Skoda has begun production of 10 new electric versions of its Octavia models to form a test fleet for electric motoring.
The new Octavia Green Line fleet models are based on the series-production Octavia estate. Incorporating a 26.5kWh battery pack made of 180 lithium-ion cells and a 85kW motor, the Green E Line has a range of 93 miles to a full charge and a top speed of 84mph. The electric motor provides constant 60kW of power and a maximum torque of 270Nm available from standstill, giving it a 0-62mph speed of of 12 seconds.
For safety reasons, Skoda has also incorporated a sound generator to simulates the noise of an engine when the vehicle is travelling below 25mph.
The Czech car maker says that electric drive is an integral part of its strategy for creating a range of vehicles that are as environmentally-friendly and safe as possible. As well as full electric vehicles, Skoda is planning to offer customers a plug-in hybrid vehicle in the future.
“Emission-free mobility is one of our key goals for the future, and my opinion is that electric vehicles are the right answer to the increasingly stringent emission limits and the need to develop the automotive industry sustainable.” explains Skoda’s Technological Development Officer Dr. Eckhard Scholz. “Our strength lies in a combination of our highly competent and qualified technological development staff and the Volkswagen Group’s extensive know-how, and I believe that it is exactly this combination that will enable us to develop an electric vehicle to be seen as a real step forward.”
The first Octavia Green E Lines will appear on the roads this autumn, with the driving data collated by the trial drivers expected to help shape Skoda’s future decisions on electric vehicle development.
