Quick Takeaways
- Skoda India CNG Plans signal a shift toward cleaner fuel options as the brand reassesses its India strategy.
- CNG emerges as a near-term solution while electrification decisions continue to evolve.
While most mass-market carmakers in India have already expanded into electric mobility, Skoda’s local portfolio continues to rely solely on petrol engines. The company now acknowledges the need for additional products and alternative fuel options to stay relevant in India’s fast-evolving automotive market.
Speaking to sister publication Autocar Professional, Martin Jahn, board member for sales and marketing at Skoda Auto, confirmed that CNG is being evaluated for India, even as the company’s electric vehicle roadmap remains undecided.
Skoda India CNG Plans Focus on Kylaq Expansion
“We are looking at all alternatives, and CNG I think is a possibility," said Jahn. Skoda is understood to be actively assessing a dedicated CNG powertrain for the Kylaq, with the option of extending it to the Kushaq and Slavia depending on market response.
The feasibility is reinforced by the Vision X concept, which previewed the Kushaq and was originally showcased with a CNG-hybrid setup, indicating platform compatibility with the fuel type.
A CNG option fits naturally into the Kylaq portfolio, especially as the compact SUV accounted for more than half of Skoda India’s total sales in 2025. The model played a central role in helping the brand double its annual volumes compared to the previous year.
In the compact SUV space, CNG has already become a mainstream offering, with nearly half the segment’s competitors providing factory-fitted options, making it a commercially sensible move for Skoda.
Electric Vehicle Direction Remains Unclear
Despite years of speculation around bringing the Enyaq EV to India, progress on that front has remained limited. The smaller Elroq was also evaluated earlier, but the brand has not committed to a defined launch timeline.
“The world is now very volatile and we are observing the transformation to electric. China is very strong and keeps pushing on electric. The US made a complete turnaround, going away, while Europe is slowing down a little bit. But we know that we need an electric portfolio for India," said Jahn.
"We are still finding and looking for the best solution. So, I cannot give you an answer today, but we all know that we need more products and we are working on it," he added.
CAFE III Norms Increase Pressure on Powertrain Choices
With the introduction of stricter CAFE III emission norms approaching, Skoda faces growing urgency to diversify beyond petrol-only offerings or risk compliance penalties.
Globally, the brand is developing a full spectrum of electrified powertrains, ranging from mild hybrids to plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. However, pricing remains a decisive factor for India.
"Globally, we are developing a full range of vehicles, mild hybrids, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, full electric vehicles. Sometimes the best technology comes also with the highest cost. So, we have to evaluate that. And for India, we have to evaluate everything on the price sensitivity of the market," said Jahn.
Skoda is also closely monitoring discussions around a potential free trade agreement between India and Europe, which could influence future product and powertrain decisions for the local market.
Speaking to sister publication Autocar Professional, Martin Jahn, board member for sales and marketing at Skoda Auto, confirmed that CNG is being evaluated for India, even as the company’s electric vehicle roadmap remains undecided.
Skoda India CNG Plans Focus on Kylaq Expansion
“We are looking at all alternatives, and CNG I think is a possibility," said Jahn. Skoda is understood to be actively assessing a dedicated CNG powertrain for the Kylaq, with the option of extending it to the Kushaq and Slavia depending on market response.
The feasibility is reinforced by the Vision X concept, which previewed the Kushaq and was originally showcased with a CNG-hybrid setup, indicating platform compatibility with the fuel type.
A CNG option fits naturally into the Kylaq portfolio, especially as the compact SUV accounted for more than half of Skoda India’s total sales in 2025. The model played a central role in helping the brand double its annual volumes compared to the previous year.
In the compact SUV space, CNG has already become a mainstream offering, with nearly half the segment’s competitors providing factory-fitted options, making it a commercially sensible move for Skoda.
Electric Vehicle Direction Remains Unclear
Despite years of speculation around bringing the Enyaq EV to India, progress on that front has remained limited. The smaller Elroq was also evaluated earlier, but the brand has not committed to a defined launch timeline.
“The world is now very volatile and we are observing the transformation to electric. China is very strong and keeps pushing on electric. The US made a complete turnaround, going away, while Europe is slowing down a little bit. But we know that we need an electric portfolio for India," said Jahn.
"We are still finding and looking for the best solution. So, I cannot give you an answer today, but we all know that we need more products and we are working on it," he added.
CAFE III Norms Increase Pressure on Powertrain Choices
With the introduction of stricter CAFE III emission norms approaching, Skoda faces growing urgency to diversify beyond petrol-only offerings or risk compliance penalties.
Globally, the brand is developing a full spectrum of electrified powertrains, ranging from mild hybrids to plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. However, pricing remains a decisive factor for India.
"Globally, we are developing a full range of vehicles, mild hybrids, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, full electric vehicles. Sometimes the best technology comes also with the highest cost. So, we have to evaluate that. And for India, we have to evaluate everything on the price sensitivity of the market," said Jahn.
Skoda is also closely monitoring discussions around a potential free trade agreement between India and Europe, which could influence future product and powertrain decisions for the local market.
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