The speculations that a compact SUV and a locally made electric vehicle are launching in the coming years, Skoda and Volkswagen appear to be readying to introduce their first electric vehicles in India in 2024. While no official confirmation has been made yet, Skoda is expected to bring in the Enyaq iV and the popular Volkswagen ID.4 is also heading to India. Both electric vehicles have several commonalities and they will be brought into the country via CBU route. Expect the Skoda Enyaq iV and VW ID.4 to be introduced by the middle of this calendar year and they could be priced in the upwards of Rs. 50 lakh (ex-showroom). They are based on Volkswagen Group’s modular MEB electric architecture.
The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX could be the one launching in India and is equipped with a 77 kWh battery pack and dual electric motors (one mounted at the front and the other at the rear axle). The combined power output stands at close to 300 hp and the maximum torque produced is 460 Nm. The ID.4 GTX has a claimed driving range of up to 480 km on a single charge.
In a significant leap towards sustainable mobility, Skoda Auto and Volkswagen are gearing up to introduce their first electric vehicles (EVs) in the Indian market. The move comes as part of their global commitment to embracing electric mobility and reducing carbon footprints. The decision by Skoda and Volkswagen to launch EVs in India aligns with the global trend towards electrification.
Skoda's EV Endeavor: Committed to a Sustainable Future
- Skoda's Vision for India: Skoda Auto has outlined an ambitious vision for its electric future in India. The move is part of Skoda's broader strategy to contribute to a sustainable automotive ecosystem.
- Collaboration with Volkswagen: Sharing Electric Aspirations: Skoda's journey into the Indian EV market is closely aligned with its collaboration with Volkswagen, as both brands are under the umbrella of the Volkswagen Group.
Volkswagen's Electric Foray: A Commitment to Sustainability
- Volkswagen's Global Electric Push: Family of electric vehicles, which includes models like the ID.3 and ID.4. Volkswagen's entry into the Indian EV market is poised to bring its global electric expertise to the forefront.
- ID. Buzz: A Futuristic Electric MPV: Volkswagen's ID. Buzz, an electric MPV, is expected to be one of the key offerings in its Indian electric portfolio. The ID. Buzz combines the nostalgia of the iconic VW Microbus with modern electric technology, creating a futuristic and environmentally friendly MPV.
The Indian EV Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges
Government Initiatives: Fostering EV Adoption
The Indian government has been actively promoting electric mobility through various initiatives, including incentives, subsidies, and the establishment of charging infrastructure. Automakers entering the Indian EV market can benefit from these government measures aimed at fostering a conducive environment for electric vehicle adoption.
Skoda and Volkswagen: A Unified Approach to Indian EV Success
- Shared Platforms and Technologies: Leveraging Synergies: Skoda and Volkswagen's collaborative approach extends beyond sharing global expertise; it involves leveraging common platforms and technologies to streamline development processes.
- Diverse Portfolio: Catering to Varied Preferences: Skoda and Volkswagen are expected to introduce a diverse portfolio of electric vehicles in India, catering to different segments and preferences.
- The Road Ahead: A Paradigm Shift in Indian Mobility: As Skoda and Volkswagen prepare to launch their first electric vehicles in India, the automotive landscape in the country is poised for a paradigm shift.
- Impact on Competitors: Raising the Bar: The introduction of electric vehicles by Skoda and Volkswagen is expected to raise the competitive bar in the Indian automotive industry.
- Job Creation and Skill Development: Industry Growth Catalyst: The shift towards electric mobility is not just about vehicles; it also represents an opportunity for job creation and skill development.
Skoda Octiva is believed to introduce the range-topping 80x variant of the Enyaq iV in India. It also uses a 77 kWh battery pack working in tandem with two electric motors. One e-motor drives each axle enabling an all-wheel-drive system and the combined power output stands at 265 hp – nearly 35 hp lesser than the ID.4 GTX. It has a longer drive range though compared to the ID.4 GTX as it stands at more than 500 km. It is claimed to reach zero to 100 kmph in just 6.9 seconds. The Enyaq 85 has also been spied testing in India and it features a rear-mounted electric motor producing 282 hp and is two tenths quicker to 100 kmph compared to the 80x variant. It utilises an 82 kWh battery pack with a claimed range of 565 km in the WLTP cycle and it can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in just 28 minutes.