Jahn believes India’s EV adoption will be slower than anticipated, unlike China. Skoda Auto, leading Volkswagen's India investments, is considering investing in India's new electric vehicle (EV) policy. However, the company wants the government to include hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) for benefits, citing challenges with charging infrastructure and consumer acceptance of pure electrics.
Martin Jahn, Skoda's global board member and head of sales & marketing, pointed to China's example, where half of the new energy vehicle market comprises hybrids or range extenders. “The other half is either PHEVs or range extenders - so some sort of a combination of battery and combustion engine. So, the question is what's really the best for India?” he told the Times of India.
Jahn believes India’s EV adoption will be slower than anticipated, unlike China. “The road to electrics will be slower in India than expected. So, it’s a very complex issue and we will follow whatever policy will come... The transition will be not very fast given the (charging) infrastructure in India, given the sentiment of the customers, and also the range anxiety issues that still persist.”
India’s new EV policy offers subsidised import duty for manufacturers investing at least USD 500 million. Skoda is evaluating this policy along with others expected in the first half of the year. These policies will influence which cars Skoda brings to India, the timeline, and whether they will be imported or locally produced. “I think it's very interesting for us and we are now basing our plans on this policy. But, there are more policies to be finalized in the first half of this year that will also have an impact on which car we bring, how fast we get it, or whether we get it as an import or local production.”
Skoda aims to double its India sales this year, exceeding 100,000 units compared to 36,000 in 2024. New models are planned, potentially including the electric Enyaq, the Superb sedan, and the Kodiaq SUV. “We will also bring the Superb (luxury sedan) this year, as well as the new Kodiaq (SUV). We will bring the first electric car to India.” The company is also expanding its retail network from 277 to over 350 outlets. "We now have 277 outlets and will have more than 350 touch points. We have a very positive momentum in the Indian market.”
