2026 Skoda Epiq: Battery, Range & UAE Insights

From €25,000

The Skoda Epiq is Skoda's push into genuinely affordable electric motoring, a compact all-electric SUV that is meant to feel as familiar as a Fabia but run entirely on electrons. At 4.1 metres long, it is small enough for tight city parking, yet Skoda says it will seat five and swallow 475–490 litres of luggage in the boot. With the larger battery, the target is up to 425 km WLTP range (Skoda Auto).

For more details on the brand and its models, you can visit the official Skoda website.

The idea is simple: give budget-conscious families a usable, everyday EV alternative to petrol crossovers such as the Kamiq, without the usual EV price shock. Built on the VW Group MEB Entry platform, it is engineered for low running costs and efficient use of space. A starting price of about €25,000 in Europe, broadly in line with current Kamiq pricing according to Skoda communications, puts it below many rivals while still offering proper family-car practicality.

For UAE buyers, the interesting part is not just the price. The Epiq is being developed with liquid-cooled batteries and a likely LFP option, both of which lend themselves well to 40–50°C summers. Official Middle East prices and dates are not locked in yet as of mid-2026, but the plan is a Europe-first launch in late 2026 or early 2027, with UAE availability expected around 2027 through the Al Naboodah importer.

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What is the Skoda Epiq?

The Skoda Epiq is planned as Skoda's most affordable fully electric SUV, previewed by a 2025 show car first seen at IAA Mobility in Munich. It will sit beneath the Elroq and Enyaq in the range and is aimed squarely at buyers who want practicality and a sensible price more than outright performance figures. In EU markets, it plays a key role in helping the brand meet tightening CO2 rules by getting more drivers into lower-cost EVs.

Positioning in Skoda's SUV Lineup

The Epiq slots between city hatchbacks and larger SUVs such as the Kamiq and Karoq. At 4.1 metres long, it has a footprint similar to a Fabia, but with a taller, more upright SUV profile and higher ground clearance that suits speed bumps, curbs and the occasional gravel track.

It is set to rival the petrol Kamiq on both size and price, with a €25,000 starting point, but adds zero tailpipe emissions, a lower total cost of ownership and better interior packaging thanks to the dedicated EV layout. Within Skoda's electric portfolio, the Epiq is very much the "gateway" model, designed to make the move to electric less intimidating for first-time EV owners.

MEB Entry Platform Explained

Underneath sits the VW Group MEB Entry platform (also known as MEB+ or EUCF), a front-wheel-drive EV architecture shared with models such as the upcoming VW ID. Polo, ID. Cross, and Cupra Raval. It uses a twist-beam rear axle to keep costs down and free up space, while pushing the wheels close to the corners of the car so that a 2,600 mm wheelbase can be carved out of a compact body.

The flat battery floor helps lower the centre of gravity and improves handling. The platform is designed to support bidirectional charging such as V2L and V2G, and to accept different battery sizes without eating into the boot.

Modern Solid Design Language

The Epiq will be the first production Skoda to fully express the Modern Solid design philosophy. The front is defined by the glossy black Tech-Deck Face, which replaces a traditional grille and hides the driver assistance sensors, and by the sharp T-shaped LED DRLs at the front and corresponding light signatures at the rear. Chunky black cladding, a strong shoulder "tornado" line and the concept's Cashmere matt paint contribute to a tough, slightly outdoorsy feel.

Inside, Skoda talks about a "Mobile First" approach, with a clean layout, sustainable materials and a refusal to banish physical buttons entirely. Below the central touchscreen are proper controls for key functions, with the usual Skoda "Simply Clever" tricks such as bag hooks, cubbies and neat underfloor storage.

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Skoda Epiq Design & Dimensions

Exterior Styling: Tech-Deck Face & T-Shaped LEDs

The Epiq's shape is upright and purposeful, with a thick C‑pillar and plenty of dark lower-body cladding to help hide minor scrapes. The Tech-Deck Face flows into slim T-shaped LEDs, giving it a recognisable signature day and night. Roof rails, a shark-fin antenna and contrasting mirrors dress it up, while aero tricks evolved from the ID. Cross Concept help trim drag and stretch the usable range.

Key Dimensions: 4.1 m Length & Compact Footprint

- Length: 4,100 mm (some early specs list 4,160 mm)
- Wheelbase: 2,600 mm

It is roughly 14 cm shorter than the Kamiq, which makes it easier to thread through older city districts and tight mall parking, yet the tall body and long wheelbase should give it something close to the old Yeti for interior versatility.

