Skoda singles out NZ for EVs

Skoda has singled out New Zealand as a potential ‘pilot country’ for electric vehicles according to the brand’s local boss.

General manager Rodney Gillard confirmed the move by Skoda’s head office management at the launch of the petrol-powered Scala this week. He notes it is unclear yet what it means for the arrival of electric vehicles here.

“Skoda has an electrical range called the iV, we had the Skoda representatives here from Prague only a few weeks ago, they talked about electric,” Gillard says. “It is a real challenge for them to give us that product because of the pressure of the Euro market and the pressure of getting that volume through.

“But in saying that, they have already singled our country out as a ‘pilot country,” he explains. “What that means and where it stands is to be seen, but we have definitely been highlighted.

“They look at NZ and the Czech Republic as a similar culture and a similar market with the renewable energy. We don’t have an answer now if I was to put a number on it, two to three years, what does that mean? Two to three years we get the product or two to three years they’ll give us an answer.”

Skoda’s electrification plans include the release in 2021 of a BEV SUV, similar in size to the current Kodiaq with seven seats, and a ‘halo’ model electric coupe will join the range – potentially sooner for the SUV.

The BEVs will use an 82kWh battery and be all-wheel drive via separate front and rear engine. Skoda is predicting a range of 500km, with DC charging capability of at least 100kW.

As part of the Volkswagen Group, Skoda can leverage off its parent’ developments for its I.D. series of electric cars.

Skoda has shown several electrified concepts, including the VisionS and VisioniV.