“Renske and Maarten are a prime example of how the Škoda brand appeals to everyday explorers: active users with a drive to discover. It’s fantastic that our electric vehicle performed so well under such demanding conditions. Through their ingenuity and determination, they have shown us all that when you pursue your dream, nothing can stand in your way. By displaying the vehicle at the Škoda Museum, we can preserve and share this inspiring message.”
Holger Peters, Škoda Auto Board Member for Finance, IT and Legal Affairs
Crossing Africa sustainably with a minimally modified production model and solar panels
Dutch travellers Renske Cox and Maarten van Pel wanted to demonstrate that adventures can be sustainable. For the expedition, they founded a non-profit organisation, teaming up with around thirty-five partners to make their dream of exploring Africa in an electric vehicle a reality. They chose the Škoda Enyaq 80 model, equipped with an 82 kWh battery (77 kWh net) and rear-wheel drive.
“We notice sustainability is often regarded as something we have to do, something that’s not fun and you can never do right. We want to change this: make it fun and approachable so that more people will join. And we chose the Škoda Enyaq because it’s a regular family car, which makes our expedition more approachable for others. Plus it’s efficient and big enough to store everything we need,”
Renske Cox
The car underwent basic modifications: the rear section was reconfigured for maximum storage space, a roof tent was added, and for better traction, the Enyaq was fitted with off-road tyres. A crucial part of their equipment was a solar charging set. Foldable panels covering an area of 60 m2 ultimately provided 54% of the energy needed for the 33,360 km journey across the African continent.
Unique vehicle on display at the Škoda Museum
After the adventure to South Africa and back, the explorers’ car has returned to town where it was made. As of 27 June, it has been part of the Škoda Museum collection in Mladá Boleslav, where it will feature in an exhibition from 10 July to 30 September. After donating their vehicle to the Škoda Museum, the couple received a new range-topping model year 2024 Škoda Enyaq 85x Laurin & Klement at the Customer Centre.
The previous 80 and 80x versions have been replaced by 85 and 85x variants. These are capable of reaching a maximum speed of 180 km/h and feature a new, optimised drivetrain. The all-wheel-drive Enyaq 85x now has an output of 210 kW and new software that supports battery preheating. The charging power has also increased to up to 175 kW, enabling the 82 kWh battery (77 kWh usable) to be charged from 10% to 80% in just 28 minutes.