Audi AG, a Bavaria (Germany) based luxury automotive manufacturer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group. Volkswagen AG is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry. Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years.
With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position to become the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles. The Audi all-electric e-tron portfolio includes:
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
The Audi e-tron SUV was unveiled as a concept car in 2015 (quattro concept), at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The e-tron battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is the first mass-market zero-emission pure electric vehicle from the German automotive manufacturer. Deliveries of the EV commenced in 2019.
For those seeking an upmarket large family SUV with zero-tailpipe emissions and a familiar exterior styling, the all-electric Audi e-tron SUV is worth considering. The pure electric SUV is available in two EV battery sizes: 71.2 kWh and 95 kWh, with the larger battery size offering a marginally higher electric range.
The 71.2 kWh has a claimed zero-emission e-range up to 194 miles, while the 95 kWh offers a range up to 233 miles. Though the EV range is decent and suitable for most needs, it is not as impressive as some of the more recent BEV’s, that offer an electric range closer to 300 miles.
Also, do keep in mind, that the real-world EV range will be lower than the quoted EV range, impacted by a number of factors. For the 71.2 kWh, a real-world range will be closer to 160 miles, while for the larger EV battery, a real-world emission-free electric range will be closer to 195 miles.
It is worth stressing that if the battery is ‘topped up’ on a regular basis, there will always be ample electric range available and charging times will be shorter. Also, a topping up strategy is better for the long-term maintenance of the EV battery. Audi offers a warranty up to 8 years or 100,000 miles.
The EV offers DC charging up to 150 kW and can be charged from 5% to 80% in 30 minutes. The EV also offers an 11 kW AC onboard charger. Of course, most homes in the UK are powered by single-phase and therefore we cannot take advantage of the three-phase onboard charger. Charging the EV at 7.4 kW will take up to 14 hours. For those that have access to 3-phase charging at home or workplace, the EV can be fully charged in 7 hours.
The EV is available in two drivetrain options, the e-tron 50 quattro and the e-tron 55 quattro. Despite the weight of the four-wheel drive electric SUV (2,565 kg), given the onboard EV battery, the performance is impressive. The higher specification, e-tron 55 can achieve 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds (maximum power: 664 Nm) and a 124 mph top speed. The e-tron 50 can achieve 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds and has a 118 mph top speed.
In terms of interior quality, equipment and technology, it reflects the premium price tag. As standard, the EV includes, the Audi intelligent MMI Navigation plus high-resolution touch displays and Audi virtual cockpit. There are also a host of driver assistance technologies as standard: 360-degree parking parking sensor, rear-view camera and lane departure warning.
In terms of practicality, given the placement of the EV battery on the floor, the boot space on offer is good (660 L). For passengers, the cabin is spacious with ample headroom and legroom, even for taller adults.
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.
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The All-Electric Audi e-tron SUV (credit: Audi)
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