Czech automaker Skoda Auto has introduced the Skoda Epiq, its first entry-level city SUV crossover, which it claims achieves price parity with its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, the Kamiq, in several European markets.

Built on the Volkswagen Group’s new MEB+ modular electric platform, the front-wheel-drive Epiq doubles Skoda's battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup alongside the Enyaq, Elroq and upcoming Peaq.

The platform features two battery chemistries and three power outputs tailored for urban efficiency –

• Epiq 35 & 40: Features a 38.5 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, producing 267 Nm of torque and a 310 km range. The entry-level Epiq 35 delivers 85 kW, while the Epiq 40 outputs 99 kW.
• Epiq 55: The range-topping variant utilises a 55 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery pack, generating 155 kW of power and 290 Nm of torque for a 440 km range.

The Epiq 55 supports fast DC charging, replenishing the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in 24 minutes. It also features bidirectional charging capabilities (V2L, V2H and V2G) and introduces full one-pedal driving in B mode. Mechanical disc brakes are fitted on both axles to limit rotor oxidation, as the front wheels handle all regenerative braking.

Measuring 4,171 mm long with a 2,601 mm wheelbase, the Epiq is the first production model to fully adopt Skoda’s ‘Modern Solid’ design language. The traditional front grille is replaced by a glossy black Tech-Deck Face concealing integrated sensors, framed by a new T-shaped LED light signature.

The crossover achieves a drag coefficient of 0.275. This aerodynamic profile is enabled by active cooling shutters, front-wheel Air Curtains, a fully enclosed smooth underbody pan and an extended roof spoiler.

Despite its compact exterior, the vehicle offers substantial storage, prioritising a 475-litre rear boot. This is supplemented by a 25-litre front luggage compartment (frunk) and 28 litres of cabin storage.

The cabin is completely animal-free, replacing leather with a durable synthetic material called Techtona. All textile seat fabrics are woven from 100 percent recycled polyester fibers (PES).

The digital core is powered by an Android-based infotainment system utilizing a 13-inch central display with third-party app hosting and a mobile digital key platform.

Safety hardware includes seven standard airbags (including a front-centre airbag) and advanced driver assistance features:

It gets Front Assist, Lane Assist, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and an eye-tracking mirror camera for driver fatigue as standard. Customers will also have a choice for an Optional Crossroad Assist feature using front-corner radars, and Travel Assist 3.0 with proactive stop-light recognition, Trained Parking and Remote Park Assist.

Shortly after the initial market rollout, a limited Epiq First Edition will launch exclusively with the high-output 155 kW Epiq 55 powertrain. It is distinguished by a two-tone paint finish with a black roof, exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, and Navajo Orange accents on the mirrors, bumpers, and side trim. The interior is upgraded with matching orange stitching, contrast safety belts, and aluminium sports pedals.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda Auto, said, “The Epiq is our most approachable step into electric mobility – compact, confident, unmistakably Skoda, and designed to deliver exceptional value for money. It sets a clear benchmark for what an entry-level electric model should be: clean, purposeful design, intuitive user experience, and genuine everyday value. As our first series-production model to fully adopt the Modern Solid design language, the Epiq brings technologies from higher vehicle segments into an accessible package."

Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, added, “With the Epiq, we are addressing customers who are looking for a straightforward and attractive entry into electric mobility. The model combines compact dimensions with a surprisingly spacious interior, including a 475-litre luggage compartment, and a design focused on functionality. It delivers the quality and Simply Clever solutions our customers expect from Skoda, along with new features such as bidirectional charging."

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American electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Group has announced a revised model lineup for its Lucid Gravity SUV in Europe. The updated structure consists of four trim levels: Gravity Touring, Gravity Touring Plus, Gravity Grand Touring and Gravity Grand Touring Ultimate.

The EV maker has expanded standard equipment across all variants, which sees the DreamDrive 2 Premium driver assistance package included as standard, featuring High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Protection, Blind Spot Display and 3D Surround View Monitoring.

From the Touring Plus level upward, vehicles feature a 7-seat layout alongside additional cabin equipment including power rear side window sunshades, soft-close doors, a heated steering wheel, heated windscreen wipers and heated second-row seating.

Lawrence Hamilton, President of Europe, Lucid, said, “The updated Lucid Gravity lineup gives European customers a clearer way to choose the SUV that best fits their needs. With more technology, comfort and convenience features included as standard across the range, Gravity offers an even stronger combination of space, performance, efficiency and advanced technology.”

The entry-level Gravity Touring features an 89 kWh battery pack, delivering an output of 418 kW and a WLTP combined range of up to 545 kilometres. Pricing in Germany starts at EUR 94,900, with monthly leasing rates beginning at EUR 949 including VAT. The Gravity Touring Plus incorporates the seven-seat configuration and interior features, starting at EUR 99,900 in Germany or EUR 999 per month on lease.

The higher-specification Gravity Grand Touring utilises a 123 kWh battery, producing 617 kW to achieve a claimed zero-to-100 kmph acceleration time of 3.6 seconds and a WLTP range of up to 739 kilometres. This trim includes massage seating, 230V power package and faster charging capabilities. Prices in Germany start at EUR 119,900, with leasing from EUR 1,199 per month.

