The electrification of Skoda's model range will commence in 2019 with the introduction of the Skoda Superb plug-in hybrid. The Skoda Superb Hybrid will be the automaker's first electric model and now details on its powertrain have emerged. A recent report states that the upcoming Skoda Superb plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) will be drawing power from a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 154 bhp on offer. The petrol mill will be coupled to a 114 bhp electric motor integrated into the car's DSG transmission. The combined output is said to be around 215 bhp.
Also Read: Skoda To Start EV Production By 2020
Skoda Superb PHEV will come with a 13 kWh batter to power the electric motor, and will allow the car to run in an all-electric mode for up to 70 km. The report by Auto Express quotes Martin Hrdlicka, Head of Chassis and Powertrain Development, Skoda, saying that the Superb Hybrid should be able deliver CO2 emissions of around 31 g/km (in European cycle), which is about 9 g/km less than the Volkswagen Passat.
(The Skoda Superb Hybrid will take on the Camry, Passat and Accord Hybrid)
The Skoda Superb Hybrid will be the latest in its segments to adopt a petrol-electric powertrain. Its sibling, the Volkswagen Passat already comes with PHEV version, while the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid have been around for a while, and are also on sale in India.
With respect to the hybrid engine making it to other Skoda models, the report quotes Hrdlicka saying that there were "no technical reasons" as to why the same electric-hybrid powertrain can't be replicated on Kodiaq SUV, or downsized for the Octavia and Karoq models. However, customer demand will play an important role in introducing plug-in Hybrid models across Skoda's other vehicles, he maintained.
The Skoda Superb hybrid will be produced at the company's facility in Mlada Boleslav, which also produce electrical components for other plug-in hybrid models of several Volkswagen Group brands.
The company has announced that its first The first fully electric vehicle is expected to be launched by 2020 and by 2025, the manufacturer plans to have a number of electric and hybrid powered offerings in its stable.
