Skoda intends to launch six electric vehicles by 2026, and the most affordable of the bunch will be the pretentiously named Epiq. It is expected to go on sale next year with a targeted starting price of €25,000, or around $27,000 at current exchange rates. Billed as “small but epic,” the brand’s entry-level electric vehicle will be among the first models to adopt the new “Modern Solid” design language.
At around 4.1 meters (161.4 inches) long, you can consider it an electric alternative to the Kamiq. However, the subcompact Skoda Epiq is intended to ride on a dedicated electric vehicle platform, likely the MEB entry that the Volkswagen Group has already announced. The architecture was previewed by the German automotive conglomerate with last year’s ID.2all concept. While VW is going the hatchback route, Skoda is preparing this crossover.
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Even though it is shorter than the Kamiq we were talking about earlier, it is much more practical. Cargo capacity of 490 liters (17.3 cubic feet) is more than 20% higher thanks to dedicated EV underpinnings, resulting in better packaging. The Czech brand remains tight-lipped about other technical specifications, but it claims that the unspecified battery offers a range of more than 249 miles (400 kilometers), probably in the WLTP cycle.
The MEB Entry platform is for front-wheel-drive electric vehicles, while the regular MEB used by the larger Enyaq comes with rear-wheel drive. The most expensive and powerful MEB models sold by the VW Group are equipped with all-wheel drive by adding a front engine. It remains to be seen whether the MEB Entry models will benefit from an all-legged configuration at some point.
The Modern Solid design language, according to Skoda’s marketing jargon, will strengthen the appearance of future models. This Epiq features plastic body cladding around the wheel arches and unpainted sections of the rear bumpers. We also notice a pair of trick roof rails, an illuminated rear badge and slim lights at both ends.
The charging port is mounted on the front fender rather than at the rear as is the case on the Enyaq. Contrasting orange accents are found inside and out, along with an interrupted light bar that runs across the wide grille. Overall, the Epiq appears to be more of a near-production prototype since it’s unlikely to change much before 2025. Skoda calls it a design study rather than a concept.
Before the Epiq arrives in 2025, the larger Elroq compact crossover will be officially revealed later this year with an electric-only configuration. These two will be joined by 2026 by the next-generation Enyaq and Enyaq Coupe. An Octavia-like wagon with EV flavor is also arriving, as well as a large three-row SUV previewed by the combustion-engine-less Vision 7S.
