Škoda ushers in the electric era with new sub-brand ‘iV’

Škoda is entering the era of electromobility by launching its new iV sub‑brand. Škoda iV covers both the development of the brand’s own family of electrified products as well as a special ecosystem for mobility solutions.

Bernhard Maier, Škoda Auto CEO, said, “The right time has now come for Škoda to enter the era of electromobility. We are now able to fulfil essential customer requirements: long ranges, quick charging and - particularly important for us here at Škoda - affordable prices. In addition to our successful petrol, diesel and CNG engines, the new drive systems will quickly become a relevant part of our range. We anticipate that they will make up around 25% of total sales by 2025.”

“With regards to E‑Mobility, we are also introducing the Škoda iV sub‑brand. This will not only include all of our e-models, but will also create a holistic and connected ecosystem in order to make E‑Mobility as straightforward and convenient as possible for our customers,” he added.

As part of a double world premiere, Škoda presented the all‑electric Škoda CITIGOe iV and the Škoda Superb iV plug‑in hybrid, offering quick charging, long ranges and affordable prices.

In addition to the creation of an electrified model range, by establishing the new iV sub‑brand the manufacturer is also pressing ahead with the development of a holistic and connected E‑Mobility ecosystem. Amongst other things, this includes affordable wall boxes with different power outputs, which will allow customers to conveniently recharge their vehicles at home, and mobile online services offered via Škoda Connect that allow customers to benefit from services such as an intelligent charging station finder.

The ‘i' in the name of the new sub‑brand symbolises several of the excellent characteristics that make all Škoda iV models stand out: They are ‘innovative' and ‘intelligent'. Škoda iVs are also ‘iconic' and ‘inspiring'. The new e‑models captivate with their emotive design that is full of character. Moreover, every Škoda iV is also ‘individual' as there are numerous trim‑level and customisation options. Furthermore, all Škoda iVs distinguish themselves with their ‘intuitive' operation and thereby make it even easier and more comfortable to drive a car. The ‘V' in Škoda iV stands for vehicle.

In the future, Škoda Connect service will offer the option of reserving the customer's chosen charging station in advance. Another highlight is the Škoda e‑charge card. This single‑card system allows customers to easily pay to charge their vehicle all over Europe - regardless of the country they are in or the provider they are using. Drivers of an electrified Škoda can therefore enjoy maximum flexibility at any time, anywhere.

Both digitalisation and the brand's entry into the era of electromobility are key activity areas in the 2025 Strategy. Škoda is preparing itself for this comprehensive change with the largest investment programme in its history. Over the next five years, the company will be investing around €2 billion ($2.24 billion) in alternative drive systems and new mobility services such as car‑sharing platforms.

By the end of 2022, Škoda will have introduced more than ten electrified models, thus establishing the Škoda iV family. Following in the footsteps of the Škoda CITIGOe iV and the Škoda Superb iV, the first two all‑electric vehicles based on Volkswagen Group's MEB modular electric car platform will be introduced in 2020, one of which will be a production version of the Vision iV SUV coupé study.

The car manufacturer recognises its social responsibility and sets concrete environmental targets for its products and production of vehicles. One example is the 30% reduction in the Škoda fleet's CO2 emissions between 2015 and 2025. The transformation from combustion engines to electric cars is an essential lever for this.

Škoda is taking a stance in support of environmentally friendly mobility, even beyond vehicle production. By 2025, the company will invest approximately €32 million ($35.84 million) in the development of an internal charging infrastructure featuring almost 7,000 charging points in and around its three Czech plants in Mladá Boleslav, Kvasiny and Vrchlabí.