Boot Space: 475–490 L Practicality

The boot is where the Epiq quietly embarrasses several rivals. Skoda quotes 475 litres up to the load cover, with some internal material noting up to 490 litres (Skoda Storyboard). That is about 55 litres more than the Renault 4 E‑Tech and roughly 15 litres more than a Kia EV3.

Fold the rear seats and you get a flat load area; expect underfloor storage for charging cables and possibly a small front compartment. In real terms, that means space for 4–5 carry-on suitcases or a full-size stroller plus a weekly shop.

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Interior Design & Everyday Usability

Mobile First Cabin: Screens, Buttons & Storage

The dashboard is centred around a 13‑inch central touchscreen and a 5.3‑inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless phone charging and smartphone integration are expected, but Skoda deliberately keeps physical buttons and haptic scroll wheels for things you reach for all the time, like climate and volume, which is a relief if you are tired of diving into menus while driving.

Durable, partially recycled materials are planned for most touchpoints, with a focus on resisting heat, UV and daily family abuse.

Seating for 5: Space, Comfort & Family Fit

Inside, the Epiq is configured for five occupants. The EV-specific packaging creates a largely flat floor in the rear, so the middle-seat passenger is not fighting for foot space. Headroom is generous thanks to the tall body, and rear legroom should be enough for adults on shorter trips or children on longer ones. ISOFIX mounts will be standard, and the slightly elevated seating position helps with visibility in multi-lane traffic, whether in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.

Simply Clever Features

Expect the usual Skoda touches: strong bag hooks in the boot, side nets, a reversible boot floor, a hidden umbrella compartment and thoughtfully shaped door bins that can hold big bottles. A digital key function via smartphone is planned, and the car's bidirectional charging can power camping gear, tools or an outdoor fridge for a desert barbecue.

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Battery Capacity & Chemistry

Options: 38 kWh vs 56 kWh Packs

Two battery sizes are expected:

- 38 kWh entry pack, likely using LFP chemistry, aimed at urban driving with a target of around 300 km WLTP.
- Larger 52–56 kWh pack using NMC cells, estimated to deliver up to 425 km WLTP (Skoda previews).

LFP vs NMC: Pros, Cons & Buyer Guide

LFP (around 38 kWh):
This chemistry is typically about 20% cheaper at pack level, offers long cycle life in the region of 1,000–10,000 charge cycles with more than 80% capacity remaining, and is far more resistant to thermal runaway, with reaction temperatures around 500°C. It does not charge as quickly at low temperatures, but high heat is less of a problem, which is very relevant for the Gulf.

NMC (around 56 kWh):
NMC packs reach roughly 250 Wh/kg versus about 160 Wh/kg for LFP, so you get more range for the same weight. They generally accept faster fast-charging, but they are more expensive and less tolerant of heat, with thermal runaway usually starting nearer 210°C.

Which suits who?
If your daily driving in the UAE is under 100 km, an LFP Epiq should be the better-value choice, with a slower ageing profile and lower cost. If you regularly cover long distances on highways or do frequent Abu Dhabi to Dubai runs, the NMC long-range pack will be the one to watch.

Both chemistries are liquid-cooled in the MEB entry platform, according to sources such as EV Lithium and Grepow.

Thermal Management for Hot Climates

The MEB Entry platform uses active liquid thermal management. Through an app, owners can precondition the battery and cabin so the car is cooled before you step in on a 45°C afternoon. Expect around 10–20% range loss from continuous air conditioning, rising to 20–40% in the harshest conditions, based on data from existing MEB models.

LFP packs in particular tend to show only about 1–2% extra annual capacity loss in hot regions compared with temperate climates, which makes them attractive for GCC markets where cars spend long hours parked outside.

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Range, Performance & Charging

WLTP vs Real-World Range: 425 km Max

Skoda's target figures are:

- Up to 425 km WLTP (264 miles) on the larger 56 kWh pack
- Around 300 km WLTP for the 38 kWh variant

Translate that into real use and you are likely looking at roughly 350 km in mixed driving and maybe 300 km in a UAE summer with the AC working hard and cruising at highway speeds. In low-speed city use, the Epiq should easily nudge beyond 400 km on one charge.

Driving Dynamics: Powertrain & vRS Variant

Power output is expected in the 160–190 hp (118–140 kW) range, with 250–300 Nm of torque driving the front wheels. That should mean fairly brisk response at urban speeds and easy overtakes on the highway.

A sportier vRS version is tipped to share hardware with the ID. Polo GTI, with figures in the 220–226 hp region and a targeted 0–100 km/h time of under 7 seconds, plus a slightly lower ride height and firmer suspension (Auto Express).

