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Skoda’s 2020 vision for EVs
SKODA is the latest manufacturer to announce its ambitious aims for the electrification of its models, with no fewer than nine expected to go on sale by 2020.
Speaking at the unveiling of the firm’s new Scala hatchback in Tel Aviv, Israel, Skoda’s chairman of the board of management Bernhard Maier confirmed the firm’s short and long-term electric aims.
Maier didn’t say which models would be offered with electrified powertrains, although this number will be made up of pure-electric variants, plug-in hybrids and potentially mild-hybrid offerings.
The first electrified Skoda to go on sale will be a plug-in variant of its flagship Superb, of which a facelift is due in the middle of next year. Its SUVs – namely the Kodiaq and Karoq – will likely receive plug-in hybrid offerings, too.
The Citigo-e city car will be the first completely electric model by Skoda and is expected to go on sale at the end of 2019. The electric Citigo is expected to have a range of 200km (125 miles).
The Czech manufacturer is currently behind other volume manufacturers as it has no electrified models on the market.
The chairman also announced by the end of 2020, there will be 20 new Skodas – likely including some China-only models, because the country is the firm’s biggest market.
Sister brand Volkswagen is also gearing up for an electric future. It will begin rolling out its range of EVs – set to be called ‘I.D.’ – with the aim of having 25% of all its new cars pure-electric by 2025.
which includes ambient interior lighting and exterior logo projection.
Both models are equipped with petrol particulate filters as part of their exhaust technology. These are integrated into the standard sports exhaust system, ensuring both models still enjoy a characteristic sound inside and outside while meeting the strict Euro 6d-TEMP emission standard.
The introduction of the latest pollutant reduction technology does not adversely affect the fuel economy or CO2 emissions.
Both new MINI models will be available to order at retailers across the UK from January 18 next year.
A pure-electric Renault Kangoo Z.E. 33 refrigerator conversion is enabling Scotland’s water provider to continue its drive to make the country’s air and water the cleanest it can be. Scottish Water, which provides drinking water to nearly 2.5 million households across the country, is using the zeroemissions-in-use, refrigerated Renault Kangoo Z.E. 33 to assist with the water sampling undertaken by its Scientific Services team across the Highlands.
The introduction of the Kangoo commercial – the first electric vehicle utilised by Scottish Water – will also help the water supplier to determine how it can rollout EVs across its fleet and make a significant contribution to its support of the Scottish Government’s target to reduce carbon emissions by 90 per cent by 2050.
With a ‘real-world’ range of up to 124 summer miles (75-99 miles in winter) on a single charge, the Renault Kangoo Z.E. 33 is able to cope with the routes throughout the Highlands.