Skoda Auto has started developing its first electric vehicle designed and manufactured in India, as part of its broader strategy to enter the country’s rapidly growing EV market, a company executive told Business Standard.
The upcoming model, which will be built at the Volkswagen Group’s facility in Chakan, Maharashtra, will span 4.5 metres in length, placing it in the compact or C-segment category. Skoda India Brand Director Petr Janeba said the EV will be available with two battery pack options, aiming to attract both price-sensitive and premium customers.
“While the platform is decided, product development is ongoing,” Janeba said, noting that the vehicle will be a unique offering not currently available in Skoda’s European lineup.
Although the automaker has not confirmed the underlying platform, local media reports suggest Skoda has moved away from using Volkswagen Group’s MEB21G or a localized CMP-based ‘India Main Platform’ after evaluating their feasibility. Instead, the company may opt for a new flexible multi-energy platform that supports internal combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains, despite the Group’s global pivot toward dedicated EV architectures.
“The investment decisions and capacity are not finalised — it’s an evolving situation,” Janeba added.
Skoda is also considering export opportunities for the new EV, though no target markets have been disclosed. The model could pave the way for a potential Volkswagen-badged variant, but the Group has not officially announced such plans.