Skoda's ninth student concept car, designed by a team of 29 apprentices from the Skoda Vocational School, has broken cover. It's a mobile office doubling up as a campervan, dubbed the Roadiaq.
The apprentices began work on designing the concept in autumn of 2022 - spending nine months and over 2,000 working hours designing and redesigning the car, based on the all-electric Skoda Enyaq SUV.
The Roadiaq is designed "to operate seamlessly as a car in motion, then transitioning to a useable office or living space when parked." Skoda has described it as a "sustainable, battery-electric all-wheel-drive vehicle that digital nomads can use for travel, work and leisure."
Skoda Roadiaq - the details
To accommodate the interior additions, the apprentices designed a large roof structure, as well as designing a new tailgate allowing the owner to attach a tent. The Roadiaq is fitted with 21-inch Supernova alloy wheels and is finished in two-tone Emerald Green and Moon white paint.
"The student car project combines three of Skoda's great strengths: its bold can-do attitude, hands-on approach and tremendous team spirit," said Oliver Stefani, head of Skoda Design.
"At Skoda Design, we are very happy to be part of this project. It's our aim to give these talented students a comprehensive, tangible insight into our everyday work and get them excited about it. The ideas our students come up with fascinate me every year."
The Roadiaq is equipped with a permanent high-speed internet connection, as well as a 27-inch monitor and a docking station. Several unique storage solutions are also employed, with several plug sockets and an espresso machine among the car's features.
The Roadiaq can also be converted from a workspace into a 'living area' when needed, with a bed and a small kitchen.
Electric power
Based on the Enyaq 80x Sportline, the Roadiaq is fitted with an electric motor fixed to its rear axle, rated at 150kW - 204hp.
Another electric motor is fitted to the Roadiaq's front axle, delivering another 80kW. Combined with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 82kWh, a range of 495km is quoted.
Interior
Sustainability was a top priority for the apprentices - the textiles used for the seat covers, door trims and instrument panel are made from 100 per cent recycled materials.
The car's upholstery was produced by the students in tandem with upholstery experts from Autointerier Šindelář, a company which has collaborated with the Skoda Vocational School previously.
The cushion covers and blanket inside the car were made using 3D knit technology, using recycled material to create waste-free covers.
The apprentices also received support from campervan conversion experts when fitting the vehicle with the custom roof structure and certain items of furniture. Companies such as Cargodesign and KPS Automobile provided expertise in these areas.
Elsewhere, the students fitted a wireless speaker, a solar-powered shower, various kitchen appliances, USB and charging cables and tools such as torches and a survival kit.
Technology
Working with Skoda's IT department, the Roadiaq's mobile office features a wireless keyboard, mouse and speaker, as well as the internet connection, monitor and integrated docking station.
The apprentices also adapted the car's electrical system, creating additional light sources and sockets to accommodate the new working space.
"As a mobile-office camper, the Roadiaq allows you to work wherever you want," said Maren Graf, Skoda board member.
"It's a reflection of the new, flexible work approach we at Skoda are fully committed to. Over the course of the project, it was particularly impressive to see the enthusiasm and dedication to detail the students at the Academy demonstrated. This concept car shows in an impressive manner what people can achieve together if they dedicate themselves to a project with passion."
Skoda Vocational School
Founded in 1927, the Skoda Vocational School became a private Skoda Auto facility in 1991. Since starting with 58 students in its first year, more than 24,000 students have studied in the facility to date.
Offering both three- and four-year training courses, 820 students enrolled for the 2022/23 school year. Some graduates then move on to a post-secondary or university course, while others join the ranks of Skoda directly.
There have been nine Skoda student cars to date - starting with the open-top Citijet, based on the Citigo supermini in 2014. The Funstar pickup based on the Skoda Fabia followed, as well as the Atero, a coupe version of the Rapid Spaceback.
In 2017, the first electric car designed by the students, the Element, was unveiled, with the unique Sunroq SUV convertible in 2018. The Mountiaq pickup concept rounded out the 2010s, before 2020 saw the arrival of the drop-top Slavia Spider.
Most recently, the apprentices designed the Afriq rally car, with a 190hp TSI engine, all-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Read our test drive of the Afriq if you need proof that these creations are more than just static show vehicles.