Florentino García.- Gaceta del Motor. Audi. San Francisco in the USA was the city chosen by the German company to present the Audi e-tron, the first fully electric model produced, at the end of 2018. This vehicle is the brand’s starting point of an electric offensive. Audi aims to have twelve fully electric cars placed in the most important world markets by 2025 and approximately, a third of its sales based on electric models.
It is an extraordinary Sportback SUV; its design combines Quattro all-wheel drive and a family car ample space. It is 4.90 metres-long and it has a 660 litres of boot space. This model can compete with vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz EQC, the Jaguar I-PACE and the Tesla Model X. It costs 82,400 as starting price.
The car interior features coloured touches in a spacious cabin with light sport design. The car digitalized control reaches an entirely different dimension; it is shown from its touchscreen display to the power door closers.
The navigation system can suggest intelligent destinations based on previous routes aided by the e-tron route planning.
The inside has two large MMI touch system screens orientated towards the driver. These displays replace traditional controls. Many functions can be activated with Amazon Alexa Voice Control. Comfort functional elements, top quality materials and handmade finishing touches make this electric car a premium experience.
The navigation system can suggest intelligent destinations based on previous routes aided by the e-tron route planning. It also shows the most adequate charging points on the planned journeys. Thus, the navigation system considers battery levels and traffic conditions. It calculates estimate times for journeys including charging.
Driving performance can be defined as efficient, engine output and a feeling of pure calmness.
On the other hand, the Audi e-tron is the first brand model that allows clients add certain functions online after the purchase of the vehicle.
Driving performance can be defined as efficient, engine output and a feeling of pure calmness. It uses two electric motors that together have a total system output of 408 CV and delivers torque to the wheels. On the S mode, the e-tron car sprints from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and on the D mode it enables a system output of 360 CV for 60 seconds. In both cases maximum speed is electronically limited to 200 km/h.
Another key sport element is its low charging needs that enables long-distance journeys. According to the WLTP cycle it has 400 kilometres of range with a single charging.
The Audi e-tron is powered by a 95 kWh battery pack that supports long usage; it does not need recharging when used in short-distance journeys. In long journeys such as holidays, users have 150 kW DC fast chargers, new in series production vehicles. Thus, a 30 minute-charge enables another long journey. It can also be charged with Alternative Current (AC), there is a standard 11 kW charger and an optional 22 kW charger. Concerning at-home charging, Audi offers several solutions. The charging pack works at home with 230 volts and with three-phase 400 volts. An optional charging connection duplicates charging power up to 22 kW. It offers intelligent solutions as it also has a domestic energy management system; it can be charged at times of low-rate electricity costs and with solar energy if the house has a photovoltaic electric system.