The market for electric vehicles is expanding quickly in India, and Czech automaker Skoda is getting ready to introduce a low-cost EV there in an attempt to capitalise on the rising demand. There are rumours that this much-awaited, reasonably priced electric SUV will be made in India and specially designed for the country. We now know what to expect from this impending SUV thanks to a rendering of the sub-four-meter electric vehicle that was just released online.
Autonet.hr is the source of this rendering. It should be mentioned that this all-electric SUV would be more compact than the Kushaq compact SUV that is presently available for purchase in India. This specific depiction has an aggressive yet straightforward bumper with a blacked-out bottom section, closed-off front grille, and sleek LED headlights with L-shaped LED DRLs. Diamond-cut alloy wheels and massive black claddings are seen in the side profile. The interior and back of this next SUV are not depicted in the rendering. This is probably not the final version of the EV SUV’s design.
Which platform is this inexpensive EV SUV going to run on?
According to sources, Skoda’s upcoming low-cost electric SUV would run on the same MEB Entry platform as the Volkswagen Group, its parent company. The Czech automaker will be able to quickly construct this SUV on this platform, which is intended to produce affordable electric automobiles. The precise powertrain details for an all-electric sub-four-meter SUV are still unknown at this time. It might, however, most likely have a driving range that is comparable to the Tata Nexon EV. This electric vehicle SUV may go on sale for about €20,000, or about Rs 17.84 lakh, according to reports. Some sources, nevertheless, claim that it might drop as low as Rs 13 lakh.
Plans for Skoda’s electric future
CEO of Skoda Klaus Zellmer recently discussed the company’s electric-related aspirations in an interview. It was mentioned that the company’s current priorities are localization and lowering battery costs. According to him, Skoda wants to combine affordability and performance in a harmonious way. Providing further details on Skoda’s India strategy, it was disclosed that the India 2.0 plan will be the main focus, with a particular emphasis on breaking into the mass-market, price-sensitive category.
Launch of Skoda Enyaq iV
It was recently reported that on February 27, Skoda India will introduce the Enyaq iV, the company’s first all-electric SUV, to the nation. During the launch, the Enyaq 80 model will be available from the company. The first electric vehicle (EV) from Skoda to be released in India will have a 77 kWh battery pack with a 500 km WLTP stated range. Regarding the electric motors, the Enyaq will be equipped with a 200 horsepower and 310 Nm torque electric motor situated at the back. This electric SUV can reach 100 kilometres per hour in under 8.5 seconds.
Regarding design, the Enyaq will have a stunning appearance, with the LED grille serving as its focal point. Moreover, it will have elegantly styled alloy wheels, contrasting black highlights, and LED headlamps. Skoda lettering, an integrated spoiler, wraparound two-piece LED tail lights, and a shark-fin antenna will all be added to the back. On the inside, the Enyaq will have a plethora of contemporary amenities, including dual all-digital displays, a 360-degree camera, an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), and a multifunction steering wheel.