Audi AG, a Bavaria (Germany) based luxury automotive manufacturer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG (Volkswagen Group), the Germany automotive group. Audi manufacturers across nine production facilities globally. In Germany, the company’s manufacturing facilities are based in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. The Audi e-tron family is series of electric and hybrid cars introduced since 2009. The first e-tron concept car was introduced at the 2009 International Motor Show (Germany). The Audi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) portfolio includes:
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
Overview Audi AG, a Bavaria (Germany) based luxury automotive manufacturer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG (Volkswagen Group), the Germany automotive group. Audi manufacturers across nine production…
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The Audi A8 is a full-size executive premium saloon vehicle. The car has been manufactured since 1994. The Audi A8 is now in its fourth generation and utilises the Audi quattro technology. The A8 saloon is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
When it comes to high-end luxurious executive saloons, there are very options for either a pure electric or plug-in hybrid variant. The likes of the Audi A8 premium-badge plug-in hybrid electric car compete with a handful of other premium alternatives, to include Mercedes-Benz and BMW PHEVs.
The Audi A8 saloon PHEV does not come cheap and nor does it qualify for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG). However, driving the A8 plug-in EV can still save money. For company-car drivers, the reduced tailpipe emissions from the A8 PHEV (42g CO2/km) compared to the conventional Audi A8 diesel or petrol variant (189g CO2/km), is reflected in the much lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax charge for the PHEV.
Moreover the marriage of the internal combustion engine (3.0-litre petrol TFSI V6 engine), with an electric motor, increases the fuel efficiency of the electric vehicle i.e. lower petrol/ diesel costs! Audi claims up to 148.7 mpg fuel economy, but of course, in the real-world it will be lower.
Nevertheless, taking advantage of the electric mode will result in higher fuel efficiency. To further increase the efficiency of the electric vehicle, we also encourage using the maximum regenerative braking profile, as often as possible. It does take some getting used to regen braking, but, it is not a significant challenge!
The Audi electric vehicle has a 17.9 kWh onboard EV battery with a claimed emission-free EV range up to 37 miles (WLTP). Like the real-world fuel economy, expect the real-world pure electric range to be lower. A 30 mile range will be more realistic. But leveraging the hybrid technology by driving on e-mode, will help reduce running costs for the vehicle.
Of course, to leverage the EV range, keeping the EV battery charged on a regular basis is key. Given the size of the EV battery, charging at home via a dedicated residential EV charger, like Easee, should get the battery 100% charged in just over 2.5 hours. The PHEV has a 7.2 kW AC onboard charger and does not offer DC charging. Audi offers a 8 years or 100,000 miles warranty.
In terms of performance, the all-wheel drive Audi A8 does not disappoint. Despite the additional weight of the onboard EV battery, the A8 TFSI e is quick (0-62 mph: 4.9 seconds). The EV has a maximum output of 340 (PS) and 700 Nm torque, with top speed up to 155 mph. Do keep in mind that the EV also benefits from the availability of instant torque. Yes, as you can expect for the price tag, the A8 offers a refined drive and on e-mode it benefits from a smoother and silent drive.
The exterior styling of the A8 PHEV is a good balance between traditional and new design. The EV is good looking without looking futuristic, so well suited for those keen on embracing new technology without feeling overwhelmed. The inside cabin is certainly luxurious and technology-filled. The drivers cockpit is well laid out and modern.
The EV includes: Audi virtual cockpit, Audi connect navigation and infotainment, Audi smartphone interface, head up display, camera-based traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise assist with emergency assist and more. In terms of practicality, the EV can comfortably seat adults in the front and rear seats. T
he boot space has been impacted by the onboard EV battery and the need to also carry an EV charging cable. Nevertheless the premium saloon offers 390 L cargo volume.
The EV is suitable for both families and company-car drivers. Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate for electric cars. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet.
You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
The Audi A8 TFSIe PHEV Saloon (credit: Audi)
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