Skoda recently announced plans to introduce three electric vehicles by 2026 and CEO Klaus Zellmer has revealed they’ll have a more distinctive design.
Speaking with Handelsblatt, Zellmer said “Skoda has never been so stringent with its own design language” and “the realignment, especially with the electric models, will clearly show that.” He went on to say future models will “express down-to-earthness and honesty,” but won’t be overly focused on technology.
Technology issues have been causing problems at Volkswagen and it appears Skoda is eager to avoid the same mistakes. In particular, Zellmer said Skoda will be “more conservative in its digital presence” as it doesn’t want customers to feel overwhelmed.
Also: Skoda To Unveil Fabia, Karoq, And Kodiaq-Sized EVs By 2026, Plus More ICE-Powered Models
Getting back to the upcoming EVs, one of the models is slated to be a Fabia-sized hatchback that rides on the MEB platform. Handelsblatt reports it could cost less than €25,000 ($26,311 / £21,489), which would make it around €10,000 ($10,524 / £8,595) cheaper than the MINI Cooper SE and Renault Zoe.
Skoda has previously said the other two models will be a Karoq-sized compact crossover and a large seven-seat crossover that was previewed by the Vision 7S concept. The latter featured an 89 kWh battery pack that enabled the model to travel over 373 miles (600 km) in the WLTP cycle.
Despite the focus on EVs, Zellmer said the company isn’t ready to give up on ICE-powered models as “customers will decide how the market develops.” However, with the European Union set to ban the sale of new ICE models in 2035, the writing is already on the wall.
In the meantime, Skoda will introduce the next-generation Superb and Kodiaq next year. They’ll be joined by a new Octavia in 2024.
