Other renewables

Skoda begins production of electric vehicles

Based on the series production Octavia Estate, the Octavia Green E Line includes a modular floorpan design in terms of the arrangement of the batteries, electrical control units and the electric motor. The motor itself provides constant power of 60kW with a maximum peak of 85kW; and achieves a maximum torque of 270Nm.

The vehicle features a sound generator so pedestrians are not caught unaware, and the vehicle can accelerate from 0-62mph in 12 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 84mph.

Its battery it made of 180 lithium-ion cells, weighs 315kg and has a range of 93miles. Electric drive is seen as a key part of Skoda’s strategy for creating a range of vehicles that are environmentally friendly and safe. BOD Member for Technological Development Dr Eckhard Sholz also believes that Skoda will offer 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,” he said.

“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.”

www.skoda-auto.com/