Škoda puts upcoming electric SUV Peaq through extensive climate testing

According to the Czech manufacturer, prototypes of the new Škoda flagship model have covered a total of over 1.5 million kilometres during testing. As is typical for such programmes, these tests were conducted across a wide range of climate zones and under diverse conditions. The pre-production vehicles of the Peaq have traversed three continents, including demanding regions such as the Arizona desert and the icy landscapes 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. Real-world testing was also complemented by virtual development methods.

Technically, the Škoda Peaq is built on the Volkswagen Group’s new MEB+ platform and features new electric motors, batteries offering a range of over 600 kilometres, and an adaptive DCC suspension system. The electric SUV accommodates five or seven passengers, depending on the configuration. Currently, we know that the Peaq will be available in three powertrain variants – 60, 90, and 90x – with the following key specifications:

At nearly 4.90 metres in length, 1.70 metres in height, and with a wheelbase of 2.97 metres, the Peaq will be the ‘largest and most spacious model in Škoda’s portfolio’, the Czech manufacturer said in a German language press release. “Thanks to a wheelbase of almost three metres, passengers in the second and third rows enjoy exceptional legroom and comfort,” it added. “Furthermore, the third row offers generous headroom.” The interior also features a wealth of practical ‘Simply Clever’ solutions, a hallmark of Škoda.

Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development, comments: “The Škoda Peaq is the result of an extensive development and testing process, during which our engineers verified the functionality and durability of all key components and design elements. We tested the Peaq extensively both in laboratories, including climate chambers and wind tunnels, and in real-world conditions – from the heat of the desert to freezing environments 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, where temperatures can drop to −40 °C. The aim was to verify that all components function correctly and reliably even in these extreme situations.”

In arid desert regions, for example, the Peaq test vehicles were exposed to intense sunlight for 12 months to assess paint quality and the durability of plastic components. The driving tests in extreme heat also placed high demands on the brakes, suspension, and cooling systems. On congested and gravel roads, where the Škoda Peaq covered thousands of kilometres, engineers additionally tested the interior sealing and the resilience of metal and plastic body parts against stone chips.

Ahead of its upcoming world premiere on 23 June, the Škoda Peaq has now received the final green light from the developers. The event can be followed via Škoda’s official communication channels. The livestream begins at 18:25.

skoda-storyboard.com, skoda-media.de (link in German)