Skoda announces first electric SUV, the ENYAQ

Czech automobile manufacturer Škoda has this week announced the name of its first all-electric SUV, the ENYAQ, which will be the first Škoda model to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB).

Announced on Wednesday, the Škoda ENYAQ debuts the company’s new nomenclature that combines the “E” in electricmobility with the traditional Škoda SUV “Q”.

Very little is known about the actual car itself – with Škoda’s press release focusing primarily on the nuances of its new naming preferences.

But the company did highlight the fact the ENYAQ will be the company’s first series-production vehicle based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification Toolkit and the next of the series of more than ten electric vehicle models set to be launched under the Škoda iV sub-brand by the end of 2022.

Škoda expects that, by 2025, all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles will account for 25% of sales, and that by 2021 the company will have invested €2 billion ($A3.24 billion) in the development of electric models as well as “a holistic, interconnected ecosystem for modern and environmentally friendly mobility solutions.”

“It is the first Škoda model built as an electric car from the very beginning, which means a real breaking point for the whole company,” said Alain Favey, Škoda Board Member for Sales and Marketing.

“The A segment where Škoda belongs holds the major market share of car sales in Europe. Moreover, the SUV bodytype enjoys an incredible rise in popularity among customers, especially within the A segment.  This trend is expected to continue in the coming decade.”

Reports are that the ENYAQ will be a production version of its Vision iV concept vehicle unveiled nearly a year ago and which is expected to go on sale in 2021.

Autocar UK claims the ENYAQ will be a coupe-SUV blend and, in its concept form, boasted “a 302bhp four-wheel-drive EV powertrain offering a 310-mile range and the ability to charge up to 80% in 30 minutes.”