Skoda looks set to preview Octavia on next-gen EV platform

A new Skoda concept car set to preview the next-generation electric Octavia will “create a lot of buzz and controversial discussion,” according to brand chief executive Klaus Zellmer.

The Czech automobile manufacturer is set to preview the next-generation model, built on Volkswagen Group’s upcoming SSP electric platform, with a debut scheduled for the IAA Munich motor show in September.

Zellmer says it signals the next step in Skoda’s Modern Solid design philosophy. That direction was introduced with the Elroq and now extends to the Octavia with its updated Tech Deck front, bold ‘tornado line’ side sculpting, and sloping coupe-style roofline.

The new concept is the first Octavia built on the SSP platform, which is designed for the next generation of EVs and promises extended battery range, faster charging and advanced automated driving features. Skoda had waited for the architecture to become available to support its electrification plans.

The electric Octavia is expected to go into production within the next two years and will be sold alongside facelifted combustion-engine versions to maintain powertrain variety across markets.

The new Octavia concept will help “develop the brand and the aspiration” without it trying to push out of the mainstream.

“It all depends on customer sentiment, especially in the fleet market. We’ll keep all avenues open,’ Zellmer says.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Octavia will also be offered, as demand for such models continues to grow. Zellmer said EV pricing is now comparable with internal combustion models at the consumer level, though production costs are still higher.

There is now “price parity” for electric cars and combustion-engined ones, he says. However, not cost (to produce) parity. The VW Group is working hard to bring down costs of EV development.

Also coming from Skoda is a three-row production version of the seven-seat Vision 7S concept electric SUV. This will be the new “flagship” for Skoda and is due for release next year. It has no official name as yet. There will be no other new models for a while after a flurry of Skoda releases; Zellmer is fully focused on “the big footprint” of the market.

There have been calls for the Yeti to return but Zellmer says there are no plans for such a model. Nor is any commercial vehicle on the horizon, he added.

Meanwhile, Skoda continues to lead the development of combustion engines and the MQB architecture for the VW Group. 

No end date has been set on this, though for the former it depends on how CO2 legislation evolves.