Mumbai, October 9, 2025 – In a strategic move to tap into India’s burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market, Skoda Auto India, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, is actively evaluating the introduction of its first electric car tailored for local roads. The company aims to roll out the premium-segment EV by 2027-28, leveraging a robust localised supplier base to ensure competitiveness and sustainability.
Ashis Gupta, Brand Director at Skoda Auto India, shared these insights during a media briefing on Wednesday, underscoring the automaker’s commitment to aligning with India’s green mobility push. “We are evaluating to launch the electric car in India during 2027-28 after setting up a localised supplier base,” Gupta stated. “By this time, we will get the time to set up the supplier base, and the charging infrastructure would also develop.
“This timeline, Gupta explained, allows Skoda to synchronise its entry with key enablers: a maturing ecosystem of suppliers, expanded charging networks, and a supportive policy environment. He highlighted that the EV sector currently accounts for 10-12% of India’s overall passenger vehicle market and is expanding at a rapid clip, driven by government incentives and rising consumer demand for eco-friendly options. “By 2027-28, the right policy framework for electric cars would also be in place,” he added, referencing anticipated updates to schemes like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) initiative and production-linked incentives (PLI).Skoda’s global EV lineup, which includes models like the Enyaq SUV and the upcoming Elroq, positions the brand firmly in the premium category. For the Indian market, the company plans to adapt these offerings to local preferences, potentially focusing on a compact SUV or crossover to complement its existing portfolio. This localisation strategy not only aims to reduce costs through domestic sourcing but also aligns with Volkswagen Group’s broader “India 2.0” project, which emphasises electrified mobility and supply chain resilience.
Currently, Skoda Auto India operates with a modest but focused lineup of four models: three sedans (Virtus, Slavia, and the Octavia) and one small SUV (Kushaq). Despite this, the brand commands a 1.7% market share in volume sales, reflecting its niche appeal among discerning buyers seeking European engineering and build quality.
The announcement comes amid intensifying competition in India’s EV space, where homegrown giants like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra dominate, alongside global entrants such as Hyundai and MG Motor. Volkswagen Group, which also oversees brands like Audi and Porsche in India, has been ramping up its EV investments continent-wide. Recent reports indicate the group is exploring battery production partnerships in the region to mitigate import dependencies
.Gupta’s comments signal optimism about Skoda’s growth trajectory in India, a market projected to become the world’s third-largest automobile hub by 2030. With EV penetration expected to surge to 30% by the end of the decade, Skoda’s calculated entry could bolster its foothold and contribute to the national goal of 30% electric vehicle adoption by 2030.As infrastructure and regulations evolve, all eyes will be on Skoda to deliver a compelling EV that blends premium performance with affordability. For now, the brand continues to strengthen its internal combustion engine offerings while quietly building the foundations for an electrified future.
