One of the main reasons people are not buying that many new small electric cars is because they are too expensive compared with similarly-sized internal combustion-powered models. That may be about to change because Skoda is saying that its brand-new, all-electric Elroq compact SUV will be “more competitively priced and better specified than the similarly-sized, internal-combustion powered Skoda Karoq”. Up to now, Skoda claims, buyers have been largely limited to buying bigger, and therefore more costly, electric SUV options.
So EVs were priced higher than their petrol or diesel counterparts. Now, Skoda says customers will soon have a choice between two similarly-sized, and comparably-priced vehicles – one powered by electricity, the other by combustion. Skoda Ireland brand director John Donegan said: “I know which one I’d choose.
” The Elroq won’t be here until April, but the company is taking orders from Monday. It will cost from €36,545 and, it is claimed, it is the most affordable EV in its segment, when you take battery size and standard equipment. Rivals include the Hyundai Kona and Renault Scenic, and I’m sure they will all have their say on what is affordable or not.
It is a long time to April. Standard equipment includes rear-view camera, remote air-con, side assist, 13in infotainment screen and SmartLink technology. There will be three battery sizes and powertrains.
Outputs start at 125kW for Elroq 50 (from €36,545, range 370km), Elroq 60 (440km r.