SKODA ENYAQ ELECTRIC

Skoda tries its hand at a van with this Enyaq Cargo. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Unusually, Skoda's decided to dip a tentative toe into the van market with this Enyaq Cargo LCV. This mid-sized EV contender might be just enough of a van and just enough of a car satisfy its target market.

Background

It's a long time since Skoda has made a van. Arguably, it still hasn't. The Enyaq Cargo model we look at here is really more of an after-market conversion. But if you need a mid-sized EV with specialised cargo carriage possibilities, it might make sense. The Enyaq Cargo project came from a request by the National Grid Distribution Agency (the NGED) in 2024, who wanted a commercial vehicle version of the Enyaq. Skoda UK commissioned specialists Strong's Plastic Products Ltd to produce it and the NGED duly bought 70 Enyaq Cargos - and plans to buy more. So Skoda UK thought it might as well offer this LCV version more widely. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

Skoda has chosen to base the drivetrain of this Cargo model around the larger of its two mainstream Enyaq EV drivetrains. This '85' set-up uses an 82kWh battery pack, which works with a 286PS motor, this combination delivering a sprint time of 6.5s and a range figure of up to 359 miles. Alternatively, also using the 82kWh battery, is an AWD dual motor 85x variant, which offers 332 miles of range. Like all Enyaqs, this one has drive modes - 'Eco', 'Normal' or 'Sport' - or an 'Individual' setting you can set up by altering various drive parameters on the centre screen. One of those is steering feel, which feels pretty anaesthetised. You might also find it worth knowing that when fitted with an optional folding towbar, this Enyaq is also capable of towing trailers weighing up to 1,400kg - quite a hefty figure for an EV, though exercising that capability would doubtless decimate your drive range. This car doesn't have much brake regen assistance. Skoda hasn't got round to fitting steering wheel brake regen paddles as standard (they're optional with 'Sportline' trim). Nor are there selectable regen modes on the centre screen; just a B setting on the gear selector.

Design and Build

At first glance, it's very difficult to tell this Cargo van model apart from any ordinary Enyaq, unless you happen to spot the more darkly tinted rear side and tailgate glass. As with any other Enyaq, the first thing that you'll spot will be the 'Tech Deck' nose. There's 4,658mm of body length. And as usual with VW Group EVs, old fashioned rear drum brakes still feature at the rear. Inside, there is of course plenty of screen tech. The 5-inch 'digital cockpit' instrument display is quickly covered, with a central speed and battery read-out that can be shifted left or right to make space for nav instructions or drive assist info. As for the big 13-inch dashboard central screen, well it gives the monitors of rival Stellantis models in this class a lesson or two in user-friendliness. What else? Well the front seats are supportive and well-bolstered - and can be set up quite commandingly. Rearward visibility isn't great thanks to the substantial rear pillars, so it's just as well that all-round sensors and a rear camera are standard-fit. A neat touch is the way the climate system switches into an energy-saving 'Eco' mode on the passenger side when that seat is unoccupied. In true Skoda style, there's an umbrella secreted in the front door lining - but only on the driver's side; the front passenger will just have to get wet. We're not quite as enthusiastic as Skoda is about its 'Simply Clever' cabin storage features. There's certainly plenty of space to put things but to us, it doesn't seem particularly 'clever' to have the glovebox halved in size by the fusebox; to have forgotten an overhead compartment for your sunglasses; or to have made the cup holders so tiny that only the smallest cups will fit in them. Still, there are plenty of plus points; a deep box between the seats with a nice ratcheting lid and two lift-out compartments; just ahead are coin slots and a deep stowage tray by the stubby gear selector. While at the base of the centre stack is a neat compartment with a 15W cooled 'phone charging mat, though this space is cluttered by the fact that its twin USB-C ports need unsightly USB-A converter leads. There's a vast open 11.4-litre area below the lower centre console. And big flock-lined door bins are always welcome, as is the usual Skoda ticket clip on the windscreen.

Market and Model

You get yourself an Enyaq Cargo (only available to fleet customers via Skoda's Area Fleet Managers) by choosing an 'Edition'-spec 85 (single motor) or 'Sportline'-spec 85x (dual motor) standard model. And then paying an extra £1,815 (excluding VAT) for the LCV conversion. So it's hardly an inexpensive choice. An 'Edition'-spec 85 Enyaq cost £44,310 at the time of this Enyaq Cargo model's launch, creating an asking price for this LCV version of £46,125. A 'Sportline'-spec 85x Enyaq cost £48,760 at the time of this Enyaq Cargo model's launch, creating an asking price for this LCV version of £50,575. Unfortunately, unlike with purpose-designed EV vans, there's no government grant available. 'Edition' spec includes Full LED Matrix headlights with range control, smart 'Regulus' 19-inch wheels, scrolling rear indicators and power and massage functions for the driver's seat. 'SportLine' trim is distinguished by 20-inch 'Vega' black alloy wheels and unique SportLine bumpers, along with an illuminated version of the 'Tech-Deck' nose. Inside, the 'SportLine' model comes with a bespoke Design Selection package that features microsuede and artificial leather upholstery for the front sports seats. Plus there's a three-spoke steering wheel, aluminium pedals, an Area View Camera, a 12+1-speaker CANTON sound system and a head-up display.

Practicalities and Costs

The Enyaq Cargo's load area is constructed using high-strength, low-weight plastic materials and a robust yet lightweight bulkhead separates the cabin from the cargo space. There's a sturdy load bay base and tinted dark rear windows provide cargo security. Both variants support DC rapid charging, with the Enyaq 85 capable of charging at up to 135 kW and the 85x at 175 kW - allowing a 10-80% charge in around 28 minutes. If all you mostly do is charge at home, you might not be much bothered about DC charging stats. Using a typical AC 7.2kW garage wallbox, the 82kWh 85 model and the dual motor 85x variant need 12 hours - or 8 hours 15 minutes using an 11kW supply. As usual with EVs, the battery pack is warrantied to have at least 70% of its usable capacity after eight years or 100,000 miles. There's the usual unremarkable three year / 60,000 mile Skoda warranty (only the third year has a mileage limitation). And there's 12 year body protection guarantee, a three year paint warranty and three years of Skoda assistance, which includes European breakdown cover.

Summary

You could park an Enyaq Cargo on your driveway at weekends without the neighbours suspecting for one minute that you were driving a van. In some ways, you're not; the LCV changes here aren't very far reaching. But for the target market, they'll probably be enough. The primary fleet buyer here (the NGED) seems to think so anyway.