Skoda intends to launch six EVs by 2026, and probably the most inexpensive of the bunch shall be this pretentiously named Epiq. It’s scheduled to go on sale subsequent yr with a focused beginning worth of €25,000, or roughly $27,000 at present trade charges. Touted as being “small however epic,” the model’s entry-level EV shall be among the many first fashions to embrace the recent “Fashionable Stable” design language.
At round 4.1 meters (161.4 inches) lengthy, you possibly can consider it as an electrical different to the Kamiq. Nevertheless, the subcompact Skoda Epiq is destined to experience on a devoted EV platform, possible the MEB Entry the Volkswagen Group has already introduced. The structure has been previewed by the German automotive conglomerate with final yr’s ID.2all idea. Whereas VW goes the hatchback route, Skoda is cooking up this crossover.
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Though it is shorter than the Kamiq we talked about earlier, it’s miles extra sensible. The cargo capability of 490 liters (17.3 cubic ft) is greater than 20 p.c larger because of the devoted EV underpinnings, leading to higher packaging. The Czech marque stays tight-lipped in regards to the different technical specs, however it does say the unspecified battery pack is nice for over 249 miles (400 kilometers) of vary, presumably within the WLTP cycle.
The MEB Entry platform is meant for EVs with front-wheel drive whereas the common MEB utilized by the larger Enyaq comes with rear-wheel drive. The costlier and highly effective MEB-based fashions bought by the VW Group include AWD by including a entrance motor. It stays to be seen whether or not the MEB Entry fashions will get an all-paw setup in some unspecified time in the future.
The Fashionable Stable design language per Skoda’s advertising jargon will toughen up the looks of future fashions. This Epiq has plastic physique cladding across the wheel arches and unpainted sections of the rear bumpers. We additionally discover a pair of nifty roof rails, an illuminated rear badge, and slim lights at each ends.
The charging port is mounted on the entrance fender quite than on the again as is the case with the Enyaq. Contrasting orange accents are discovered in and out, together with an interrupted mild bar that goes throughout the large grille. Total, the Epiq appears to be extra alongside the strains of a near-production prototype because it’s unlikely to vary all that a lot till 2025. Skoda calls it a design examine quite than an idea.
Earlier than the Epiq arrives in 2025, the larger Elroq compact crossover shall be formally unveiled later this yr with an electric-only setup. These two shall be joined by 2026 by the next-generation Enyaq and Enyaq Coupe. An Octavia-like wagon in EV taste can be coming, together with a big three-row SUV previewed by the Imaginative and prescient 7S sans a combustion engine.
