Skoda is working to extend its global lineup of electric vehicles and is also researching the explosively growing EV market in India. Even niche luxury automakers have found success with EVs in India, and Skoda has closely followed Audi’s entry into the Indian EV market. Follow hitsbuddy for latest news.
Thomas Schafer, chairman of the board at Skoda Auto, stated in a recent interview with Autocar India regarding the company’s EV forecast for our market, “Audi brought in the e-tron, e-tron Sportback, and e-tron GT, and they were quickly swallowed [by the customers] and ripped out of our hands. Consequently, it is evident that there is a demand, and it goes without saying that you must consider this market going forward.”
While the Indian EV market was not an urgent priority for Skoda, the Czech manufacturer does not want to be left behind in the country’s EV competition, which is projected to increase over the next five years with a slew of new all-electric vehicles. Skoda, inspired by Audi’s success, believes there may be a market for its recently introduced all-electric Enyaq iV, which has proved a major success in Europe.
Skoda Enyaq iV is planned for India.
Schafer declined to comment on the potential launch of the Enyaq iV in India, stating that it is “a bit too early to make any announcements.” However, he did confirm that Skoda “will probably bring in some Enyaqs next year to test the [Indian] market, see how the cars perform here, and gain more intelligence on it.”
Nevertheless, according to our sources, Skoda is considering the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) approach to launch the Enyaq iV at an estimated price of between Rs 35 lakh and Rs 40 lakh, and an early 2023 launch is possible. Direct importation of the Enyaq iV would be the simplest and quickest way to market, but the high customs duties would make it prohibitively expensive. In addition, despite Elon Musk’s and other automakers’ requests, the Indian government does not appear prepared to decrease levies on full imports.
The Skoda Enyaq iV is the brand’s first dedicated electric vehicle; it was released globally in September of last year. MEB is essentially a sibling vehicle to the Volkswagen ID.4, serving as its foundation.
The Enyaq iV is offered globally with three battery capacities (varying from 55 to 82 kWh), rear- or all-wheel drive (with 148 to 265 horsepower), and a 306 horsepower RS performance edition. Depending on the variant, the advertised range on a single charge is between 340 and 510 kilometres.
It would help position the Enyaq iV more reasonably on the Indian market if Skoda offered the two-wheel drive version with the lower battery alternatives in India.
Strong global demand for electric vehicles; India expected to follow
Even though EV sales are still modest in comparison to the overall sales of passenger vehicles in the country, they have recently gained momentum. This is evidenced by the fact that electric passenger car sales in India during the first half of fiscal year 2022 (April-September) eclipsed total EV sales for the full fiscal year 2021 and grew by a staggering 234% year-over-year (YoY).
In markets like as Europe, particularly Western Europe, EVs have recently gained widespread acceptability. Even for the Enyaq iV, Schafer stated, “It has approximately 75,000 orders in Europe.” This demand is so great that we don’t know how to meet it. He added that this is a “natural need” that is not stimulated by government incentives.
Regarding India, Schafer stated, “There is an incredible push [for EVs] towards 2030, and India is now going in that direction. India will absolutely not fall behind.” This optimistic perspective motivates the corporation to investigate electrification in our market.
