Skoda remains committed to electrification with 6 new EVs set to debut by 2026, but will keep offering ICE for as long as customers prefer it
Skoda previewed its upcoming entry-level electric SUV which will be called Epiq. The design reveal took place during the Annual Press Conference for 2024, alongside the announcement of Skoda’s financial results and future strategy.
Initially, we believed that Skoda would show the Elroq compact SUV that will debut in 2024 as a zero-emission alternative to the Karoq. However, the automaker showed us the smaller Epiq that will debut in 2025, with a starting price of €25,000 ($27,226). The subcompact SUV will share its underpinnings with the forthcoming VW ID.2, promising a driving range of over 400 km (250 miles).
The Skoda Epiq measures around 4.1 m (161.4 inches) long, making it only slightly bigger than the Skoda Fabia hatchback. The exterior adopts the latest Modern Solid design language, featuring a raised stance, oversized skid plates that double as intakes, and a distinctive LED lighting signature. Overall, the EV looks like a baby version of the Skoda Vision 7S Concept from 2022. The concept version is painted in a Moon White shade with discreet orange accents and rides on futuristic three-spoke alloy wheels.
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Despite the compact footprint, Skoda says that the EV will offer an “epic amount of space” in its five-seater cabin with a 490 lt (17.3 cubic feet) boot. The centerpiece of the minimalist dashboard is the large free-standing infotainment touchscreen which is joined by a much smaller digital instrument cluster. Other highlights include the futuristic two-spoke steering wheel with integrated buttons, the ultra-slim climate vents, and the storage compartment below a group of physical buttons on the center console. In line with Skoda’s future strategy, we expect an extensive use of sustainable materials throughout the interior.
Skoda also confirmed that the Epiq will come with a mobile digital key alongside the latest connected features. Finally, the bi-directional charging compatibility, means that owners will be able to use the EV’s battery juice to power electronic devices and home appliances.
Starting in 2025, the production of the Skoda Epiq will take place in the VW Group plant in Pamplona, Spain, next to the sibling VW ID.2 and Cupra Raval.
Investing In Electric Mobility Without Forgetting ICE
In 2023, Skoda sold 866,800 vehicles, representing an 18.4 percent increase compared to last year. This resulted in a €26.5 billion revenue (+26.2 percent) and €1.8 billion operating profit (+182.3 percent), despite the negative effects of dropping out of the Russian market.
Skoda CEO, Klaus Zellmer, acknowledged that the global EV rate is slowing down but insisted that the future of Skoda is “increasingly electric”. The automaker remains committed to investing €5.6 billion ($6.1 billion) in electric mobility in the coming years, debuting no less than six electric models by the end of 2026.
However, Skoda isn’t neglecting the development of other powertrains, including “highly efficient” ICE, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. In the same context, the Skoda CEO said they will keep offering models with combustion engines as long as their customers prefer them.
This is a developing story and will be updated