Skoda has taken the wraps off its Vision E Concept at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show. The Vision E is the first all-electric concept from the Czech carmaker and will also spearhead the carmaker’s autonomous driving technology.
The Vision E employs Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform which was specially developed for electric vehicles. Power comes from two electric motors, co-developing a total of 225kW (300bhp). Skoda claims a top speed of 180kmph and a range of up to 500km all thanks to the powerful lithium-ion batteries and an energy recovery system. A surprising new feature is induction charging, which can charge the vehicle without any contact; quick charging is also available.
The coupe-SUV measures 4,688mm in length, 1,924mm wide and has a height of 1,591mm and a wheelbase of 2,851mm. The Vision E is longer than the Superb, asserts the carmaker – there is seven per cent more internal space, the riding position is 25 per cent higher and the luggage space is roomier in the typical Skoda fashion. The conventional radiator grille has been ditched, instead there are two LED strips running across the front fascia. The suicidal doors are missing the B-Pillar and also the rear-view mirrors. The smooth-flowing sloping silhouette lends a coupe-eqsue styling.
On the inside, the 20-degree rotating seats ease ingress and egress. The centre ‘cockpit’ touchscreen features the Skoda Connect infotainment and connectivity system. Apart from that, each passenger gets their own screen for viewing vehicle information and entertainment. There is integrated space for your smartphone on each door where you can charge the phone with inductive charging. The ambient lighting inside the cabin can be programmed in 10 different colours. The Vision E’s interior is a preview to the new design language for all future electric vehicles from Skoda. With level 3 autonomy, the Vision E can make its way through traffic, motorway or park itself without any human intervention.
The Vision E will spawn an all-electric vehicle from Skoda after the Superb goes plug-in in 2019. Skoda plans no less than five EVs by 2025, which will be spearheaded by the production version of Vision E. Furthermore, Skoda intends to have one in every four cars sold under its umbrella to be a plug-in hybrid or have a purely electric drivetrain.
