Skoda Enyaq EV Confirmed For India Launch Next Year: Fresh Details
Skoda will make its foray into the electric vehicle space next year. The Enyaq EV will launch in the country soon after being showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo, in January 2025. Originally expected sooner, the launch was delayed to allow for design updates aligned with Skoda’s latest vision, ensuring that the Indian model gets the latest aesthetics when launched.
Enyaq’s Role in Skoda’s India Strategy
With India accelerating toward electric mobility, Skoda’s Enyaq arrives at a pivotal moment. Government incentives for EVs, coupled with increasing consumer interest, present a significant opportunity. Petr Janeba, Skoda Auto India’s Brand Director, stated that Skoda aims to introduce the Enyaq with cutting-edge features and the latest design to meet Indian expectations.
It was originally tested and slated for an India launch earlier this year. This plan was, however, stopped mid-way as the EV was about to a major design update globally. It will most likely make a transition to the brand’s ‘Modern Solid’ design direction. The end product will then look much better than its predecessor. Janeba says the Enyaq will get a huge facelift in March. This could mean that the India-spec makes an early debut at the Bharat Mobility Expo.
The Czech giant has two manufacturing facilities in India- in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and in Chakan, Pune. Skoda recently announced ₹15,000 crore investment in the Pune facility, to modify it so that they can manufacture EVs and hybrids there. This plant will act as the hub catering to both export and domestic demands oin the future.
Advanced Platform and Powertrain
The Skoda Enyaq is built on Volkswagen Group’s MEB (Modular Electric Drive Matrix) platform, which also supports the Audi Q4 e-tron and Volkswagen ID.4. Designed exclusively for EVs, the MEB platform allows for flexibility in design. In India, the Enyaq 80 variant is expected, featuring a single electric motor with 282 bhp and 310 Nm of torque. It does the 0-100 kmph sprint in 6.7 seconds.
The EV has an 82 kWh battery, promising a range of over 500 km on a single charge—crucial for Indian buyers concerned with range. It supports fast charging, reaching 10% to 80% in just 28 minutes, making for a highly practical solution.
Modern Design and Feature Updates
The Enyaq facelift will come with significant design and feature enhancements. It would maintain a recognizable style, with a bold grille, sleek LED lights, and aerodynamic elements for better performance and aesthetics. Inside, it currently offers digital screens for both instrumentation and infotainment, leatherette upholstery, and advanced features like a 360-degree camera and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)- which includes emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The facelift is expected to add more to the list.
Local Production Strategy
The Enyaq will be produced at Skoda’s Pune facility, currently with a capacity of 250,000 units annually, which Skoda plans to scale up based on demand. Janeba also hinted that more Skoda EV models may be introduced depending on Enyaq’s success, marking a long-term EV commitment for the brand in India.
Skoda’s EV Impact in India
Entering a competitive space dominated by models like Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and MG’s ZS EV, the Skoda Enyaq aims to stand out with its premium features, extended range, and rapid charging capabilities. With its focus on local production, Skoda aims to deliver high-quality, cost-effective EV solutions in India. The Enyaq is expected to strengthen Skoda’s Indian presence and capture a fair EV market share.