accurate information, it's always best to consult your car's owner's manual or contact an authorized CUPRA dealership.

As of today, December 29, 2023, CUPRA, the Spanish performance car brand, does not offer any direct tax credits or incentives for purchasing an electric vehicle EV in Vietnam. However, there are still some potential benefits to consider:

Reduced registration fees: The Vietnamese government offers reduced registration fees for EVs compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. This can be a significant saving, especially for higher-end models like those from CUPRA.

Exemption from certain import duties: Some CUPRA EV models may be eligible for exemption from certain import duties, making them slightly more affordable. This depends on the specific model and its origin.

Lower operating costs: EVs generally have lower operating costs than gasoline-powered vehicles due to their lower fuel consumption and reduced maintenance needs. This can be a significant benefit over the long term.

Future incentives: The Vietnamese government is considering introducing additional incentives for EV purchases in the future. This could include direct tax credits or other financial benefits. It's worth staying updated on any developments in this area.

While there may not be direct tax credits or incentives from CUPRA itself, the overall benefits of owning an EV in Vietnam can still be significant. It's important to weigh these factors carefully when making your decision.

Here are some resources that you may find helpful:

- Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade: Link

- Electric Vehicles in Vietnam: Link

- CUPRA Vietnam: Link

CUPRA EVs come with two separate warranties, one for the general vehicle and another for the specific electric vehicle components:

General Vehicle Warranty:

- 5-year unlimited mileage warranty: This is the standard warranty covering all non-electric components of your CUPRA EV. It starts on the date of first registration and lasts for 5 years, regardless of how many kilometers you drive. This makes it one of the most comprehensive warranties in the automotive industry.

- Additional terms and conditions may apply: Be sure to review the full warranty terms and conditions in your specific region for any exclusions or limitations. You can find these on the official CUPRA website for your country.

Electric Vehicle Battery Warranty:

- 8-year or 160,000 km warranty: This warranty covers the high-voltage battery and specific electric vehicle components like the electric motor and inverter. It is valid for whichever comes first, 8 years from the first registration or 160,000 kilometers driven.

- Provides peace of mind for EV ownership: This long warranty demonstrates CUPRA's confidence in the reliability and performance of their electric vehicle technology.

Things to keep in mind:

- Extended warranties available: You can purchase optional extended warranties to further protect your CUPRA EV beyond the standard terms.

- Service and repair warranty: Additionally, CUPRA offers a 24-month warranty on parts and labor for repairs carried out through their authorized service network.

Overall, CUPRA EVs boast a generous warranty package that provides excellent peace of mind for owners. The long electric vehicle battery warranty is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating the brand's commitment to sustainability and confidence in its technology.

There are a few places you can learn more about CUPRA EVs:

- The CUPRA website: The CUPRA website has a dedicated section for EVs, where you can learn about the Born, their only EV model currently available. You can also find information about their plans for future EVs.

- Car review websites: Many car review websites have reviews of the CUPRA Born. These reviews can give you a good overview of the car's pros and cons, as well as how it compares to other EVs on the market.

- YouTube: There are many YouTube videos about CUPRA EVs. These videos can give you a good sense of what the cars are like to drive and look like in person.

- Your local CUPRA dealer: Your local CUPRA dealer can answer any questions you have about CUPRA EVs and can even let you take a test drive.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when learning about CUPRA EVs:

- CUPRA is a relatively new brand, so there is not as much information available about their EVs as there is about EVs from other brands.

- The CUPRA Born is the only EV model that CUPRA currently offers. However, they have plans to release more EVs in the future.

- CUPRA EVs are not available in all markets.