Introducing the Skoda Epiq: no electric car from the brand will be smaller

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For several years, car manufacturers focused primarily on expensive electric cars. Meanwhile, however, the segment of models that are or will be available for 20,000 to 35,000 euros is growing. After all, manufacturers cannot ignore this segment if the drive revolution is to succeed across the board. Volkswagen is getting in comparatively late, but then with the diversity of its brands. The Skoda Epiq should have a good chance of contributing to success.

More trunk space than the longer combustion engine

As with the VW ID. Cross, the Skoda Epiq is still a study. However, they should both look very similar to the series production launch planned for 2026. In other words, only minor deviations from the show cars are to be expected. At 4.1 m, the small e-SUV Epiq will be around 14 cm shorter than a Skoda Kamiq with a combustion engine. Despite this difference, the luggage compartment in the e-car is larger at 425 liters than in the Kamiq, which holds 400 liters. The enormous capacity of the Epiq is thanks to a compartment behind the rear axle.

Battery issue

Skoda is also not giving any details about the battery at the IAA. The only hint is the statement that it offers a range of up to 425 km in the WLTP. There is much to suggest that there will be two batteries. The basic version will presumably have an LFP battery with around 40 kWh, while the top-of-the-range version will have an NMC storage unit with 55 kWh. In times of falling battery costs, it still cannot be ruled out that a manufacturer will take an upward flight. The calculation would be as follows: 15 kWh costs the manufacturer 600 euros, but 800 euros more could be achieved on the market.

External and internal competition

The Skoda Epiq will certainly not lack for competition. Renault 4, Mini Aceman (test), Ford Puma Gen-E, Opel Mokka Electric, and Volvo EX30, among others, are similar in length. Internally, it competes with the VW ID. Cross. The entry-level price is likely to be less than 30,000  euros in each case. For orientation: A Skoda Kamiq (test) currently officially costs at least 25,330 euros as a basic model with a five-speed manual gearbox and 70 kW. The entry-level model of the Epiq will probably be slightly higher, but the premium for the e-car is getting smaller and smaller, if it still exists at all. After all, if you would rather not shift gears yourself in the Kamiq, you're already looking at more than 28,000 euros – without goodies such as heated seats, automatic air conditioning, or a navigation system.

(mfz)