A new concept car, set to premiere at the Munich Motor Show in September, will serve as a preview for the Skoda Octavia EV. The all-electric Octavia concept will be shown in estate form, coupled with a glimpse of Skoda's new design approach and the Volkswagen Group's next-generation EV architecture.
- Skoda Octavia EV to be based on VW Group’s SSP architecture
- To share platform and more with Volkswagen ID Golf
- New all-electric Skoda RS model under development
Skoda Octavia EV details
Octavia EV to share SSP platform with Volkswagen ID Golf
Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer revealed the concept at a media briefing for the brand's 2024 financial results, saying, "In September in Munich, we're going to have a concept car that gives an indication of what the new design language will be for the Octavia and what the technology in that car will be able to deliver." The Czech company's original goal was to launch an Octavia EV based on Volkswagen Group's current MEB electric architecture.
Zellmer, on the other hand, stated that the new model will be supported by the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) architecture, which is now in development and will provide "more performance and be more cost-efficient". He stated, "Wait until September, and then we will show you the full potential and technical package that we envision." It will be a concept car, therefore this will also serve as a test bed for us to gauge the reaction of the media, our dealers, and potential buyers."
Production-spec Octavia EV debut by the end of the decade
The electric Octavia estate will go into production before the end of the decade, around the same time as the Volkswagen ID Golf, which will also be built on the SSP platform. The Octavia EV is expected to be the precursor of the next generation of electric Skodas. It will also be the point at which the brand's combustion-engine cars and all-electric lineup begin to converge.
Skoda EV future models
Skoda Epiq and production-spec Vision 7S to precede Octavia EV
Before the Octavia EV, Skoda will introduce two further all-electric vehicles. The Epiq, a brother to the Volkswagen ID 2, will be the brand's new entry-level electric model next year, while the production-spec version of the Vision 7S concept (a seven-seat e-SUV that will serve as the Kodiaq's EV equivalent) is also scheduled for 2026.
Skoda, on the other hand, has no plans to produce its own version of the recently released Volkswagen ID Every1 concept, which is set to debut in 2027 as the German brand's entry-level electric vehicle. Zellmer acknowledged this, saying, "We have decided not to participate in that segment." Within the Volkswagen Group, VW [will be left to] dominate that segment of the market."
Skoda hybrid plans
Skoda looking to offer more mild- and plug-in hybrids
Nonetheless, Skoda will continue to offer entry-level combustion vehicles, with Zellmer noting that the Fabia, Kamiq, and Scala have all been approved for revisions, ensuring that they remain on sale in international markets in the years ahead. This will feature mild-hybrid powertrains, which are necessary under the future Euro 7 emissions requirements.
Because of the popularity of the Superb and Kodiaq PHEVs in international markets, Zellmer plans to launch more Skoda hybrid cars, including longer-range plug-in hybrids. He stated, "We want to include more hybrids in our portfolio because we see this reflected in the competitive landscape and consumer sentiment." The feedback we get from our dealers and customers in those cars [Superb and Kodiaq plug-ins] is very reassuring that we're on the right track to having the best of both worlds: the range and ease of a combustion engine, and the peace and quiet of driving around, as well as more than 100km [of electric range] with the E drive mode."
New Skoda RS EV in the works
Skoda Epiq RS EV likely under development
The RS badge will also survive in the electric era. Zellmer stated, "This is something that is in our DNA. We will keep it, and you cannot ignore that. You can't get rid of that. He acknowledged that a second electric Skoda RS (after the Enyaq RS) is in development. It is believed to be an RS version of the Epiq, brother to the VW ID 2 GTI.