Charging Speeds: 125 kW DC in About 20 Minutes

Charging hardware is expected to include:

- DC fast charging: 125–130 kW, with 10–80% typically in around 20–30 minutes under ideal conditions
- AC charging: 11 kW onboard charger for home or workplace wallboxes

Bidirectional charging such as V2L and V2G is designed into the platform, so you can realistically power tools, camping setups or even support a home inverter during short grid outages.

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Price, Trims & Total Cost of Ownership

Europe Pricing: From €25,000 vs Kamiq

The headline figure is a starting price of about €25,000, equivalent to roughly AED 99,000, slotting it very close to the current Kamiq. The expected trim walk is:

- Base model with the 38 kWh pack
- Long Range model with the 56 kWh pack
- A performance-focused vRS at the top

Also read: Top 10 Best Electric Suvs In 2025 Uae Ranked

UAE/GCC Estimates & Incentives

There is no official UAE sticker price yet. Based on taxes, import costs and typical margins, a realistic band is AED 110,000–150,000 for early cars.

Local ownership benefits should include:

• RTA green plates and related perks under Dubai's EV policies
• DEWA's relatively low electricity tariffs, with off-peak home charging at around AED 0.30/kWh in the lower slab

Also read: Uae Petrol Price 2025 Trends And Predictions

5-Year TCO vs Petrol SUVs & Rivals

Running costs are where the Epiq can quietly save serious money.

If the car averages about 16 kWh/100 km and you pay AED 0.30/kWh at home, your electricity cost works out to roughly AED 0.05/km. A comparable petrol SUV using 6 L/100 km at AED 3/L sits at about AED 0.18/km in fuel alone.

Over five years, the total cost of ownership can easily end up around AED 20,000 lower than a petrol Kamiq, using 2024 DEWA tariffs and conservative fuel price assumptions.

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Release Date, Production & Availability

Timeline: Mid‑2026 Premiere to Deliveries

The show car appeared in 2025 at IAA. Skoda is targeting a world premiere in mid‑2026, followed by start of production in late 2026 at the Navarra plant in Spain. First customer deliveries in Europe are expected between Q4 2026 and Q1 2027 (Skoda Storyboard).

Europe, UK & UAE Rollout

Europe and the UK will be supplied first from the Pamplona facility. For the UAE, a lag of several months to a year is likely, so 2027 is the realistic window once local homologation and specification sign-off is complete.

Should You Wait for the Skoda Epiq?

If you are planning to switch cars in 2026 or 2027 and want an EV that is practical, compact and relatively affordable, the Epiq is worth waiting for. If you need something urgently, there are already solid options like the MG ZS EV on sale.

For primarily city-based driving, the LFP 38 kWh variant should hit the sweet spot. For regular inter-city trips, the NMC 56 kWh long-range version will be more comfortable.

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Skoda Epiq vs Rivals

Comparison Table: Kona Electric, Renault 4 EV, MG ZS EV

Size, Boot, Range & Price Breakdown

The Epiq undercuts most of these rivals on entry price while still offering a competitive 425 km range in its best configuration and a very healthy 475‑litre boot. The Hyundai Kona Electric wins on pure range, but the Skoda edges practicality versus the Renault 4 and feels better tailored to family duties in markets like the UAE.

Also read: Top 10 Best Sedans In 2025 For Uae Buyers

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Conclusion

The 2026 Skoda Epiq is shaping up as one of those cars that quietly does everything people actually need. A starting price around €25,000, up to 425 km of official range, a 4.1 m footprint that fits city life and a 475 L boot that handles family chaos all add up to a strong package.

Its battery choices, thermal management and MEB Entry platform give it a solid foundation for hot-climate use, including the GCC. If Skoda delivers on these early numbers and keeps local pricing sensible, it will likely become a go-to first EV for many buyers.

Configure and pre-order details will appear on Skoda's regional sites as launch nears, so it is worth keeping an eye on them if you plan a purchase in 2026–2027.

Summary Table

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People Also Ask

What is the Skoda Epiq release date?

Skoda is targeting a mid‑2026 world premiere, with European sales starting towards the end of 2026. UAE deliveries are expected to follow in 2027.

Skoda Epiq price in Europe and UAE?

In Europe, the starting price is projected at around €25,000. For the UAE, a realistic estimate is AED 110,000+ once import costs and VAT are added.

Skoda Epiq battery capacity and range?

The Epiq is expected with 38 kWh and 56 kWh battery options, with the larger pack offering up to 425 km WLTP range.

Skoda Epiq dimensions and boot space?

It is about 4.1 m long, with a 2.6 m wheelbase and a 475 L boot.

Is Skoda Epiq suitable for hot climates like UAE?

Yes. It uses liquid-cooled batteries, and the LFP option is particularly resistant to heat-related degradation. Cabin and battery preconditioning via an app is planned as standard.

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