Renderings of Skoda’s new Vision E concept have been shown ahead of its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show 2017 (19 – 28 April).
The Vision E study provides Skoda’s first ‘brand-specific’ outlook on the future of electric mobility. The five-door SUV coupé crossover can travel up to 311 miles on purely electric power and meets the ‘level 3’ requirements for autonomous driving. Skoda has also confirmed it plans to be offering five purely electric models, across various market segment, by 2025.
The first purely electrically driven and autonomous driving concept car in the company's history embodies the brand’s interpretation of electric vehicles. The all-electric crossover has a long wheelbase of 2,850 mm, with short overhangs at the front and rear. An elevated seating position typical of SUV models combines with the ‘generous space’ while a ‘dynamic’ silhouette with gently sloping roof line is finished in the style of a coupé.
With a system output of 225 kW, the Vision E accelerates instantaneously to a top speed of 112mph. The lithium-ion batteries and optimal recuperation send power to the two electric engines, and all four wheels.
Skoda is using the concept to provide an outlook on the brand’s future autonomous driving as the Vision E achieves the prerequisites for level 3 autonomous driving: It can operate independently in traffic jams, go into autopilot on motorways, stay in lane and swerve, carry out overtaking manoeuvres, independently search for free parking spaces and park and leave parking spaces alone. To enable this, various sensors with different ranges and numerous cameras constantly monitor the traffic situation.
The electrification of Skoda’s model range will begin in 2019 when the Superb plug-in hybrid launches. Skoda’s first purely electric series-produced vehicle will be released shortly afterwards in 2020, expanding its range to include five purely electric cars by 2025.