KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Skoda India's first EV launch by September 2025.
- Enyaq iV, Elroq under evaluation for Indian market.
- Government EV policy to influence Skoda's decision.
- New-gen Skoda Kodiaq launch planned for mid-2025.
- Localization efforts with Volkswagen for future EVs.
Skoda Auto Enyaq iV: Skoda India is gearing up to launch its first electric vehicle in the country by September 2025. However, there remains uncertainty over which model will lead the brand's EV charge. While the Enyaq iV was initially expected to be Skoda's debut electric SUV in India, the company is now evaluating multiple options before making a final decision. Here are all the details you need to know, but before moving ahead join our elite 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay updated on the latest automotive news and industry insights.
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Skoda Enyaq iV: Petr Janeba Said...
Petr Janeba, Brand Director at Skoda India has confirmed in a statement that the company is committed to launching its first electric SUV by September at the latest. However, he refrained from specifying whether the Enyaq iV would be the brand's first EV in India. The Enyaq which has been under evaluation since 2023 has been spotted testing on Indian roads and was also showcased at the Bharat Mobility Show. However, with its global facelift already revealed, Skoda has yet to confirm whether the Indian market will receive the updated model or not.
The Czech automaker is now considering multiple models based on the MEB platform, including the Enyaq, its coupe variant and the newly introduced Elroq as well. "We now have the Elroq, which is also built on the MEB platform, alongside the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupe. Our final decision on which of these three models will be introduced in India will depend on the revised EV policy from the government which is expected to be finalized by March 2025," Janeba stated.
Skoda Enyaq iV: Government Policies to Shape Skoda's EV Strategy
The Indian government is still in the process of finalizing its revised EV policy which is expected to play a crucial role in Skoda's decision-making. Under the previously proposed guidelines, a reduced customs duty of 15% was introduced for a limited number of EVs priced at USD 35,000 or above, provided the manufacturer invests at least Rs 4,150 crore and establishes local production facilities. If these criteria are not met, import duties remain significantly higher (70% to 100%).
Skoda's decision on which EV to bring to India is heavily reliant on these policy revisions. Regardless of the final model selection, the vehicle will be a fully imported unit with localization efforts expected in future models co-developed with Volkswagen.
Elroq vs Enyaq: Which SUV Makes More Sense for India?
The Elroq which was unveiled globally in October 2024 is essentially a smaller alternative to the Enyaq. Measuring 4.49 meters in length, it is slightly more compact than the 4.65-meter-long Enyaq. Given India's preference for mid-size SUVs, the Elroq could be a more practical offering for the market. The model was also showcased at the Auto Expo earlier this year and sparked speculation that it might be Skoda's front-runner for India's EV debut.
Meanwhile, Skoda is simultaneously working on a localized, India-specific EV platform in collaboration with Volkswagen. The brand is aiming for long-term electric mobility solutions tailored to the domestic market.
New-Gen Skoda Kodiaq Set for Mid-2025 Launch
Alongside its EV strategy, Skoda is also preparing to introduce the second-generation Kodiaq in India in the second quarter of 2025. According to Janeba, production of the new Kodiaq will commence by the end of February. The SUV will be imported as a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit and assembled locally to keep costs competitive.
The outgoing Kodiaq, in its top-spec L&K variant, currently retails at Rs 40.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The new model is expected to come at a slight premium given its updated design and added features.
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Verdict
With a focus on both electric mobility and strengthening its SUV lineup, Skoda India is poised for an exciting 2025. The coming months will be crucial in determining the company's first EV for India, as it waits for clearer policy directions before making its final move.
