The new Skoda Epiq model commenced production at the Volkswagen Navarra plant located in Pamplona, Spain. The new model is the most affordable electric car offered by the Czech company. Thus, the Epiq can become an option for those people interested in switching from traditional internal combustion engines to battery-operated models without paying a considerable sum.
Typically, the production of the vast majority of the company’s products takes place on Czech soil. However, the manufacture of the Epiq represents a deviation from the company’s long-standing traditions since the Epiq is the first vehicle developed in Spain. Earlier, Skoda manufactured only the Superb in Slovakia. The relocation of manufacturing to Spain will give way to other models of the brand at home.
Also Read : Production Starts for the Volkswagen ID. Polo and Cupra Raval
The Spanish plant, established in 1965, has almost 5,000 employees responsible for assembling more than 1,400 automobiles per day. Prior to switching to EVs, the plant was manufacturing gasoline-powered vehicles such as T-Cross and Taigo from Volkswagen. The plant was revamped such that regular gasoline automobiles and newly launched EVs now share the assembly line, allowing the plant to switch production volume depending on market demands.
The new automobile is based on the most recent MEB+ mechanical layout introduced by the Volkswagen Group. It allows providing spacious interior while minimizing the size of the vehicle body for easy parking in congested streets typical in Europe. Moreover, the new Epiq will be the first production vehicle showcasing the new styling language of the Volkswagen Group called “Modern Solid.”
Also Read : European BYD Dolphin G Spotted Showing Off Its Cabin Design
Customers have options to select among various battery sizes and electric motors with a power output that ranges between 85 kW to 155 kW. According to Skoda, the biggest battery size would offer a driving range of 440 kilometers after one charge. As such, the car would be appropriate for use during both city trips and longer road journeys. Additionally, Skoda equipped the vehicle with advanced electronic safety mechanisms which are found only on large cars.
The most important factor that Skoda uses to win customers is price. Its starting price is €26,000, making it very competitive even against the cheapest gasoline cars and imported electric cars. It seems that the manufacturer was determined to show that European automakers could manufacture affordable EVs without compromising on safety and technology standards.
However, the Epiq is not alone in the plan, as it is part of a greater plan by a corporation called the Electric Urban Car Family. There are four different cars made by Cupra, Volkswagen, and Skoda that will be built using a similar Spanish factory production chain. Namely, the car that the company is developing in Pamplona will have company ID Cross built in the very same location, while Cupra Raval and Volkswagen ID Polo will be made in some other facilities located in Spain.
This strategic plan enables all the brands under VW to collaborate on development expenses, purchase materials in bulk, and reduce consumer prices. In addition, Skoda is going to add Peaq to its electric vehicle lineup, and the new Epiq will bear the load of expanding the brand in terms of affordable electric vehicles.
