Epiq Emerges: Czech automobile manufacturer, Skoda, has recently revealed the concept design of its forthcoming entry-level electric SUV, named the Skoda Epiq. The global launch of this model is slated for 2025. The Epiq is the second in a series of six electric vehicles that Skoda Auto is set to introduce.
New entry-level SUV: With a length of 4.1 metres, the Epiq is expected to be launched in 2025. Priced around Euro 25,000 (Rs 19 lakh-23 lakh), the Epiq EV is set to replace the Skoda Kamiq and VW T-Cross in Europe. A lower-cost version could be introduced in the future.
Epiq Naming: The Epiq name, like all of Skoda’s BEVs, starts with an E, signifying a battery-electric vehicle, and ends with a Q, identifying it as an SUV. The Epiq, or A-zero BEV as Skoda calls it, is expected to have a long 2,600mm wheelbase and a 490-litre boot. As a born-electric SUV with a compact nose, it offers more interior space than a four-metre-long ICE-based SUV.
Modern Solid Design: The Epiq is designed with Skoda’s new ‘modern solid’ design cues. The slender grille area, the power bulge in the bonnet with the Skoda word mark in the centre, and the clear and smooth skinning give it a modern Skoda look. The front includes T-shaped LED elements for the daytime running lights, and the side features a high, sweeping ‘tornado’ line that visually separates the greenhouse from the rest of the body, showing off the car’s strong shoulder line.
Exterior Details: Squared wheel arches give the profile an interesting look, the ‘floating’ roof also gets a shark-fin-like ‘C’ pillar and the ‘T’ shaped light signature from up front is also carried over to the rear. Oliver Stefani, chief designer of the Czech carmaker says, “The Skoda Epiq design study perfectly embodies all the key attributes of the new design language Modern Solid.”
Minimalist Cabin: The cabin is interesting, especially the minimalist and tiny instrument panel that only seems to be there to provide essential data. All other information will come via the large central touchscreen. The Skoda Epiq will be the first production vehicle to feature a minimalist Modern Solid interior, with the dash top and lower ledge following on from current Skoda cars.
Steering Wheel: The two-spoke steering wheel showcases the new Skoda lettering as well as physical buttons and haptic scroll wheels. The boot also gets some of Skoda’s Simply Clever details like bag hooks, and hidden underfloor compartments.
Powertrain Details: The Epiq compact SUV will have a range of around 400km, with battery capacity for the EU likely to be between 38kWh and 56kWh. The SUV is likely to be offered with a single motor placed at the front for better packaging, roominess and boot space. Another interesting piece of tech is Skoda’s mobile digital key, which enables a wide range of features to be deployed via the driver’s smartphone.
Bi-directional Charging: The Skoda Epiq also supports bi-directional charging that transforms the car into a rolling energy storage unit that can feed excess electric energy into the customer’s home and/or to other appliances. “The Skoda Epiq will package an attractive price and a big interior with a compact size. Our customers want choices, which is why we are expanding our growing e-mobility portfolio into this popular segment,” says Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda Auto.
Production Location: The Skoda Epiq EV will be made in Pamplona, Spain, along with the Cupra and Volkswagen brands. The Skoda Elroq, a larger battery-electric compact SUV, will be the first vehicle to be launched as part of the upcoming electric model campaign, with its debut scheduled for later this year.
India Plans: Skoda India is also known to be working on a compact SUV EV for India. If things go to plan, the compact electric SUV for India will be made on the low-cost MEB 21 platform and form a part of the PEAK.EV project, which consists of a pair of EV SUVs for both Skoda and Volkswagen, four in total.