Škoda Auto has confirmed that the Epiq will not spearhead its electric vehicle strategy in India. Global CEO Klaus Zellmer said the compact electric SUV, despite a response at its global premiere, does not offer the sweet spot required for a sustainable business. According to Zellmer, the Skoda EV India strategy must balance customer appeal, pricing, and profitability. While he described the Epiq as a “wonderful car,” its size and economics are not suitable for leading Škoda’s electric expansion in India.
A Larger, India-Specific Electric SUV
Instead, Škoda is developing a larger electric vehicle measuring 4.5 meters. This places it in a midsize segment that better reflects Indian buying preferences and could deliver healthier margins than a subcompact EV.
Zellmer confirmed that development is underway. As part of the Volkswagen Group, Škoda can evaluate architectures and select the platform best suited to the proposed Skoda EV India model.
Localisation Will Be the Key
The upcoming electric SUV will be developed specifically for India, manufactured locally, and use as many domestically sourced components as possible. Battery cells will remain the exception because local cell sourcing continues to challenge most carmakers operating in India.
Everything else must be heavily localized to control costs and improve competitiveness. This India-for-India approach indicates that affordability, supply-chain resilience, and long-term profitability will shape the vehicle’s engineering and production plans.
Could the New EV Be Exported?
Škoda has not confirmed whether the India-built model will reach overseas markets. Zellmer explained that engineering one vehicle for Indian and European regulations simultaneously could increase development costs and make it more expensive for Indian buyers. The company is assessing the balance between local affordability and export opportunities.
Peaq Could Add Halo Appeal
Zellmer also mentioned the Škoda Peaq as the type of aspirational halo electric vehicle the company may eventually introduce in India. However, neither its launch nor a timeline for the locally developed SUV has been officially confirmed.
The Skoda EV India roadmap is focused on a purpose-built, midsize, and localized product—not a small global EV or expensive flagship import. With Indian EV penetration projected to reach 15–20 percent by 2030, the model’s launch timing could significantly influence Škoda’s growth. If priced competitively, the new Skoda EV India offering could become a crucial challenger in India’s expanding electric SUV market.
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