Škoda Auto, the Czech-auto brand within the German-headed VW Group will launch Škoda VISION X, its first vehicle ever with CNG, petrol and electric motors at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. In addition to the brand's new design, the Škoda VISION X features a newly configured hybrid system along with four-wheel drive.
At Škoda Auto, the preparations and developments for the mobility of tomorrow are in full swing. With the new hybrid Škoda VISION X we offer an insight into the further development of our model range. CNG vehicles are clean and inexpensive. And with the hybrid, our customers can embark on local emission-free driving, said Christian Strube, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development.
According to the company, the idea behind the ‘FlexGreen’ painted crossover concept-vehicle is to combine a CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and petrol engine with two electric motors. This enables both a smart and clean driving with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions under 90 grams per kilometre when using CNG.
Under the hood is a 1.5-liter TSI-G-TEC four-cylinder turbocharged engine specially designed to use CNG, which produces a maximum output of 96 kW (130 hp) and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. One CNG tank is located under the back seat, the second behind the rear axle.
The CNG drive acts on the front axle, on the rear axle there is a power flow from the electric motors. This is activated as needed – to activate additional power when starting (boost effect) or to improve the traction on smooth surfaces and off-road. The capacity of the compact energy storage device for the electric motor is sufficient to drive the vehicle over a distance of up to two kilometres.
The VISION X is the first Škoda all-wheel-drive vehicle to do without a driveshaft. The benefits are conclusive: less weight automatically means less consumption. In addition, the electric motors only start when needed to support the CNG drive.
The combustion engine has one of the two electric motors with the belt-driven starter generator (RSG) and, in conjunction with the second one, ensures continuous four-wheel drive on the rear axle. This draws its energy from a 48-volt lithium-ion battery system.
Using energy recuperation, the lithium-ion battery charges while driving – during braking and cruising, the VISION X converts kinetic energy into electrical energy and uses this energy later for driving.
The maximum torque of 70 Nm is available directly at the start, boosting power when starting off and during hard acceleration such as when overtaking. The advantages of the rechargeable batteries include lower weight, higher capacity and affordable price.
The vehicle normally operates as a front-wheel drive with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive activated as necessary. The combined range of the three power modes is up to 650 kilometres. Acceleration from zero to 100 km per hour in 9.3 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km per hour.
