History
More than a 125-year journey towards sustainability
While the concept of environmental stewardship may seem like a recent phenomenon, Škoda has always had ‘green’ at its core. Our historical ventures in sustainability equip us to address both contemporary and future challenges. Reflecting our dedication, the evolution of our products perfectly illustrates the progress we’ve made.
The trailblazing Laurin & Klement E
Our journey into the realm of electric innovation began with the Laurin & Klement E in 1908. Its designer, František Křižík, replaced the vehicle’s transmission with two electric motors for propulsion, supported by a 26 kW petrol engine to generate the required electricity. As a result, the Laurin & Klement E can be considered the first Mladá Boleslav-built hybrid without a battery. Between 1934 and 1941, we followed up with economical, eco-friendly electric utility vehicles with maximum laden weights of 1.5 and 3 tonnes.
The trailblazing Laurin & Klement E
Our journey into the realm of electric innovation began with the Laurin & Klement E in 1908. Its designer, František Křižík, replaced the vehicle’s transmission with two electric motors for propulsion, supported by a 26 kW petrol engine to generate the required electricity. As a result, the Laurin & Klement E can be considered the first Mladá Boleslav-built hybrid without a battery. Between 1934 and 1941, we followed up with economical, eco-friendly electric utility vehicles with maximum laden weights of 1.5 and 3 tonnes.
The eco-friendly Škoda Favorit Ecotronic
Produced between 1987 and 1995, the Škoda Favorit won hearts not just in Central Europe but much further afield. In 1990, the ‘Ecotronic’ was released as the Škoda Favorit 135 Le/LSe, equipped with eco-technologies such as an electronically controlled carburettor and a three-way catalytic converter with lambda probe. These features enhanced engine performance, regulated the fuel mixture, and reduced harmful emissions. An innovative system shutting off the fuel supply during engine braking further boosted the Ecotronic’s efficiency.
The electrifying Škoda Eltra
This all-electric Favorit offshoot was the result of a collaboration project between Škoda Auto and Škoda Ejpovice, with around 200 units produced in the early 1990s. Relying on lead-acid batteries, its electric motor had a 15.4 kW output, and the Eltra could reach speeds of 80 km/h. Interestingly, its gearbox was borrowed from the production Škoda Favorit. Despite showing great promise, this fascinating concept never made it into full-scale production.
The electrifying Škoda Eltra
This all-electric Favorit offshoot was the result of a collaboration project between Škoda Auto and Škoda Ejpovice, with around 200 units produced in the early 1990s. Relying on lead-acid batteries, its electric motor had a 15.4 kW output, and the Eltra could reach speeds of 80 km/h. Interestingly, its gearbox was borrowed from the production Škoda Favorit. Despite showing great promise, this fascinating concept never made it into full-scale production.
The pioneering Škoda Octavia Green E Line
Now considered the foundation of Škoda’s entry into the modern e-mobility era, the Octavia Green E Line was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Based on the second-generation Octavia Combi, it features a 26.5 kWh battery and an electric motor with a maximum output of 85 kW and 270 Nm of torque, delivering a range of around 140 km. Nine years of refinements, advances in battery technology and further development led to Škoda’s first mass-produced all-electric car – the Citigoe iV.
The breakthrough Škoda Citigoe iV
The world got its first glimpse of our premier electric production car at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in 2019. Nestled under the bonnet is a 61 kW electric motor generating 212 Nm of torque from standstill, while the 36.8 kWh battery ensures a range of about 270 km. Although the Citigoe iV was discontinued in 2020, the electric city model paved the way for the next generation of zero-emission vehicles from Mladá Boleslav, including the hugely popular Škoda Enyaq series.
The breakthrough Škoda Citigoe iV
The world got its first glimpse of our premier electric production car at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in 2019. Nestled under the bonnet is a 61 kW electric motor generating 212 Nm of torque from standstill, while the 36.8 kWh battery ensures a range of about 270 km. Although the Citigoe iV was discontinued in 2020, the electric city model paved the way for the next generation of zero-emission vehicles from Mladá Boleslav, including the hugely popular Škoda Enyaq series.