The Enyaq iV was initially set to make its debut in India in 2024, marking Skoda’s first electric vehicle launch in the country. Although there have been delays, Skoda India’s brand director, Petr Janeba, assured us that “our first electric SUV is coming by September at the latest” during an interview with our sister publication, Autocar Professional.

The big question now is: what will be Skoda’s first EV in India?

Interestingly, Janeba hasn’t confirmed if the Enyaq iV—which has been anticipated since 2023—will indeed take that title. The Enyaq has made a few appearances at the Bharat Mobility Show and has even been spotted testing on Indian roads multiple times. However, while evaluating its EV strategy for India, Skoda globally updated the Enyaq mid-cycle. It’s important to note that it isn’t even this refreshed version that’s guaranteed for release here.

Janeba continued to highlight another option: “We now have the Elroq, which also shares the MEB platform.” This means we’re looking at three vehicles based on this same platform—the Elroq, Enyaq, and Enyaq Coupe. The landscape is evolving quickly; stay tuned for more updates!

The electric vehicle (EV) policy introduced in March last year presents a compelling opportunity for car manufacturers. By lowering the customs duty to just 15 percent for imported units of electric vehicles valued at USD 35,000 or above—contingent upon an investment of at least Rs 4,150 crore and the establishment of a manufacturing unit in India—this policy not only encourages local production but also significantly reduces costs. In contrast, without this investment commitment, companies face steep import duties ranging from 70 to 100 percent.

Furthermore, this policy mandates that companies achieve a certain level of localization, ensuring that domestic production is prioritized. As we await the finalization of these revised guidelines by March 2025 after consultations with stakeholders, it’s crucial to recognize the potential benefits this framework offers for both manufacturers and consumers alike.

Take Skoda’s Elroq as an example; unveiled last October at a length of 4.49 meters—slightly shorter than the Enyaq at 4.65 meters—it showcases Skoda’s commitment to adapt within this evolving landscape. Although they are currently awaiting clarity on the EV policy details before making any moves regarding imports or local manufacturing decisions for either model, it is clear that embracing these policies can lead to exciting advancements in EV offerings in India. The time for innovation in EV manufacturing is now; let’s support initiatives that foster growth and sustainability in our automotive industry.

Skoda Kodiaq Set for Launch in Q2 2025

Skoda India is set to make a significant impact in the SUV market by introducing the second-generation Kodiaq in the second quarter of 2025. “We will begin production of the second-gen Kodiaq by the end of February,” stated Janeba, emphasizing their commitment to timely delivery. The company plans to bring in these vehicles as completely knocked-down units (CKD) for local assembly, ensuring quality and efficiency. Considering that the loaded L&K variant of the older-generation Kodiaq is priced at Rs 40.99 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s reasonable to anticipate a modest premium for this new-generation SUV—making it a compelling opportunity for potential buyers looking for advanced features and design.