The Skoda Octavia EV will be previewed by a new concept car, which is scheduled to make its debut at September’s Munich motor show. The all-electric Octavia concept will be showcased in estate form, and also preview a new design direction for Skoda, along with displaying 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 announced 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 plan was to introduce an Octavia EV based on the Volkswagen Group’s current MEB electric architecture.
However, Zellmer said the new model will instead be underpinned by the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) architecture, which is currently in the works, as it will offer “more performance and be more cost-efficient”. He said, “Wait and see until September, and then we will show you the full potential and technical package that we envision. It will be a concept car, so this is also a test bed for us to see what the resonance from the media, from our dealers and from our potential customers is.”
Production-spec Octavia EV debut by the end of the decade
The production version of the electric Octavia estate is due by the end of the decade, and will arrive at a similar time to the Volkswagen ID Golf, which will also be based on the SSP platform. The Octavia EV is expected to be the forerunner of the next generation of electric Skodas. It’ll also mark the point where the brand’s combustion-engine models and its all-electric range start to converge.
Skoda EV future models
Skoda Epiq and production-spec Vision 7S to precede Octavia EV
Before the Octavia EV, Skoda will debut two other all-electric models. The Epiq, a sibling to the Volkswagen ID 2, is coming next year as the brand’s new entry-level electric model, while the production-spec version of the Vision 7S concept (a seven-seat e-SUV that will act as the EV analogue of the Kodiaq) is also expected in 2026.
However, Skoda does not have plans to make its own version of the recently unveiled Volkswagen ID Every1 concept, which is due in 2027 and will be the German brand’s entry-level EV. Zellmer confirmed this saying, “We have decided not to be part of that segment. Within the Volkswagen Group, VW [will be left to] conquer that part 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 models, with Zellmer confirming that the Fabia, Kamiq and Scala have all been signed off for updates, so that they continue to be on sale in international markets in the coming years. This will include mild-hybrid powertrains, something that’s required for the upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations.
Zellmer is looking to add more Skoda hybrid models, including more long-range plug-in hybrids, thanks to the success of Superb and Kodiaq PHEVs in international markets. He said, “We want to have more hybrids in our portfolio because this is clearly something that we see reflected in the competitive landscape and consumer sentiment. The feedback we get from our dealers and from our customers in those cars [Superb and Kodiaq plug-ins] is very reassuring that we're heading the right way to have the best of both worlds: the range and the ease of a combustion engine, and the peace and quiet driving around and 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 continue in the electric era. Zellmer said, “This is something that is our DNA. We will keep it and you can't neglect that. You cannot get rid of that.” He confirmed that a second electric Skoda RS (after the Enyaq RS) is in the works. It is understood to be an RS version of the Epiq as a sibling to the VW ID 2 GTI.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
