Škoda Epiq 2026: 37 kWh LFP or 52 kWh NMC?

Confirmed fact: Škoda Hungary's page available on 15 September 2026 says the Epiq 35 and 40 are expected to become configurable and orderable in Hungary in October, while the 55 is already available. Manufacturer claim: the three front-wheel-drive MEB+ versions provide around 310 or up to 440 km WLTP and 10–80% DC charging in 23–33 minutes. Independent finding: during Vezess's Epiq 55 road test, state of charge fell from 95% to 30% after 210 km. Editorial conclusion: establish the version actually available and the final price before comparing headline range figures.

What can be ordered in Hungary now?

The Hungarian Epiq page offers registration for the smaller-battery Essence 35 and Essence 40, saying configuration and ordering are expected to start in October 2026. This is not a guaranteed delivery date. The range-topping version already appears with a configurator link, and the Hungarian model overview displayed a “from” price of HUF 16,070,580 when checked.

Vezess reported later starting prices of HUF 9.9 million for Epiq 35, HUF 10.7 million for Epiq 40 and HUF 12.3 million for Epiq 55, while a highly specified car can exceed HUF 17.25 million. This differs from the Hungarian brand page visible at the same time. Price is time-sensitive: request a dated gross quotation itemising every option and discount, and do not treat one figure in a road test as a contractual price.

Epiq 35, 40 and 55 differ by more than power

• Epiq 35: 85 kW, 267 Nm, 38.5 kWh gross / 37 kWh usable LFP battery, around 310 km WLTP, 11 kW AC and 50 kW DC, approximately 33 minutes from 10 to 80%.
• Epiq 40: 99 kW, 267 Nm, the same 38.5/37 kWh LFP battery, around 310 km WLTP, 11 kW AC and 88 kW DC, approximately 23 minutes from 10 to 80%.
• Epiq 55: 155 kW, 290 Nm, 55 kWh gross / 52 kWh usable NMC battery, up to 440 km WLTP, 11 kW AC and 105 kW DC, approximately 24 minutes from 10 to 80%.

Although the 35 and 40 share battery capacity, their DC charging and motors differ, so the names are not merely trim levels. The 55 receives a larger battery with different chemistry, a stronger motor and longer range. Manufacturer figures apply under standardised or defined conditions; wheels, equipment, temperature and use can change them.

37 kWh LFP or 52 kWh NMC: which suits the job?

LFP and NMC are different battery chemistries, but that alone does not make either universally better. The 37 kWh usable LFP pack is a smaller energy store aimed at urban and suburban use; the 52 kWh usable NMC pack provides more reserve on longer journeys. Daily distance, winter motorway driving and access to home charging matter more than the chemistry label.

The version designation, full VIN, production date and order document together identify the specific vehicle. Do not assume the battery, charger or drive unit of an Epiq 35/40 is interchangeable with Epiq 55 components. For a new car under warranty, an authorised Škoda workshop and factory VIN check are the first route after a fault.

50, 88 or 105 kW: what does charging time reveal?

On paper, the Epiq 40 reaches 10–80% one minute sooner than the 105 kW Epiq 55 despite its lower 88 kW DC peak. The main reason is that it has less energy to add. Peak power does not describe the whole charging curve, so 105 kW does not automatically mean a shorter stop.

All three versions have an 11 kW onboard AC charger. Reaching that AC maximum requires a suitable three-phase charge point and electrical connection. On DC, starting state of charge, battery temperature, preconditioning, charger load and the full curve determine real time.

440 km WLTP and the fresh Alpine road test

Škoda quotes up to around 440 km WLTP for Epiq 55. In Vezess's 200-plus-kilometre German–Austrian mountain drive, the test car started at 95% and stood at 30% after 210 km. The display showed 15.8 kWh/100 km, while the author's calculation was 16.1 kWh/100 km. This is one trip, not a general winter or annual average.

The road test inferred roughly 320 km of range under those conditions. That estimate and WLTP are not contradictory: method, speed, terrain and weather differ. For your decision, model your regular longest route, a winter reserve and reliable chargers along the way.

V2L and V2H: hardware is not a complete service

Škoda's technical material says the Epiq can power external loads through a V2L adapter and can support V2H with a compatible bidirectional DC wallbox. It names the Ambibox AmbiCHARGE Home 11 kW DC unit as certified. This is a manufacturer compatibility claim, not proof that a complete V2H service can immediately be approved and installed at every Hungarian property.

Before ordering, separately confirm the adapter, wallbox, Hungarian grid requirements, installation, warranty and software activation. Bidirectional charging equipment must be installed by a suitably qualified professional; opening the vehicle's high-voltage system is neither required nor safe.

Compact outside, genuinely large luggage area

The Epiq is 4,171 mm long, 1,798 mm wide and 1,581 mm tall, with a 2,601 mm wheelbase. Hungarian and manufacturer pages state 475 litres of boot space and 1,345 litres with the rear seats folded. Vezess found the second row usable for adults, but the Epiq 55 test car lacked the previously mentioned front luggage compartment.

Boot volume is a manufacturer measurement; usability is personal. Test your pushchair, cable bag or regular cargo and check what each trim removes from the load area. Choosing 17–20-inch wheels can also affect comfort, consumption and tyre replacement cost.

Put these eight points in the order

• the exact version: Epiq 35, 40 or 55;
• gross and usable battery capacity plus LFP or NMC chemistry;
• motor output in kW and front-wheel drive;
• AC and DC charging power plus the manufacturer 10–80% time;
• trim, wheel size and driver-assistance packages;
• the V2L adapter and V2H conditions actually available in Hungary;
• full vehicle and battery warranty plus any service package;
• final gross price, discounts, finance and expected delivery.

Epiq 35 may be cheapest but charges more slowly on DC; the 40 adds faster charging and a stronger motor with the same battery; the 55 provides more long-distance reserve. The right choice comes from your route, charging access and a dated Hungarian quotation together, not from one advertising number.