Skip to main content

VW’s Skoda announces new all-electric SUV on the MEB platform and with level 3 autonomous driving

Skoda, a Czech automobile manufacturer owned by Volkswagen, is also part of the German automaker’s ambitious electrification plans. The brand confirmed today that it is developing its own all-electric vehicles on the VW Group’s MEB platform for electric vehicles.

Their effort resulted in a first concept: ŠKODA VISION E.

The company claims the vehicle will be powered by two electric motors with a total output of 225 kW. They expect a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph) and a range of “up to 500 km” (310 miles) on a single charge.

In a press release, they described the size and design:

“At 4,645 mm long, 1,917 mm wide and 1,550 mm tall, the ŠKODA VISION E has great road presence. Thanks to the long wheelbase of 2,850 mm, as well as the short overhangs at the front and rear, the designers have created an extremely spacious interior – as always with ŠKODA. In the future-oriented vehicle concept, the elevated seating position typical of SUV models and the generous space combine with a dynamic silhouette and gently sloping roof line in the style of a coupé.”

A prototype will be displayed at the Shanghai Motor Show 2017 (19 – 28 April), but they released sketches in the meantime:

Skoda also claims that the vehicle will feature level 3 autonomous driving, which means that the vehicle could drive itself in certain conditions with the driver serving as backup with a reasonable transition time from autonomous to manual driving.

They didn’t disclose when, or even if, they plan to bring the concept to production, but they did say that they plan to start production of all-electric vehicles in 2020, which is also when VW plans to produce the first EVs on the MEB platform.

By 2025, the Skoda brand plans to expand its range to include five purely electric cars in various segments. They will contribute to the VW Group’s plans to build 2 to 3 million all-electric cars a year and unveil 30 new models by 2025.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.

Comments

Author

Avatar for Fred Lambert Fred Lambert

Fred is the Editor in Chief and Main Writer at Electrek.

You can send tips on Twitter (DMs open) or via email: fred@9to5mac.com

Through Zalkon.com, you can check out Fred’s portfolio and get monthly green stock investment ideas.