At the top of the range, the Gravity Grand Touring Ultimate incorporates the DreamDrive 2 Pro suite, air suspension, rear-wheel steering, a 22-speaker audio system, and leather upholstery, starting at EUR 147,500 or EUR 1,475 per month on lease. Orders for all four variants have opened, with customer deliveries across European markets scheduled to begin in autumn 2026.

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EV charging network ChargeZone and inter-city bus operator Fresh Bus have announced an expansion of their commercial partnership. As per the agreement, Fresh Bus will deploy 400 additional electric buses operating on ChargeZone's charging infrastructure.

The expansion increases the fleet supported by ChargeZone infrastructure from 100 to 500 buses. The operations will cover 20 cities and 17 towns across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the next 15 months.

To support the fleet, ChargeZone will add 30 MW of charging capacity to its existing 10 MW dedicated infrastructure for Fresh Bus, bringing total capacity for the operator to 40 MW.

The installation forms part of ChargeZone’s target to add 200 MW of capacity across its network. The expanded operations are projected to supply 100 million units of energy annually and accommodate over 20,000 daily passenger trips.

Kartikey Hariyani, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ChargeZone, said, "India's EV transition will not be driven by personal vehicles alone. Commercial mobility, particularly intercity public transport, can play a critical role in taking electrification to scale because these vehicles operate frequently, travel longer distances and depend on predictable infrastructure. Our partnership with Fresh Bus has shown that when charging capacity, uptime and energy availability are built around the needs of fleet operations, operators can scale electric mobility with greater confidence. This expansion is about taking that proven model to more routes and demonstrating how charging infrastructure can enable intercity public transport to electrify at scale."

Sudhakar Reddy, Founder, Fresh Bus, said, “When we started Fresh Bus, the biggest question wasn't whether passengers would choose electric intercity travel, it was whether the charging infrastructure could keep pace with a growing fleet running every day, across every corridor. Our partnership with ChargeZone has answered that question. The reliability of their network is what has allowed us to move from proving the model to scaling it with confidence. Expanding to 500 buses and 40 MW of dedicated charging capacity is not just a fleet decision, it's a statement that electric intercity travel can be dependable, affordable, and ready for the passengers. This is what public electric mobility in India should look like: comfortable for the commuter, sustainable for the planet, and built to scale.”

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Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast recently outlined its driver-assistance technology roadmap, global supply chain strategy and financial targets during the Bloomberg Sustainable Business Summit.

Speaking at the event, Anne Pham, Head of International Capital Development at parent company Vingroup, detailed the automaker's phased approach to vehicle autonomy. VinFast's current vehicle lineup operates at Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), providing functions such as adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. The company plans to transition to Level 2+ and Level 2++ capabilities in upcoming vehicle generations, extending automated assistance features while maintaining driver supervision. Each phase of the software rollout will rely on real-world data validation prior to deployment.

Addressing international operations and supply chain management, Pham highlighted the company's regional manufacturing expansion outside Vietnam, including facilities built in India and Indonesia to serve as production and export bases.

“We have taken several steps to ensure that we are investing for the future,” said Pham.

Regarding trade dynamics and international market presence, Pham confirmed that the manufacturer's operational plans for North America remain active.

Pham said, “VinFast currently has sales in various parts of the world, including North America and the United States. Our U.S. sales plans remain on course.”

Commentary on global market conditions focused on energy sector fluctuations and regulatory policies as drivers for electric vehicle adoption rates.

Pham averred, “The transition to EVs has benefited not only from regulatory support around the world, but also from market volatility.”

On financial performance metrics and profitability targets, Pham indicated that the automaker expects its domestic operations to achieve profitability within three years.

Pham concluded, “We are on track to break even in Vietnam by 2027.”

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Youdha has unveiled the EPOD-Bharat, a limited-edition hand-painted version of its L5 electric passenger three-wheeler. The electric three-wheeler was displayed at the Bharat Vyapar Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

The exterior artwork draws inspiration from Warli art, featuring depictions of rural life, nature and community gatherings. The initiative combines traditional Indian art forms with commercial electric vehicle manufacturing.

The base EPOD vehicle is powered by a 6 kW motor generating 50 Nm of torque, paired with an 11.8 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack. The powertrain delivers a certified range of up to 227 kilometres per charge and includes City and Boost driving modes. The chassis provides a 300 mm water-wading depth for operation across varied road conditions.

Priced from INR 320,000, the passenger three-wheeler targets self-employed drivers and commercial fleet operators. Production takes place at Youdha’s assembly plant in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, which maintains an annual manufacturing capacity of 100,000 units.

Ayush Lohia, Chief Executive Officer, Youdha, said, “EPOD-Bharat is our tribute to the spirit of Bharat and to the women and artisans whose creativity and resilience continue to shape our country. We wanted to bring traditional Indian art onto a modern electric mobility platform, creating a vehicle that represents both our heritage and our aspirations for the future.”

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