In the 21st century, all auto manufacturers are in search of alternative fuels that will keep the Auto Industry going when fossil fuels run out. Right now the industry is divided between Hydrogen and Electricity to power the future. Every company is testing its capability to jump on either side of the wagon.
Skoda, being a part of the VW group, is betting big of electricity. At Paris Motor Show 2010, Skoda displayed the Octavia (Laura in India) E line which was as an estate version of our Skoda Laura powered by lithium ion battery. The idea was to demonstrate that EV’s don’t have to be small hatchbacks; they can also be large luxurious cars.
Skoda has managed to take the next step and will produce 10 cars as a part of its test fleet to test its emission free technology. These test cars will help the Skoda collect valuable data to be used in future applications that will reduce its average CO2 emissions.
The car features a 26.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack placed under the floor and an electric motor with a constant output of 80HP and 270 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 12.0 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 135 km/h.
The Octavia E line has a maximum range is about 140 km which is pretty good for a big estate. Interestingly, because the car is so quiet, it features a sound generator which generates engine noises so the pedestrians are not caught off guard.
The reason Skoda is going through this hassle is because electric drive is seen as a key part of Skoda’s strategy for creating a range of vehicles that are environmentally friendly and safe.
[Source - CarScoop.Blogspot.com]
