Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer Details 3 Electric Vehicles For India

Skoda’s Chairman of Management Board & CEO has shed light on the company’s plans for India and there is a lot to be excited about. In a recent media interaction, Klaus Zellmer revealed key details of three upcoming Skoda vehicles in India. “We have a concrete plan. Our plan covers the whole range of cars, the whole range of portfolio with mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles,” said Zellmer to PTI.

People have long been discussing Skoda’s electrification plans for India. Previously, the manufacturer had mostly remained tight-lipped about the same. Now we have light on these! Skoda will launch hybrids, alongside EVs.

Entry-Level EV For India

The focus will remain on SUVs, and all three confirmed products will have this body style. The first product, as Zellmer describes, will be ‘an entry-level EV that will be introduced globally in 2026 as an option for India’. While he doesn’t reveal any further details, it could be an EV version of the Kylaq, that’s coming. Skoda Kylaq will launch in early 2025, with a 1.0L TSI petrol engine. However, as hinted by Zellmer, an electric form could soon come to the Indian shores.

The Kylaq EV could be based on the Skoda Epiq concept that was revealed recently. The vision car is said to spawn an entry-level electric SUV that delivers around 400 km range. The production of this will commence in Pamplona, Spain. However, if headed to the Indian shores, it could likely be based on the MQB A0 IN platform or its derivatives and will be manufactured at the Chakan facility. Mechanical details are unknown at the moment.

Recently, Skoda India brand director Petr Janeba also told the media how the company is stitching its EV and hybrid plans for the country. He said that the brand’s global target of launching 6 EVs in the next 3 years includes models for the Indian market as well. Half of these could be brought to India via CBU and would thus be expensive. He also hinted at an affordable EV being developed for a probable launch within the next 3 years. It could be the all-electric Kylaq.

Skoda Enyaq iV

”The next car for India will be the Enyaq as a battery electric vehicle that we currently sell in Europe.”– says Zallmer

The Skoda Enyaq iV could launch in India in the coming months. There have been multiple sightings of the electric SUV undergoing testing in the country, so far. Going by Zellmer’s words, the brand could soon launch this Kia EV6 rival here. It will be reach our shores through the CBU route, and will thus have premium pricing. The Enyaq is based on Skoda’s MEB platform, which also underpins the VW ID.4.

Measuring 4,648 mm in length, 1,877 mm in width, and 1,618 mm in height, it will offer a roomy two-row cabin, packed with technology and features. Expect large dual displays, 360-degree camera, multi-function steering wheel and more. The vehicle is expected to come with ADAS as well.

The Enyaq 80 variant will have a 77kWh battery pack and a 200 bhp rear-mounted electric motor. WLTP range is claimed to be over 500 km. 0-100 comes in 8.5 seconds.

Skoda Elroq

As suggested by the design sketches, the Elroq will be the first model to feature Skoda’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design language. Key highlights of this design would be a smaller butterfly grille, ‘Tech-Deck face’, large faux air intake on the front bumper, LED Matrix headlamps that sit on the bumper, wraparound LED tail-lights, new wheels and a new Timiano Green colour.

The cabin will have a futuristic design to it, with a large touchscreen, a two-spoke steering wheel, and a virtual cockpit. There will be four variants available: Elroq 50, 60, 85 and 85x- with various battery capacities. The electric motor outputs could range between 168hp and 295hp. RWD and AWD versions can be expected. The Elroq will make its global debut later this year and could hit the European roads in 2025. India launch could happen soon after this.