Skoda rolls out Octavia Green E Line electric concept in Paris

Skoda has revealed its first-ever battery powered vehicle, the Octavia Green E Line concept, at the Paris Motor Show. Just because it is a little late to the concept party doesn't mean Škoda is going to delay getting the car on the streets; the company has already announced its intention to launch a test fleet of this electric wonder sometime next year. There are also possible plans to mass-produce this vehicle within a few years, showing that the company can move swiftly.

Powered by a 114-horsepower electric motor that churns out 199 pound-feet of torque aided by a 26.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Green E Line scoots to 60 miles per hour in a rather slow 12 seconds but tops out at a highway-capable 84 mph. With a range listed at 87 miles, Skoda's concept has no intentions of becoming a breakthrough vehicle in the battery-powered segment, but with a cozy interior that seats five and room for more than a few sets of golf clubs, the Green E Line's spacious accommodations could make up for any range- or performance-related deficiencies. Hat tip to George!

[Source: Skoda]

PRESS RELEASE

Škoda Octavia Green E Line Concept

9/30/2010

The 2010 Paris Motorshow will see the Octavia Green E Line concept. Škoda's first-ever electric-powered vehicle will demonstrate the company's innovative potential and technological competence in this growing area.

Mobility for people and clean cars for the environment – these are Škoda's commitments. Mobility without emissions is the future. "The Octavia Green E Line embodies the values of the brand absolutely perfectly - the vehicle combines the desire for individual mobility with our environmental goals", said Škoda Auto BOD Chairman Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland.

The Green E Line concept is based on the Škoda Octavia Combi. With its modular chassis design, this series-production car is the ideal option in terms of arranging the batteries, electronic control units and the electric engine with its constant power of 60 kW and max. power of 85 kW. Available right after the start (as is typical of this type of drive), the maximum torque of 270 Nm gives the car enough power for sharp acceleration and a good amount of agility and responsiveness, which the driver will appreciate mainly in busy city traffic. The Octavia Green E Line accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just twelve seconds, and the car's maximum speed is limited to 135 km/h.

The electricity for the Octavia Green E Line is supplied by a modern lithium-ion battery. With a range-per-charge of 140 kilometres, the Škoda Octavia Green E Line comfortably meets the requirements of most everyday commuters in Europe. Located under the middle and rear parts of the floor and extending partly into the luggage compartment, the 26.5 kWh battery is made up of 180 lithium-ion cells (diameter 150 mm, length 650 mm) and weighs about 315 kilograms. However, the battery has almost no impact on the volume of the passenger and luggage compartments. The Octavia Green E Line is fitted with five comfortable seats, and its passenger compartment is identical with that of the Octavia Combi with a combustion engine.

With smart dashboard indicators, the driver of the Octavia Green E Line always stays in control. The computer screen provides continuous information including instant output, power consumption, battery charge and the remaining range. The navigation display describes the energy flow, i.e., informs the driver that the electric engine is being supplied with electricity or, on the contrary, that it is generating electricity as the car decelerates or goes downhill.

The look of the Škoda Octavia Green E Line conveys the environmental-friendliness of its electric drive.Pearl-white exterior colour and elegant chrome-trim on both the front and rear of the vehicle as well as on the wheels create an impressive contrast with the glossy black roof with integrated energy-generating photovoltaic panels.

Škoda Auto is planning to create a test fleet of Octavias Green E Line in 2011 with the objective of obtaining additional information relevant to the further development of the electric drive.