The Octavia Green E Line is based on a conventional Octavia Combi, with its modular chassis allowing easy fitment of the battery, electronic controllers and electric motor. Using the Golf Blue-e-motion’s 114bhp electric drivetrain with a lithium ion battery mounted under the rear seats and boot floor, the Octavia covers 96 miles on a full charge and reaches 62mph in 12 seconds from rest.

Škoda said this comes with little sacrifice – there is still space for five passengers and a large boot.

Škoda CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, said: ‘The Octavia Green E Line shows our technological expertise in the field of electric mobility. It is a milestone in our comprehensive sustainability strategy. Our development work in this field is in close cooperation with Volkswagen Group.’

Dr. Eckhard Scholz, board member in charge of research and development, added: ‘Škoda and the entire Volkswagen Group have a long-time aim, and that is sustainable mobility based on renewable energy sources. There is no doubt electric propulsion is becoming more and more important for mobility with as low emissions as possible. Working as we are with our Group partners, we think we are making very good progress.’