(KezoI’m sure it’s to do with the fact it’s go an engine). Has nothing to do with that, our Golf GTE does have remote heating/air conditioning (and an engine).
Rene I think your missing my point on “engine” Your Golf GTE has a resitive electric heater that heat’s the cabin, either from the battery or it’s plugged in charging. It will not start the engine (even if the battery runs down) to preheat the vehicle, unless you start the engine and take the key back in side. The battery in your GTE is 13Kw, so is capable of running an electric heater in a similar an EV does without a heatpump. The QQ battery is not big enough to preheat without it rnning down or “starting” the engine. It can be done in other countries but not here in the UK, as it’s not legal due to the security implications of having your car running, insurance etc.
Sorry Rene I mucked the quoting bit up
The eleventyseven notification mails i got would agree, lol.
And in general, yes, you got that correct – but the reason for not being able to charge is the tiny battery, not the “range extender”. You can take the engine out and still don’t get preheating – but you could install a bigger battery (well you can’t, but for the purpose of my point) and get that conditioning.
As you later clarified, it certainly is legal to have a remote start (it’s not a grey area), you can even retrofit it for many models. The only caveat is, that you’re only allowed to use it away from public highways as defined by the road traffic act. As in, basically, you need private parking. If you get caught using it on public roads, it’ll result in a non-endorsable offence, carries a fine but no points.
High spec Volvos, as a sidenote, come with remote start from factory (XC90s etc).
https://www.buyacar.co.uk/cars/896/cars-with-remote-start
“Those who have access to private, off-street parking are legally able to use an app to remotely start a car’s engine and leave it running without being present.
However, the Department for Transport told BuyaCar that on the public road, use of such apps “would only be lawful where the driver was in close attendance and could take control of the vehicle if needed.” It’s an example of technology appearing to outpace lawmakers.”
So technically, nothing would speak against that – but remote starts are, again technically, not the same as the preconditioning that people originally were talking about. People were pointing out the EV part, which again boils down to having the very small battery. I’m blown away by how small it is really, considering the ICE can’t run the wheels directly. I’ve got two remote controlled cars, both run on 304wh (9Ah at 33.6V) batteries. That’s over 15% of the capacity of the ePower.
That’s why i’m saying that people should get away from the idea that it’s related to EVs – while technically correct (due to no power from the ICE going to the wheels), in reality it’s basically a FHEV that can’t drive the wheels via ICE. With the same drawbacks (comparatively average economy compared to PHEV/EVs, and of course none of the fancy stuff like pre-conditioning etc, be it cabin or battery).
edit: as an aside, i’m not bashing the QQ. It’s good at what it does, but pretending it’s something that it isn’t only leads to disappointment. This system is better (in terms of economy) than a “normal” FHEV system, but in the end, it’s just that.
Prior: SEAT Ateca Xcellence Lux 1.5 TSI DSG MY19, VW Golf GTE PHEV DSG MY23
Current: Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate
Next: we'll see what's available in 2028.