The Electric Vehicle (EV) market in India has been experiencing steady growth, and numerous car manufacturers are ready to expand their EV product offerings. Companies ranging from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra, to Volkswagen, Skoda, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi are all gearing up for a greater presence in this sector. In a recent interview, Martin Jahn, Board Member for Sales and Marketing at Skoda Auto, unveiled the company’s plans to introduce an entry-level Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in India. Read: All-New Skoda Kodiaq Coming Soon
With the aim of targeting the mass-market segment, Skoda intends to price their new EV aggressively at under Rs 20 lakh. Currently, the Czech automaker is engaged in discussions for potential partnerships with other manufacturers and assessing opportunities to customize and localize its MEB platform. The official statement also emphasizes that manufacturing EVs in India has become more financially viable, despite the substantial import of key EV components.
While Skoda Auto has remained tight-lipped about its partnership negotiations, media reports suggest that Volkswagen is in advanced discussions with Mahindra & Mahindra regarding the utilization of essential components for electric vehicles. Meanwhile, Mahindra plans to utilize central MEB components, including unit cells and e-drive, for its upcoming electric cars. Furthermore, Skoda and the Indian OEM intend to jointly cover the development costs of the affordable EV right from its inception.
There is growing speculation that the VW Group is contemplating the development of a sub-4 meter version of the ID.1 for the Indian market, which will be marketed under both the Volkswagen and Skoda brands. The new Skoda EV will be designed and developed as part of the brand’s ‘India 2.0’ project, which has already yielded the Slavia sedan and Kushaq SUV. Based on the MEB21G platform, the entry-level electric car may forgo some luxury features in order to achieve a competitive price point.
