Skoda is considering bringing its all-new Peaq electric SUV to India. Set for a global unveiling on June 23, 2026, the upcoming Peaq will be the largest model in the brand’s line-up.
- Peaq offers more than 600km of range
- Skoda is also planning a locally built EV
Skoda Peaq India launch likely
Skoda could bring its flagship EV to India in one of its higher variants
When asked about the possibility of Skoda launching the Peaq as a brand-shaper in India, Ashish Gupta, brand director for Skoda Auto India, said, “Yes, it’s on my radar. We have to look at the specifications of the car, and we need to bring in a premium car, not a bare-bones car at a high price. So that is what we are working on. My ambition is to have our global portfolio in India next year.”
Skoda’s global EV portfolio includes its recently unveiled entry-level model, the Epiq, which retails at 26,000 euros (approximately Rs 28.70 lakh) in Europe. However, its size, range and pricing are not favourable for India. This would make it a difficult proposition against the likes of the Hyundai Creta Electric and Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, as well as the upcoming Tata Sierra EV.
The same goes for Elroq and Enyaq EVs. With the range-topping Peaq, however, volumes are less important, and Skoda could use its flagship to build the brand and pave the way for more affordable electric models, including locally built ones.
Skoda’s local EV plan
“At the end of the day, if you want to be a significant EV player, it has to be a local play, and that is what we are working on,” said Gupta. But time is needed for that to materialise, as Skoda requires a localised, cost-efficient platform, and the brand is yet to commit to a launch date, with Gupta only saying, “As I shared last year, we are working on it (local EV). That plan cannot be suddenly preponed and brought in earlier because there are several steps, including supply chains that need to be taken care of.”
Therefore, the chances of seeing the flagship Peaq EV in India are perhaps higher than those of its smaller siblings or a locally built model, which is still at least a couple of years away.
Skoda Peaq powertrain
The international-spec Peaq will have three variants
The Skoda Peaq will be sold abroad in three variants: 60, 90 and 90x. These will be powered by a lithium-ion (NMC) battery pack, offered with 63kWh and 91kWh capacities. The range-topping 90x variant has two electric motors (all-wheel drive) with a combined output of 299hp, while the other variants feature a single electric motor (rear-wheel drive), developing up to 286hp. Skoda also claims a DC fast-charging time of 27-28 minutes for a 10-80 percent recharge, a top speed of up to 180kph, and a maximum claimed range of over 600km, all depending on the variant.
With inputs from Sergius Barretto
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
Viraaj Bhatnagar
