Skoda transforms its Enyaq electric SUV into a commercial van

Few would have predicted a popular family SUV trading its passenger seats for a dedicated cargo bay. Yet, that is precisely what has happened in the United Kingdom. Skoda has taken its award-winning Enyaq electric SUV and, with the help of a specialist firm, has created the Enyaq Cargo, a two-seater commercial vehicle designed for the modern mobile workforce.

The Enyaq Cargo was born from a specific need identified by a major client, National Grid Energy Distribution (NGED). In 2024, the energy giant approached Škoda UK looking for a way to electrify its fleet of service vehicles. The result is a purpose-built commercial EV that blends the comfort and range of a passenger car with the utility of a small van. NGED was so pleased with the outcome that it has already taken delivery of 70 Enyaq Cargo models.

What exactly happens when a family car trades school runs for tool runs? The conversion is handled by Strongs Plastic Products Ltd, a company specializing in vehicle modifications. The process starts by removing the rear seats of a standard Skoda Enyaq, with a custom-built, flat load floor installed in their place. The entire cargo area, which offers a generous amount of space for tools and equipment, is constructed from durable yet lightweight plastic. A full-height bulkhead separates the driver's cabin from the load space, and the final vehicle is officially certified as a Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV), making it a legitimate workhorse.

The Enyaq Cargo is based on two existing models from the passenger car lineup: the rear-wheel-drive Enyaq 85 and the all-wheel-drive Enyaq 85x. This gives fleet managers a choice based on their specific needs. The Enyaq 85 offers a combined WLTP range of up to 359 miles on a single charge. For better traction in difficult weather or on unpaved roads, the Enyaq 85x provides all-wheel-drive capability with a respectable range of 332 miles. Both versions are built on the same successful platform as the consumer models, meaning drivers get the same modern interior and technology.

For any commercial vehicle, especially electric ones, charging speed is just as important as range. Downtime costs money, and Skoda has addressed this. The Enyaq 85 supports DC fast charging at speeds up to 135 kW, while the all-wheel-drive 85x can accept up to 175 kW. Under ideal conditions, both models can charge their batteries from 10% to 80% in about 28 minutes.

Skoda has a history of adapting its vehicles for specialized uses, but the Enyaq Cargo marks the first time one of its battery electric cars has been converted for commercial duty. For now, this unique EV is available exclusively to fleet customers in the UK and cannot be purchased by the general public. The pricing structure involves the cost of the base vehicle plus the conversion. The Enyaq Edition 85 passenger car starts at $60,850, with the commercial conversion costing an additional $2,493 plus tax, with the final price depending on the specific configuration.

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