The Tesla Model X is up for a major competition against a new concept by Volkswagon Group's Skoda. As it stands, the Tesla is the go-to brand when it comes to electronic vehicles, but the VW subsidiary might change that with the Vision E SUV.
Skoda's Vision E is still a concept, but it will be ready to be shown off at the Shanghai Motor Show in April. The SUV is an all-electric vehicle that can travel up to 311 miles on a single charge. For comparison, the base model of the Tesla X with a 100kWh battery is capable of a 295-mile range.
The company cited optimal recuperation and impressive lithium ion batteries for having maximum range. Apart from that, Skoda's Vision E produces 225 kW and drives up to 112 mph. That's a bit lower than the Tesla Model X's top speed, which is at 130 mph. The Czech Republic-based carmaker has not yet disclosed its zero to 60 mph acceleration time yet.
You're looking at the first electric #Skoda! Meet the new Vision E, harbinger of an EV flurry by 2025https://t.co/vzYgSMs1q9 pic.twitter.com/Lxb8jStZyG
— CAR magazine (@CARmagazine) March 29, 2017
As for what's underneath, the electric vehicle will operate on two high-output electric motors - one on each axle. The pair will produce about 300 horsepower and it will allow the Vision E to enable a four-wheel drive.
The Vision E will also meet level 3 requirements of autonomous driving by SAE International, which means it will be capable of driving itself in traffic jams and on freeways, but it will require human intervention when needed. Skoda's EV SUV is also expected to be able to change lanes and search for a parking space on its own.
The autonomous vehicle is yet to go on production. Skoda said that purely electric vehicles will start appearing in 2020, but it is unknown if the Vision E will be one of the first ones to be launched. By 2025, five EVs in various segments will be available. In 2019, however, an EV version of the Skoda Superb sedan will make an appearance.
Those interested in what might possibly be the Tesla Model X killer can tune in to the Shanghai Motor Show, which runs from April 21 to April 28. The duration of the event will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. Skoda's Vision E can be expected to be one of the highlights of the upcoming auto show.
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