Škoda Peaq: Comprehensive testing in extreme conditions

• Test vehicles covered more than 1.5 million kilometres during the development of Škoda’s new flagship model
• The Škoda Peaq was tested in the Arizona desert and in freezing environments 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle
• Virtual testing formed an integral part of the development process
• The Škoda Peaq will celebrate its world premiere on 23 June 2026

Mladá Boleslav, 15 June 2026 – The Škoda Peaq, the Czech car manufacturer’s new flagship model, will celebrate its world premiere on 23 June. During its development, the electric SUV, which is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform, underwent extensive testing. Prototypes covered more than 1.5 million kilometres across a wide range of climate zones and conditions on three continents. The demanding real-world testing was complemented by virtual development methods.

Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development, says: “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.”

The test prototypes covered more than 1.5 million kilometres and were closely monitored by both the development and quality departments. In addition to Europe, the prototypes were tested in Africa and North America. Extensive virtual testing using high-performance computing supported the simulation of a wide range of scenarios.

Every detail tested in frost and heat
During development, Škoda specialists focused on situations that Peaq customers might encounter, paying attention to even the smallest details. In conditions well within the Arctic Circle, at temperatures below −30 °C, tests included rapid window defrosting and efficient interior heating. Particular attention was also paid to vehicle behaviour on snow and ice, with the aim of achieving optimal grip, stability and reliable operation of the safety systems.

In arid desert environments, Škoda Peaq test vehicles were exposed to intense sunlight for 12 months to assess paint quality and the durability of plastic components. Driving tests in extreme heat also placed heavy demands on the brakes, chassis and cooling systems. On dusty and gravel roads, over which the Škoda Peaq covered thousands of kilometres, engineers validated the interior sealing and the resistance of metal and plastic body components to flying stones. Even in extreme desert heat, the air conditioning system was able to cool the cabin quickly.

Flagship model boasting outstanding comfort and Simply Clever features
The new Škoda Peaq accommodates up to seven passengers and offers high driving comfort, balanced driving characteristics and low interior noise levels, creating the ideal conditions to enjoy the brand-new sound system by Sonos.

From a technical standpoint, the Škoda Peaq makes full use of the Volkswagen Group’s latest MEB+ platform, featuring new, efficient electric motors, batteries enabling a range of over 600 km, and an adaptive DCC chassis.

A wide range of Simply Clever features enhance practicality in the Škoda Peaq, including wipers with integrated washers introduced for the first time in a Škoda model.

The Škoda Peaq will be unveiled at its world premiere on Tuesday, 23 June 2026. The event can be followed on Škoda’s official communication channels. The livestream begins at 18:25.

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Škoda Auto

• is successfully steering through the new decade with the Next Level Škoda Strategy;
• aims to become one of the top three best-selling brands in Europe by the end of the decade by offering its customers the best of both worlds through a range of attractive BEV, hybrid & ICE products;
• effectively exploits the potential in important growth markets such as India, Vietnam and the ASEAN region;
• currently offers customers 13 passenger car model ranges: Fabia, Scala, Octavia, Superb, Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq, Epiq, Elroq, Enyaq, Slavia, Kylaq and Kushaq;
• delivered more than 1,040,000 vehicles to customers worldwide in 2025;
• has been part of the Volkswagen Group, one of the world's most successful car manufacturers, for more than 30 years;
• is part of Brand Group CORE, an organisational merger of the Volkswagen Group's volume brands, with the aim of achieving joint growth and significantly increasing the overall efficiency of all five volume brands;
• independently develops and produces components such as MEB battery systems, engines and transmissions for other Volkswagen Group brands;
• operates three production plants in the Czech Republic; has production capacities in Spain, Slovakia, Kazakhstan and India, mostly through group partnerships, as well as in Vietnam and Ukraine in cooperation with a local partner;
• employs around 40,000 people worldwide and is active in almost 100 markets.