New Skoda Vision E concept previews electric SUV
Skoda has revealed details of its first pure electric concept car ahead of its launch at the Shanghai motor show...
The Vision E is the Czech car maker’s first pure electric model. It gives a glimpse of the future strategy of the brand – its aim is for one in four Skodas sold by 2025 to be either a plug-in hybrid or fully electric.
With a range of 310 miles between charges, it is the forerunner of one of five electric models that Skoda intends to have in production by 2025, the Vision E features three levels of automatic driving and state-of-the-art assistance and connectivity systems.
What do I need to know about the Skoda Vision E concept?
The Vision E concept is based on the same MEB platform as the Volkswagen ID Crozz concept. It has SUV-style raised seating and a generous amount of space inside.
It is longer and wider than its Volkswagen cousin, but it is shorter and has a sporty looking coupe-style sloping roofline. There are no door mirrors to interrupt the sleek exterior styling; instead cameras transfer images of what’s happening around the car onto interior displays.
Unusually, the Vision E’s rear doors have hinges at the back; they open electrically as does the tailgate.
What powertrain does the Skoda Vision E concept have?
With a power output of 302bhp that’s available the moment you press the accelerator, Skoda says this is the most dynamic model it’s produced. No 0-60mph time has been revealed, but the Vision E has a top speed of 112mph.
The car has two motors, one on each axle, that work together to switch power between the front and rear wheels as needed to produce maximum stability and performance.
It can be driven manually or can operate independently of the driver in traffic jams and on motorways; it can also search for a parking space and park in it automatically.
The lithium ion battery is stored under the floor giving good weight distribution between the front and rear axles and a low centre of gravity.
The Vision E’s charging system is one of Skoda’s Simply Clever features. It enables the car to be charged inductively via a floor panel in an owner’s garage with no need for it to be plugged in. In this way, charging can be done overnight; alternatively there’s a quick charge option that replenishes the batteries to 80% in 30 minutes.
What’s the Skoda Vision E concept like inside?
With the battery pack under that car’s floor and no need for a central transmission tunnel, the Vision E’s interior is roomy, and large windows and screens make it bright and airy.
The Vision E has four seats that are positioned high up and turn by 20 degrees towards the outside when the doors are opened.
There is a cockpit screen in front of the driver and a large, centrally mounted infotainment screen, plus individual control panels dotted around the interior. There’s also a Phonebox wireless smartphone charger in each door panel.
How much will the Skoda Vision E concept cost?
There’s no official word on the price of the Vision E production range yet. When it does go on sale it’ll be up against the production version of Volkswagen’s ID Crozz concept.
Read more: Jaguar I-Pace - everything you need to know about Jaguar's electric SUV
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