Skoda Epiq presented: Small E-SUV with up to 430 km range

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The Volkswagen Group took a long time, but in 2026 the giant intends to strike back forcefully in the small electric car market. Four of the group's brands are involved: Cupra, VW, Audi, and Skoda. The Czechs are throwing the Epiq into the race. It will be an E-SUV with dimensions of around 4.17 m, roughly the same size as the current Skoda Kamiq.

Very large trunk

The technical data now published makes it clear that a considerable amount of space will be provided on the traffic area of what is still considered a small car today. The wheelbase measures approximately 2.6 m. This should also allow for conditions in the rear that a family with two not-too-large children could cope well with. With 475 liters, the trunk is larger than in the considerably longer Audi Q5 e-hybrid, which has just left the editorial office. Skoda can offer this because there are no drive components around the rear axle. The engine and drive are generally at the front, and all-wheel drive is not planned. This creates space for a deep compartment behind the rear axle.

The torsion beam rear axle also creates space, and it was likely dictated by those who had to watch costs. After all, the Epiq is intended to appeal to price-conscious customers as an entry-level model. Against this background, the decision to equip the Epiq with disc brakes on the rear axle as well is remarkable. This is probably more expensive to produce and not necessarily an advantage for customers. Those who primarily decelerate through recuperation may quickly struggle with rust there. Until now, Volkswagen has relied on drum brakes at the rear in its MEB-based models.

Daily online updates promised

The collaboration with the American software expert Rivian has not yet produced a production model. That will only come with the VW ID.1, whatever the car will ultimately be called for sale. The Epiq is one of the last new releases that will not yet benefit from this merger. Despite cost pressure, there are a few modern assistants. The Travel Assist 3.0 has an adaptive lane keeping assistant and actively reacts to recognized traffic signs and traffic lights. Skoda promises "daily online updates of traffic sign data for optimal vehicle response in dense traffic." New is the "Cross Assist 2.0" helper, which uses radar sensors in the bumpers to assist with entering unclear intersections and warns of approaching vehicles or cyclists.

Three engines, two batteries

Initially, three drive configurations are planned, which will by no means satisfy everyone. Because Skoda is also missing the opportunity to combine the larger of the two batteries with one of the weaker engines. This is understandable from the perspective of product planners, as they want to limit the number of variants. For the customer, however, this means: the maximum range is only available with the strongest engine – and at corresponding prices, of course.

The base model "Epiq 35" is tailored to needs that prioritize short to medium distances. This refers less to the engine from the APP290 series itself, which already delivers 85 kW here. Even that should be enough for many. But with 37 kWh of energy content in the traction battery, 315 km remain in WLTP, and on the highway, even under ideal conditions and at moderate speed, it will likely be around 200 km. Skoda also restricts the charging power. In the base model, it is a maximum of 50 kW, in the next stage "Epiq 40", whose electric motor already delivers 99 kW, it is 90 kW charging power with the identical battery.

Not a champion for long distances

These two models rely on lithium iron phosphate cell chemistry (LFP). It is considered robust and cost-effective. However, the energy density, both volumetric and gravimetric, is lower than that of nickel-manganese-cobalt cell chemistry, and its operating temperature is higher. To charge quickly in winter conditions, more energy must be used with an LFP battery to pre-condition the battery. In the initial technical data, Skoda only reveals a charging time from 10 to 80 percent for the version with the 99 kW engine and 90 kW DC charging. It is said to take 28 minutes to recharge the 26 kWh (70 percent of net energy content). This results in an average net charging power of 55.5 kW in this range.

Not for everyone, but for many

The top model "Epiq 55" can offer better values in this regard. The NMC battery has a net energy content of 51.7 kWh. A peak of 133 kW should be possible, with charging from 10 to 80 percent completed in 23 minutes. This would be an average of 94 kW net charging power in this range. Even the top Epiq model, for which the manufacturer states 430 km in WLTP, will not be a champion for long distances. I would estimate that, apart from frost and haste, with a full battery start on the highway, around 450 km are possible, provided a stop of about 25 minutes is planned and a reserve of 10 percent is not touched. This means the Epiq will not fit every requirement profile, but probably some.