Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda undecided about affordable all-electric Volkswagen ID. rival

Skoda CEO admits that firm has not yet committed to an affordable electric car to sit on the MEB platform

Skoda Vision iV concept - front

Skoda has yet to commit to a more affordable electric car that could sit alongside the Volkswagen ID. hatchback and SEAT el-Born in the forthcoming range of MEB models, the CEO has admitted.

The Czech manufacturer will launch its first vehicle based on the MEB all-electric platform next year. A production version of the Vision iV large SUV coupe, built on the longer MEB wheelbase shared with the likes of the VW ID. Crozz, it will be made on the same line as the Octavia at Skoda’s home factory in Mlada Boleslav.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Volkswagen ID. hatch order books to open in May

The new model will be part of Skoda’s plan to launch “at least 10” fully electric, plug-in hybrid or 48-volt mild-hybrid vehicles by 2022 - but while this number will include an additional MEB model, the company’s CEO Bernhard Maier told Auto Express that it has yet to commit to following VW and SEAT with a more affordable pure-electric offering.

“We have two MEB cars coming. One is the basis and the other is the derivative of that first model,” Maier said. These cars are understood to be the Vision iV coupe and a regular SUV with a more conventional roofline. They should both reach market by the end of 2021. 

However, Maier said Skoda is “still working on” the idea of a more affordable MEB model - in the same way as VW’s stated goal of selling the entry-level ID. hatchback for about the same price as a well-specced diesel Golf. “This platform is really multi-functional. It is usable for different car sizes and different car segments,” Maier said. “We are looking for a lower-specced car as well. And once we have a positive business case we can come up with a clear solution.”

He added, “We want to do a car like the ID. hatchback or the [SEAT] el-Born, but it has to be one step after the other. We have a clear product target.” 

Maier did admit, however, that the cheaper MEB model could be at the heart of rumoured plans for a car based on the platform to be built at Skoda’s Kvasiny factory - the same plant where the plug-in hybrid version of the Superb will be produced from later this year.

What do you think of Skoda's electric plans? Let us know in the comments below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-at-large

John started journalism reporting on motorsport – specifically rallying, which he had followed avidly since he was a boy. After a stint as editor of weekly motorsport bible Autosport, he moved across to testing road cars. He’s now been reviewing cars and writing news stories about them for almost 20 years.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels
Skoda Epiq exclusive image - front

New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels

The new Skoda Epic will sit below the Elroq and Enyaq in the brand’s ever-expanding SUV range and is set to offer plenty of space despite its compact …
News
23 Jun 2025
New Skoda 'Eviatiq' seven-seat SUV ready to bring Vision 7S design to showrooms
Skoda Vision 7S seven-seat EV - dynamic front 3/4

New Skoda 'Eviatiq' seven-seat SUV ready to bring Vision 7S design to showrooms

The Vision 7S will follow the upcoming Epiq - taking Skoda’s EV model line up to four
News
3 Jun 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD
Auto Express senior staff writer Jordan Katsianis stood next to the Honda 0 SUV prototype

New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD

Honda EV plans are gathering momentum, and they’ll be realised in the groundbreaking 0 SUV next year
News
1 Jul 2025