ŠKODA initiates practical testing of Octavia Green E Line

2012 SKODA Octavia Green E Line

• Fleet of ten E-Octavia in road tests around Mladà Boleslav
• ŠKODA’s first purely electric vehicle
• Technological expertise in cooperation Volkswagen Group
• ŠKODA’s existing model line excels in fuel economy

MLADÁ BOLESLAV : January 19, 2012 – ŠKODA has begun testing electric traction in everyday operation with a fleet of ten electrically powered Octavia Green E Line. The Octavia Green E Line is the Czech’s carmaker’s first purely electric vehicle. The aim of the test is to gain practical experience with electric propulsion.

“The Octavia Green E Line shows our technological expertise in the field of electric mobility. It is a milestone in our comprehensive sustainability strategy,” says ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, adding: “Our development work in this field is in close cooperation with Volkswagen Group.”

Dr. Eckhard Scholz, board member in charge of research and development, added: “ŠKODA and the entire Volkswagen Group have a long-time aim, and that is sustainable mobility based on renewable energy sources. There is no doubt electric propulsion is becoming more and more important for mobility with as low emissions as possible. Working as we are with our Group partners, we think we are making very good progress.”

The Octavia Green E Line test fleet is to provide important insights for advancing development of electric power in automobiles with a view to making it suitable for mass production. The Octavia Green E Line is based on the Octavia Combi. The mass production model’s modular chassis is ideal for holding the battery, electronic controllers and electric motor. The electric motor puts out peak power of 85 kW. This being an electric motor, maximum torque of 270 Nm is available immediately from the start. This agility is ideal for inner-city driving. The Octavia Green E Line will accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just twelve seconds. Top speed is 135 kph.

A lithium-ion battery supplies the Octavia Green E Line’s electricity. At 150 kilometres, the car’s range is apt to satisfy the demands of most European commuters. The battery is made of 180 individual cells each with a diameter of 55 mm and a length of 233 mm. The battery will hold 26,5 kilowatt-hours in energy and weighs about 315 kilograms. The battery block is mounted under the middle and rear floor panel and in part in the boot. The car will seat five.

ŠKODA’s activities in the field of electric mobility are an important element of the manufacturer’s comprehensive drive and fuel strategy. Mid-term, ŠKODA expects to see a mix of different propulsion technologies. This will include further optimising of highly efficient TDI and TSI engines and their transmissions. “Improving fuel economy quickly will bring the greatest benefit in the short term. We are working hard on further lowering fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions,” says Eckhard Scholz.

Economical engines and excellent mileage rank ŠKODAs among the most efficient cars on the market even today. The most recent example is the Citigo subcompact, which was introduced in the Czech Republic at the end of 2011 and will be launched in other European markets in early summer of 2012. In its most economical Green tec variant, the Citigo achieves an average mileage of 4.2 l/100 km. CO₂ emissions are 97 g/km. Overall, seven of the brand’s models even manage average CO₂ emissions of less than 100 grams. A total of 63 models emit less than 130 grams of CO₂ per kilometre.

Octavia Green E Line technical features at a glance:

• Rated power output: 60 kW
• Maximum power: 85 kW over 60 seconds
• Torque: 270 Nm
• Maximum speed: 135 kph
• Acceleration 0-100 kph: 12 secs.
• Range: 150 km
• Battery: lithium-ion battery
• Battery weight: approx. 315 kg
• Battery capacity: 26,5 kWh
• Charging time:
  o  8 hours at 230 V (single-phase AC)
  o  2 hours at 400 V (three-phase AC)

[Source : SKODA]