The Škoda Citigoe iV and Superb iV plug-in hybrid can now start or stop charging remotely and check remaining range using the Amazon Alexa voice assistant.

Google Home actions will be added later in the month to offer the same service set as now available via Amazon’s Alexa voice commands to control EV functions

The new features have been added to the Škoda Connect service, with iV owners able to perform a range of actions to check on their car remotely. Škoda says the new features help drivers by simplifying common electric vehicle processes, such as checking to see how much remaining charge the car has.

For the functions to work, the car just needs to be plugged in.  Say, “Alexa, ask Škoda, I want to start charging my car.” or use the “Alexa, ask Škoda…” command to control all of the new features added to the Alexa skill.

Pre-conditioning of the interior and the ability to command the car’s functions in four languages; English, French, German and Italian, is also new.

To make use of the Alex skills, customers need an Amazon Alexa device, Amazon account and a Škoda Connect user account. Users can additionally check door locks, oil levels and parking location with the app and Alexa.

Škoda has confirmed the technology updates will also reach the new Octavia iV and Octavia iV vRS plug-in hybrids, which are due to be released later this year.

The ability to start and stop charging and control air conditioning will also be added to all Google Home devices in the next few weeks using the Google Home Škoda Connect Action. These features will work in exactly the same way as Alexa devices, using the command “Ok Google, talk to Škoda Connect…” to control the necessary actions.

Overview of features, including upgrades: