Skoda Auto has expanded its electric vehicle lineup with two distinct battery-electric models positioned at opposite ends of the market: the entry-level Epiq compact crossover and the flagship seven-seat Peaq. During a two-day media test drive through the Bavarian Alps and the Austrian Tyrol, automotive journalists evaluated both vehicles as part of the Volkswagen Group brand’s broader electrification strategy.
Skoda Epiq Positions Itself as an Entry-Level Electric Option
The Skoda Epiq is built on a modernized variant of the Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform, sharing architecture with other compact EVs in the group such as the Volkswagen ID. Polo, ID. Cross, and Cupra Raval. The vehicle measures 4.17 meters long, 1.8 meters wide, and 1.58 meters high, with a 2.6-meter wheelbase designed to maximize interior cabin space for passengers.
Skoda offers the Epiq with three powertrain configurations and two battery choices. The entry-level model features a 37 kWh battery paired with a 115-horsepower electric motor. A mid-tier version retains the 37-kilowatt-hour battery while increasing output to 135 horsepower. The long-range variant utilizes a larger nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery with a 52 kWh net capacity, paired with a 211-horsepower motor that delivers an estimated 440-kilometer range under the WLTP cycle. All Epiq configurations feature a front-wheel-drive layout.
Direct-current (DC) charging speeds vary by trim. The base model supports charging up to 50 kW, the mid-tier reaches 88 kW, and the large-battery variant peaks at 105 kW. Under optimal conditions, replenishing the battery from 10 līdz 80% takes approximately 25 minutes. The vehicle also includes vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing users to draw up to 3.6 kW of electricity from the car’s battery via an adapter to power external electronic devices.
Exterior Styling and Cabin Ergonomics
The Epiq introduces Skoda’s new “Modern Solid” design language, characterized by distinctive T-shaped light signatures at the front and rear. Its upright, boxy proportions maximize interior volume, making it slightly larger than Volkswagen’s ID. Polo and ID. Cross models.
To achieve its target starting price, the cabin utilizes hard plastics on the center console and door panels, particularly in lower trim levels. Higher trim configurations offer improved interior materials and perceived quality. The driver interface features a traditional round steering wheel equipped with physical scroll wheels and buttons, paired with a compact 5.3-inch instrument cluster that displays core driving data such as speed, battery level, and remaining range. A 13-inch central touchscreen manages infotainment functions.
Model Lineup Expansion with the Peaq Flagship
While the Epiq targets the budget-conscious compact segment, the newly introduced Peaq serves as Skoda’s larger, seven-seat flagship vehicle, positioned above the Kodiaq in the brand’s hierarchy. Both models highlight the automaker’s strategy to diversify its electric portfolio across multiple market tiers, following the Volkswagen Group’s broader compact electric vehicle rollout.
Skoda Epiq platform range and power supply capabilities
What platform does the Skoda Epiq use?
The Skoda Epiq is built on a modernized version of the Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform.
What is the maximum driving range of the Skoda Epiq?
Equipped with the 52 kWh net capacity battery and a 211-horsepower motor, the Epiq achieves an estimated range of up to 440 kilometers under the WLTP testing cycle.
Does the Skoda Epiq support external power supply?
Yes, the vehicle features vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, enabling users to power external electrical appliances with up to 3.6 kW of output via an adapter.
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