Skoda wants affordable EVs as it refocuses on value

The Czech brand has confirmed its hopes to offer a pair of new affordable electric vehicles in the coming years to help it cut-through to a new EV buyer demographic, while still asserting its intentions to have a number of sub-$40K petrol models available for customers to choose.

The EVs in the equation are the the still-to-be-revealed Elroq SUV, an electric replacement for the Karoq, and the recently-rendered Epiq compact SUV [↗️], which is set to be a cut-price offering in Europe, with a target price of €25,000 (AUD $41,450).

The first electric model from Skoda will launch this year — the Enyaq crossover SUV, and the RS version, arrive in October — and Skoda Australia managing director Michael Irmer told media at a recent event that the company is hopeful it will add the Epiq small SUV, Elroq midsize model, and a new electric seven-seater (presaged by the Vision 7S concept), as well as an electric wagon to its ranks in the coming years.

Mr Irmer was particularly enthused by the concept of the Epiq compact SUV, which is based on the new MEB Entry platform that will also underpin the VW ID.2, and which promises to put affordability at the forefront for EV customers when it’s launched in 2025.

«But we have the advantage in Australia that, given the competitive forces, our price level for a similar spec is actually quite a bit lower than in Europe,” he said, suggesting the $41,500 price point could be achievable.

“We can’t wait for this car to come, it’s going to be awesome. At the moment we’re working in the business case phase to confirm any release date,” he said.

“We’ll get the Elroq as well. It has not been shown in full… and the Elroq in size, will come as a medium, so between the Enyaq [large] and the Epiq [small],” Mr Irmer explained, before reinforcing there will also be the seven-seater large SUV that sits above the Elroq, and will sit alongside the new-generation Kodiaq model.

With new EV players entering the market on what feels like a monthly basis, Mr Irmer made it clear that the brand is conscious of the important role that affordable electric cars will play through this decade.

Skoda’s focus on affordable motoring also extends to internal