Skoda Epiq wants to be the affordable electric SUV for everyone

The story around electric cars has been one of compromise since the first EV launched. You could either have a long range, or you could have an affordable price, but both? That was impossible. But automakers have been slowly closing that gap, and Skoda, Volkswagen's practical Czech brand, just unveiled the Epiq, a small electric SUV that promises a usable range, plenty of space, and a price tag that doesn't need a second mortgage.

Revealed as a near-production vehicle at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, the Epiq is Skoda's clear message that the era of expensive EVs is coming to a close. While the final version won't hit showrooms until mid-2026, the showcar gives a solid impression of what to expect.

The Epiq is the first production vehicle to wear Skoda's new "Modern Solid" design language, which trades soft curves for a more confident, chiseled look. The front features a closed-off panel Skoda calls the "Tech-Deck," flanked by distinctive T-shaped LED lights. Its compact dimensions, measuring just 13.5 ft long, put it in the small SUV category, making it the smallest of Skoda's electric cars, slotting in below the larger Elroq and Enyaq models.

Skoda has built its reputation on clever, user-friendly interiors, and the Epiq looks to continue that tradition. The company is keeping the interior of the showcar under wraps for now, but it is expected to share its layout with its Volkswagen cousin, the ID. Cross. This means a likely combination of an 11-inch digital instrument panel for the driver and a 13-inch central infotainment touchscreen.

Just as the new Cross, the Epiq is expected to include physical buttons and haptic scroll wheels for key functions. Despite its small footprint, Skoda promises enough room for five passengers and a surprisingly generous 16.8 ft³ of cargo space, larger than many gasoline-powered cars in its class. True to form, the cabin will be filled with practical touches like bag hooks and hidden storage compartments.

The Epiq rides on the Volkswagen Group's MEB Entry platform, a foundation designed specifically for smaller, more affordable electric cars. It's the same platform used by the upcoming VW ID. Polo, ID. Cross, and Cupra Raval. This shared engineering helps keep costs down.

Skoda stated the Epiq will offer a driving range of up to 264 miles on a single charge. The official power figures are pending, but it's almost certain that it will have a front-mounted electric motor producing around 208 horsepower (155 kW). This combination of range and power is more than adequate for daily commuting, school runs, and weekend trips - it'll be a truly versatile primary vehicle for many families.

But the most important detail about the Skoda Epiq isn't its design or its range - it's the price. Skoda announced that its smallest EV will have pricing "comparable" to the gasoline-powered Skoda Kamiq SUV. In today's market, that suggests a starting price around $29,670 in Germany, placing the Epiq in direct competition not just with other EVs, but with traditional internal combustion cars.

Production will take place at a VW Group facility in Spain, with the first customer deliveries scheduled for mid-2026. When it arrives, the Skoda Epiq will enter an increasingly crowded market for small electric SUVs. It will face off against rivals like the Ford Puma Gen-E, Jeep Avenger, Kia EV2, and Mini Aceman.

With its sharp focus on practicality, a highly competitive price point, and a design that is both modern and functional, the Epiq has a decent chance of standing out. It represents a simple but powerful idea: a well-equipped, family-friendly electric car that people can actually afford.

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