Dr Johannes Neft, has been Head of Technical development at Skoda since January, 2021. We caught up with him at the global unveiling of the all-new Skoda Peaq – a fully electric, seven-seater that is now being billed as the company’s flagship model.
Q: I was listening to your presentation earlier and I wanted you to tell me the things that make you really proud about the Peaq.
First of all, what is typical Skoda and what I like so much is we have a really huge space inside the car, which you do not see immediately if you look from the outside. We really used each millimetre which we could have. I really enjoyed as well that we now have a pure electric car which is a seven-seater. This is really important because this segment is not huge. And it's a proper seven-seater with space for adults to sit in the third row without being cramped.
But also, what makes us very proud is what we reach in terms of aerodynamics. Because aerodynamics today isn't just about speed. It affects energy consumption, range, and the cabin's acoustic comfort. Even though the Peaq is large and spacious, it has an excellent aerodynamic drag force. It's an engineering miracle.
Q: What is so special about the panoramic sunroof?
The sunroof was a nice story because we were thinking now we have that big car it gives us the chance of having a big sunroof. But there was no sunroof of that size in our modules. So, we were discussing what to do and, in the end, we decided to make this panoramic cluster, this huge one, because we wanted to show off the space and openness if you are sitting inside. The sunroof was a nice story because we were thinking now we have that big car it gives us the chance of having a big sunroof. But there was no sunroof of that size in our modules. So, we were discussing what to do and, in the end, we decided to make this panoramic cluster, this huge one, because we wanted to show off the space and openness if you are sitting inside. And on the other side, we wanted to also show technical affinity here. And we are now using this dynamic shading inside. It can be operated in segments, so if you have children trying to sleep in the back, you can block out the sunlight. So, it can be operated manually via the touchscreen or automatically, whichever is most convenient.
Q: What about Skoda’s always pioneering Simply Clever features like the washers within the wipers?
That's a new thing for Skoda. We are trying that out and we are just really positively impressed by it. It fits perfectly with such a huge windscreen and the big benefit is that you get the water always where you need it. You need less water for the same washing result, so no water is wasted.
Q: Okay, and these flush door handles that are another ‘first’ for Skoda? Can I ask you about that because China has banned them? What makes yours safe?
I am very proud of the Peaq – our flagship model . And I think it deserves that title because it’s filled with state-of-the art technology, up to the smallest details, like these door handles. They are flush and completely smooth, which helps improve the car's aerodynamics. It deploys electrically, but if for any reason, you need to open them manually, it’s simple with a mechanical system like traditional door handles, so they are perfectly safe.
Q: Aerodynamics has been spoken about a lot – what other features do you have on the Peaq?
The aerodynamic design starts right here at the front. The clean lines where the front mass meet the side panels really helps. And these air curtains are large and exceptionally effective. They help smooth the air around the front wheel, which helps reduce drag. From an aerodynamic perspective, the rear is key and the Peaq has a sophisticated solution. The roof spoiler, together with other wheel elements, shapes and controls the way the air flows behind the vehicle. Thanks to close collaboration with the design team, it has a refined 3D look that combines low aerodynamic drag and a modern styling. It's another piece of the aerodynamic puzzle that helps deliver more efficient driving and longer range. The complete underbody is flat so the air moves smoothly and each individual solution brings a small improvement, but it's the sum of hundreds of details that delivers this level of efficiency and range. Aerodynamics isn't just a standout feature here, it's literally everywhere. Minimal edges, integrated handles, minimal disruption and minimal aerodynamic noise inside.
Q: And I heard it took three and a half years to develop including rigorous testing. Is that longer than Skoda would normally take?
No, no, no. It's our normal time. But we used it fully. And to be honest, we are already now on our way to be faster in development times. This is one of the challenges we have for the future, being faster.
Q: And how important is this car to Skoda?
This is a very important car for us. We think this is also a car which helps us to shape the brand. We took a lot of effort on comfort. We wanted to bring a lot of features. And we tried to really make this car in a way that it's not only usable for families as a seven-seater, but also for business customers and fleet customers.
Q: And finally, you must be very proud of this vehicle?
We were just showing that car a few days ago to our complete management, and everybody is really pleased and excited about it.
And on the other side, we wanted to also show technical affinity here. And we are now using this dynamic shading inside. It can be operated in segments, so if you have children trying to sleep in the back, you can block out the sunlight.
So, it can be operated manually via the touchscreen or automatically, whichever is most convenient.