Skoda Kylaq CNG under evaluation; EV plans still unclear

While most mainstream carmakers have already dipped their foot in the EV segment, Skoda’s India portfolio strictly remains petrol-only. The carmaker, however, has acknowledged that it needs more products and alternative fuel choices to keep pace with the rapidly changing automotive landscape in India, especially with the Cafe III norms approaching in 2027.

Speaking to our sister publication, Autocar Professional, Martin Jahn, board member for sales and marketing at Skoda Auto, said the brand is evaluating CNG for India, although the company’s EV plans still remain uncertain. 

Skoda Kylaq CNG on the cards 

“We are looking at all alternatives, and CNG, I think, is a possibility,” said Jahn. Skoda is understood to be actively evaluating a new CNG powertrain for the Kylaq, and it could also be extended to the Kushaq and Slavia if there’s potential demand. In fact, the Vision X concept, which previewed the Kushaq, was originally showcased with a CNG-hybrid powertrain. This means that the platform can definitely support the fuel type. 

A CNG powertrain on the Kylaq makes for a strong proposition.

A CNG powertrain especially makes for a great addition to the Kylaq line-up, given the fact that the compact SUV contributed to over half of Skoda India’s sales in 2025 and was a key reason the brand could double its volumes compared to the previous year. Moreover, CNG is also a very popular fuel choice in the compact SUV segment, with at least half of the Kylaq’s rivals offering the option of one. 

Path to electrification is still unclear 

Even though Skoda has toyed the idea of bringing the Enyaq EV to India for several years, there has been no development on that front. The smaller Elroq, too, was being considered, but the brand has since been non-committal to a concrete plan.  

The Enyaq has been spied on Indian roads several times, but a launch never materialised.

“The world is now very volatile, and we are observing the transformation to electric. China is very strong and keeps pushing on electric. The US made a complete turnaround, going away, while Europe is slowing down a little bit. But we know that we need an electric portfolio for India,” said Jahn. 

“We are still looking for the best solution. So, I cannot give you an answer today, but we all know that we need more products, and we are working on it,” he added.

CAFE III deadline adds urgency

With tighter emission norms under CAFE III approaching, Skoda faces mounting pressure to introduce cleaner powertrains or risk penalties.

Globally, Skoda is developing a full range of hybrid powertrains, but cost remains a key consideration for India. “Globally, we are developing a full range of vehicles: mild hybrids, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full electric vehicles. Sometimes, the best technology comes with the highest cost. So, we have to evaluate that. And for India, we have to evaluate everything on the price sensitivity of the market,” said Jahn.  

The company is also watching the progress of a potential free-trade agreement between India and Europe, which could influence future decisions.