Škoda Auto is poised to disrupt the entry-level electric vehicle (EV) market with the Epiq, a new city SUV crossover designed to undercut competitors on price. The automaker is targeting a price point around €25,000, a figure that could significantly broaden the appeal of electric vehicles to a wider consumer base.
The Epiq, which will officially debut in May 2026 with sales commencing in June, represents a key component of Škoda’s strategy to double its all-electric portfolio by 2026. The vehicle has already been spotted undergoing testing in Porto, Portugal, offering a glimpse of its design and features.
Positioned as an electric equivalent to Škoda’s popular Kamiq combustion engine model, the Epiq is built on Volkswagen Group’s new front-wheel-drive MEB+ platform. This platform is designed for efficiency and affordability, contributing to the vehicle’s competitive pricing. While compact in overall size – 4,171mm long, 1,798mm wide, and 1,581mm high – the Epiq offers a generous 475-liter boot, exceeding the capacity found in many compact hatchbacks.
Škoda has prioritized interior space and comfort. The driver and front passenger benefit from seats positioned 62mm higher than in the Kamiq, enhancing visibility. Despite the vehicle’s relatively compact footprint, rear passenger space is adequate, though legroom is somewhat constrained. The interior design incorporates a modern aesthetic with a two-screen setup – a large infotainment display and a smaller driver display – alongside physical controls for key functions, a hallmark of Škoda’s design philosophy.
The exterior design features a new “Tech-Deck” strip concealing sensors and cameras, and introduces a distinctive T-shaped light signature that will become a defining characteristic of future Škoda models. Matrix headlights will be available as an option, a feature typically found in higher-segment vehicles.
Škoda is offering the Epiq with a range of powertrain options. The base models, designated 35 and 40, will utilize a 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, providing a range of up to 310 km. A higher-performance Model 55 will feature a 52 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, extending the range to 430 km. The company anticipates energy consumption of around 13 kWh per 100 km, even in the top-spec model.
Charging capabilities vary depending on the model. All versions support 11 kW AC charging. DC fast charging speeds reach 50 kW, 90 kW, or 125 kW, with the Model 55 capable of charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 23 minutes. Škoda anticipates the Epiq will offer a refined driving experience, with precise steering and a relatively firm suspension. Testing suggests a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.4 seconds for the 155 kW (approximately 211 horsepower) version, while the lower-powered variants achieve similar speeds in 9.8 or 11 seconds.
The Epiq shares its underlying architecture with upcoming electric models from Volkswagen (ID.Polo and ID.Cross) and Cupra (Raval), leveraging economies of scale within the Volkswagen Group. The vehicle’s relatively lightweight construction – around 1.5 tonnes – is attributed to the use of the MEB+ platform and the smaller battery packs.
A Sportline variant of the Epiq is planned for release in February 2027, potentially offering enhanced performance and styling. If Škoda delivers on its pricing promises, the Epiq has the potential to become a best-selling EV in Europe, offering a compelling combination of affordability, practicality, and modern features.
