Skoda launches new sub-brand for EVs

Skoda has recently launched a new iV sub-brand which will focus mainly on their electric and Hybrid cars. The new sub-brand consists of cars namely, Citigo iV and the Superb iV. Skoda says V in iV stands for 'vehicle' and tells that the new electric cars will be natural and effortless to operate. The carmaker estimates that by 2025, around 25% of total sales will be of electrified vehicles. And in 2020 the company is expecting to launch two new electric cars based on Volkswagen's MEB platform. Moreover, one of these two models will be a production version of the VISION iV SUV coupe.

The carmaker estimates that by 2025, around 25% of total sales will be of electrified vehicles.

 For now, Skoda is expecting to have 10 electrified vehicles under the iV sub-brand by 2022. The Citigo iV will be Skoda's first all-electric car. It is expected to get powered by a 36.8‑kWh Lithium‑ion battery with an electric motor which develops 82 bhp of power and 210 Nm of twisting force. The company claims that the Citigo iV can sprint from 0-100 in 12.5 seconds and it can achieve a top speed of 130 km/h. Moreover, it can cover a distance of 265 Km on a single charge. The production of the EV is expected to initiate from the second half of 2019.

Skoda is expecting to have 10 electrified vehicles under the iV sub-brand by 2022.

On the other hand, Superb iV will be Skoda's first plug-in hybrid car. The car gets propelled by a 1.4-litre TSi motor which churns out respective power outputs of 154 BHP and an 85 kW from the electric motor. In total, the car produces a power output of 215 bhp. Superb iV will accommodate a 13 kWh battery in the boot which will offer an expected 55 km of electric-only range. Moreover, the car is maintained to meet BSVI emission norms with CO2 emissions under 40 g/km. Transmission duties will be done by a 6-speed DSG gearbox as standard. The Superb iV will compete against the likes of the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which carries a price tag of Rs 37,50,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi).