Škoda is charging up its all-electric portfolio with an entry-level crossover that will team up practicality, spaciousness and affordable pricing.

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Previewed in a design study, it’s due to be fully unveiled in 2025 and will cost around €25,000 – some £21,400.

It’s expected to share mechanicals with the upcoming Cupra Raval and Volkswagen ID.2 superminis and is the second of six new Škoda battery electric vehicles (BEVs) scheduled for launch in the coming years. The first is the Elroq compact SUV, an electric successor to the Karoq that’s due for launch later this year, joining the brand’s inaugural Enyaq BEV.

The Epiq moniker also fits in nicely with Škoda’s naming system for its BEV SUV models: the E at the beginning stands for a battery-electric Škoda model, while the Q at the end identifies it as a member of the brand’s SUV family.

Epiq is derived from the ancient Greek word “epos”, which stands for “word” or “verse”, but also for “tale” or “poem” – and Škoda says the name evokes positive associations such as amazing, great, extraordinary and remarkable.

Despite a compact 4.1m footprint, the Epiq will offer plenty of cabin space and up to 490 litres of luggage capacity.

Although Škoda has revealed the expected range, it’s not detailed the powertrain. However, given the similarities with the ID.2, it could well come with the same set-up as the ID. 2all Concept of a single front motor and a choice of 38 and 56kWh battery packs.

The Epiq will also support bidirectional charging, transforming the car into a rolling energy storage unit that can feed excess electric energy into the customer’s home and other appliances.

Design is based around the brand’s Modern Solid design language, also being carried over to the interior, which will draw on durable, practical and sustainable materials.

Onboard features include an open storage compartment that includes a wireless mobile phone charger in the free-floating centre console as well as Simply Clever compartments for more storage options.

The two-spoke steering wheel on the design study features physical buttons and haptic scroll wheels to control key functions while driving.

The boot also benefits from some of the brand’s hallmark Simply Clever details such as bag hooks, cargo elements, fastening hooks and a hidden underfloor compartment.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, said: “The coming Škoda Epiq will package a lot of car for an attractive price and a big interior with a compact size. Our customers want choices, which is why we are expanding our growing e-mobility portfolio into this popular segment. I hope these first design teasers demonstrate that the Epiq will shine because of its modern design, everyday range and user-friendly technologies – all of it affordable.”

The Škoda Epiq will be assembled at Volkswagen Group’s plant in Pamplona, Spain.