Drivin' in Czechia
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Skoda Auto revealed the design of its new small electric SUV last year, a model scheduled for release this year. It was introduced as a concept called Škoda Epiq, which offered a glimpse of the upcoming car. Now, Epiq is being presented to the world in the form of a show car, which the public will be able to view at the upcoming IAA Mobility in Munich. In the meantime, the first pre-production units of this vehicle have already been built.
The first trial versions of this model were assembled in April at the Navarra plant in Spain. The factory is currently being restructured for the production of a new generation of electric vehicles, which, in addition to the Škoda Epiq, will include the Volkswagen ID.Polo. These electric innovations will replace the production of the Volkswagen Polo, which has been moved to South Africa to cut manufacturing costs.
Škoda Epiq: First photos
According to previous reports, the upcoming model will become the brand’s entry-level electric vehicle. It will be a subcompact car in the B segment, measuring 4.1 meters in length. Despite its compact dimensions, it promises generous luggage space – the show car offers a trunk capacity of 475 liters.
“The Epiq show car provides a clear preview of the next addition to Škoda’s successful family of fully electric vehicles. It embodies the essence of the Škoda brand: the Modern Solid design language, a spacious interior in a compact package, a user-friendly intuitive digital interface, and Simply Clever features that ensure a seamless experience – all at a highly attractive price. With the Epiq, we are taking another step toward making electric mobility a practical and appealing option for everyday drivers,” said Klaus Zellmer, Chairman of the Board at Škoda Auto.
The new Epiq is therefore being developed with the goal of costing around EUR 25,000 (CZK 590,000), which is considered low for an EV. On selected markets, it will be priced similarly to the Kamiq with a combustion engine. It is expected to go on sale in the course of 2026, with the production version being officially unveiled in mid-2026.
The design follows the stylistic direction of Modern Solid, previously introduced with the Vision 7S concept. Compared to today’s models from the Mladá Boleslav-based brand, the Epiq differs in several aspects – not just in the new logo.
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What about the technology?
To reduce costs, the vehicle will be based on the new MEB+ platform (also referred to as MEB Entry), which is tailored for affordable electric vehicles and first appeared in the Volkswagen ID.2all concept. Unlike the current MEB architecture, this platform features front-wheel drive, with the electric motor placed at the front axle – a decision aimed at reducing construction costs.
As for the battery, the plan is to use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, which are expected to be up to 50% cheaper than current battery cells, further helping to keep the vehicle affordable. The trade-off – slower charging and lower energy density – is considered acceptable in this segment.
Production will take place in Spain, at Volkswagen’s Navarra plant, which is currently being transformed into a center for small electric vehicle production. In addition to the new Škoda Epiq, the facility will also manufacture the Volkswagen ID.Polo and the upcoming Cupra UrbanRebel starting in 2025.
