Škoda’s Epiq Could Become Its Most Important New EV Yet

Skoda Epiq
Image Credit: Autorepublika.

Škoda says it plans to unveil the all-new, all-electric Epiq in the first half of 2026, positioning it as the brand’s entry point into a more affordable part of the EV market. The Epiq is also a key piece of Škoda’s plan to double its battery electric lineup by 2026, expanding below the Elroq and Enyaq families.

That matters because the fastest-growing EV segments in Europe are increasingly the smaller, more practical everyday cars, where price and running costs can make or break demand. Škoda is essentially aiming to bring its familiar “value-plus-space” formula into an entry EV that still feels like a real family tool, not a stripped-down compliance car.

If it lands where Škoda says it wants it to, Epiq becomes the gateway model that pulls new buyers into the brand’s EV range and sets up a smoother step-up path to the larger electric crossovers.

Where The Epiq Fits In Škoda’s EV Plan

Skoda Epiq
Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika.

From a Volkswagen Group perspective, the Epiq is part of the Group’s small electric car program aimed at bringing smaller, lower-cost EVs to market using shared engineering and manufacturing efficiencies. Reporting on the Volkswagen Group’s small EV rollout points to sibling projects such as the Cupra Raval and a small Volkswagen EV often referred to as the ID. Polo, with an SUV-style counterpart previewed by the ID.Cross concept.

Pricing is still market dependent, but Škoda has said Epiq pricing in many markets should be comparable to the gas-powered Kamiq, and early reporting continues to point to a starting price around $27,000 when converted.

MEB Plus Platform And Three Power Versions

Epiq is Škoda’s first model on the front-wheel-drive MEB Plus architecture developed for smaller EVs, designed to keep weight down while maximizing cabin and cargo space.

Škoda has confirmed three output levels, all using versions of the APP290 motor:

  • Epiq 35 makes 85 kW with 267 Nm of torque
  • Epiq 40 makes 99 kW with 267 Nm of torque
  • Epiq 55 makes 155 kW with 290 Nm of torque

Performance targets (all preliminary) include 0 to 62 mph in 11.0 seconds for Epiq 35, 9.8 seconds for Epiq 40, and 7.4 seconds for Epiq 55. Top speed is listed at about 93 mph for the 35 and 40 and about 99 mph for the 55.

Battery, Range, And Charging Numbers

Škoda is using two battery chemistries across the lineup. The Epiq 35 and Epiq 40 pair a 38.5 kWh LFP battery (37.0 kWh net). The range-topping Epiq 55 uses a 55.0 kWh NMC battery (51.7 kWh net) for longer range.

Škoda’s preliminary WLTP range figures are

  • Epiq 35 up to 315 km, about 196 miles
  • Epiq 40 up to 315 km, about 196 miles
  • Epiq 55 up to 430 km, about 267 miles

All versions support 11 kW AC charging. DC fast charging depends on trim: up to 50 kW for Epiq 35, up to 90 kW for Epiq 40, and up to 133 kW for Epiq 55. Škoda quotes 10% to 80% in 28 minutes for Epiq 40 and 23 minutes for Epiq 55.

Dimensions And Practical Cargo Space

Skoda Epiq
Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika.

Epiq’s footprint is compact by crossover standards. Škoda lists it at 4,171 mm long, 1,798 mm wide, and 1,581 mm tall, with a 2,601 mm wheelbase. That translates to roughly 164 inches long, with a wheelbase just over 102 inches.

Cargo capacity is one of the headline numbers. Škoda lists 475 liters behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,344 liters with the rear seats folded. In US terms, that is about 16.8 cubic feet and about 47.5 cubic feet.

Škoda also highlights almost 26 liters of additional interior storage, plus a dedicated bag solution for securing charging cables in the cargo area. Some market materials also mention an optional under-hood storage accessory rated at 18 liters.

Modern Solid Design And Aerodynamics

Skoda Epiq
Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika.

Epiq is the first Škoda production model that fully applies the brand’s Modern Solid design language. Key cues include the Tech Deck front-end treatment, a new T-shaped lighting signature, and a body line Škoda calls the Volcano line, which integrates airflow management details like air curtains. Škoda quotes a drag coefficient of 0.275 and wheel sizes from 17 inches to 19 inches.

Interior Tech And Materials

Inside, Škoda is going with a clean, horizontal layout with ambient lighting and standard screens that are large for the segment. The driver gets a 5.3-inch display, while the center infotainment screen is 13 inches as standard. Škoda says the cabin trim themes include a high share of recycled materials, including 100% recycled polyester in seat textiles across its Design Selection concepts.

Driver Assist And Safety Tech

Škoda is bringing higher-segment assistance tech downmarket. The Epiq offers Travel Assist 3.0, including adaptive lane support across the speed range. Škoda also says the system can respond to traffic lights and road signs, including stop signs, and supports daily online updates of traffic sign data.

For low-speed maneuvering, Škoda lists a Top View panoramic camera system with a surround view and 3D visualization. Another new addition is Cross Assist 2.0, designed to help when pulling into blind intersections by warning of approaching vehicles or cyclists. Škoda also lists 7 airbags as standard, including a central airbag between the front seats.

This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.

Author: Mileta Kadovic

Title: Author

Mileta Kadovic is an author for Guessing Headlights. He graduated with a degree in civil engineering in Montenegro at the prestigious University of Montenegro. Mileta was born and raised in Danilovgrad, a small town in close proximity to Montenegro's capital city, Podgorica.

In his free time Mileta is quite a gearhead. He spent his life researching and driving cars. Regarding his preferences, he is a stickler for German cars, and, not surprisingly, he prefers the Bavarians. He possesses extensive knowledge about motorsport racing and enjoys writing about it.

He currently owns Volkswagen Golf Mk6.

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