In the electric offensive, which wants to drive the Volkswagen Group from 2020 with the so-called ID models, the daughters want to actively participate. As the first brand logs Skoda, At the international fair Auto China 2017, the Czechs present their first electric car, called "Vision E", after more than 120 years of classic automotive engineering. The nearly 4,70 meter long crossover, a mix of SUV and coupe, should be in the latest three years as a production model on the market.
“The Vision E perfectly embodies our electromobility strategy,” says Bernhard Maier, CEO of Skoda. And adds: "Further electric models will follow." By 2025, Skoda will have five purely electrically powered models in addition to plug-in hybrids. "From this point on, every fourth Skoda sold worldwide will have a plug-in hybrid or purely electric drive," said Maier.
The basis for this is the so-called MEB, the modular electrification kit. This group-wide developed architecture will feature a large number of electric cars with a wide variety of body shapes. Hatchback (Golf), Minivan, Crossover, SUV, Sedan, Coupe and Van are considered set. And who knows, maybe one day there will even be a cabriolet, with which the fresh spring air can be enjoyed silently.
That Skoda chooses China as a premiere country for its Vision E, has its reason. The Middle Kingdom, on the one hand, wants to get a grip on its smog problems in the big cities and, on the other hand, wants to become the lead market for emission-free driving. The government even plans to introduce certain quotas. After that, the carmakers are forced to offer an ever-expanding part of their normal range of services as e-vehicles. China is already the largest electrical market on earth today. Around three times as many Stromers are newly registered here as in the rest of the world together.
The Skoda Vision E is powered by two electric motors. One sits on the front axle (75 kW / 102 PS), the other with 150 kW / 204 PS on the rear axle, making the crossover a winter-ready four-wheel drive vehicle. The combined power is 225 kW / 306 PS. Nevertheless, Skoda limits the maximum speed to 180 km / h. Otherwise the battery would run out too fast. In the study, it has a capacity of 83 kWh. Otherwise Skoda could not keep his promise to drive at least 500 kilometers with a battery charge.
The design of the Vision E study was designed by Skoda ex-designer Jozef Kaban. He recently switched to BMW. Remarkable are the strongly emphasized Coupé form and the absence of the middle doorpost (B-pillar). The latter, however, will find no entry into the series. Skoda sees what problems the BMW i3 has with its butterfly doors in everyday life. Possible, however, that until 2020 is allowed to mount small cameras instead of rearview mirrors. "They improve aerodynamics," says Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design.
The inside tries to keep everything as airy, cool and ultramodern as possible. A center console is no longer there, but to the outside swiveling individual seats (for easier entry and exit), multiple touch screens and all connectivity features (Wi-Fi hotspot, Internet). Of course, in this concept car, Skoda once again wants to express its "simply-clever" philosophy. So in the door cases handy phone holder, in which the smartphone can be charged inductively. Without the hassle of handling the cable, even the whole car can be charged. The Vision E has an induction plate underneath the car floor. "We can charge 80 percent of battery capacity in just 30 minutes," says Skoda Chief Development Officer Christian Strube.
When the “Czech Tesla” has reached series status, it will also be able to drive autonomously at the same time, at least at level 3. This means that the driver can take his hands off the steering wheel and, for example, do the annoying convoy or stop & go traffic on the motorway Leave the computer. As soon as the car is in autopilot mode, the front seats can be pushed far back and the steering wheel is raised. "This enables us to offer a maximum feeling of space," says Strube.
Of course, Skoda does not talk about prices today. However, anyone who knows the Czech Volkswagen brand knows that you always get a lot of car for the money here. The joint development with the Wolfsburg-based mother as well as the broad distribution of MEB technology in the Group should also be financially beneficial. Experts predict that Skoda's first electric car will cost less than 40.000 Euro despite its large battery - it is and will remain the most expensive item. For comparison: Jaguar's same-size I-Pace will not be available under 75.000 Euro. (Michael Specht / SP-X)