Skoda India’s plans to introduce its first electric vehicle in 2025 have been deferred, confirmed our sister publication Autocar Professional. Out of the Elroq and Enyaq EVs, the latter is the most likely model to arrive here and has been spied testing on our roads multiple times. Initially considered to be assembled at Skoda’s plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly known as Aurangabad), it may now opt for bringing the vehicle via the completely built-up (CBU) route, if the government reduces the high duty levied on imports.
- Enyaq sold in SUV and coupe forms in international markets
- Elroq EV was showcased at Auto Expo in January 2025
Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI) delay
Cut import duties by 86 percent
Announced in March 2024, the SPMEPCI aims to reduce import duties from 110 percent to 15 percent for EVs priced above USD 35,000 (about Rs 29.90 lakh at the time of writing), allowing imports of up to 8,000 units per manufacturer annually. However, these carmakers must: a) invest a minimum of Rs 4,150 crore, b) establish local manufacturing within three years, and c) meet 25 percent domestic value addition (DVA) by the third year, rising to 50 percent by the fifth year.
“We are committed to EVs. Implementation of the policy remains in flux amid shifting global tariff policies. Our locally manufactured EV will come by 2028. Still, we are reviewing our CBU and CKD plans amid uncertainty over the EV policy and the current tariff discussion,” said Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, in an interaction with Autocar Professional.
Petrol and diesel imports put on hold as well
Octavia, Superb sedans to be brought via CBU route
Due to no clarity on customs duties on the import of petrol and diesel cars, their introduction in the Indian market has also been paused, told Janeba to Economic Times. This may include CBU models like the Octavia facelift and its RS version. The new-gen Skoda Superb, also showcased in diesel 4WD guise at the Auto Expo 2025, may be imported too, as the Bratislava (in Slovakia) plant does not have a facility to build CKD kits for the sedan. Meanwhile, the second-generation Skoda Kodiaq is locally assembled in India.
Also, see:
New Skoda Superb, Octavia RS showcased at Auto Expo 2025
