Audi e-tron

Electrically powered cars not only need to heat the interior in winter, but also to keep the battery system at the right temperature. This is because low outside temperatures have a negative effect on the performance of high-voltage batteries. Audi experts Pierre Woltmann and Thomas Anzenberger explain in an interview why concerns about excessive range loss in electrically powered Audi models are unfounded. Also: Eight tips on what Audi customers can do to keep the high-voltage battery of their e-tron model efficient in winter.

In the Audi TechTalk, we’re presenting complex and innovative technology topics – at regular intervals and in multimedia form – addressed directly by our experts. Relevant background information and video compilations of all Audi TechTalk issues can be found here.

In late January, Audi sent its first fully electric-powered SUV onto the slopes where the world’s best ski racers battle for victory in the Hahnenkamm Race. The specially equipped Audi e-tron climbed the “Mausefalle” on the legendary “Streif”.

The brand with the four rings presents its first fully electric series-production model, the Audi e-tron. From 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.7 seconds, a range of over 400 kilometers (248.5 mi) in the WLTP driving cycle, zero local emissions – the full-size SUV is powerful, efficient, sporty and practical for everyday driving. Its two electric motors produce up to 300 kW and combine with the electric all-wheel drive to deliver optimum performance on any terrain. A comprehensive range of charging options for at home and on the go make electric driving convenient and effortless. Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi)*: 26.4 - 22.9 (WLTP); 24.6 - 23.7 (NEFZ) CO₂ emissions combined in g/km (g/mi): 0 Information on fuel/power consumption and CO₂ emissions in ranges depending on the chosen equipment level of the car

At the The Charge event in San Francisco, it will finally strip off the camouflage and reveal itself to the global public: the Audi e-tron. With a range suitable for longer distances, an electric all-wheel drive, and a charging capacity of up to 150 kW at quick-charging stations, it sets a new tone for the world of electromobility. But Audi is driving more than just electromobility forward. At the event in San Francisco, Audi will showcase its plans for the future of mobility in a comprehensive theme park: along with the Audi e-tron, autonomous driving and digital business models will mark the start of a new era.

Audi continues its model initiative in the luxury class: following the new Audi A8 and the new Audi A7, the premium brand now introduces the next generation of the Audi A6. Whether in terms of digitalization, comfort or sportiness – the elegantly sculptured sedan is the all-round talent in its segment. Audi is also unveiling the prototype of its first purely electrically powered model in Geneva. The sporty SUV offers the space and comfort of a typical luxury car together with a range suitable for longer journeys.

Audi is launching its first two fully electric S models – the Audi e-tron S and the Audi e-tron S Sportback. Their three electric motors, two of which are located on the rear axle, together provide 370 kW of boost power and 973 Nm (717.6 lb-ft) of torque, Vehicle safety and vehicle dynamics in particular have reached a new level: In addition to the electric all-wheel drive, the cars are equipped with electric torque vectoring, which provides active and fully variable torque distribution on the rear axle.

Audi will be presenting some of its strongest ideas for the future at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this year. The spotlight will be on two technologies for the in-car entertainment of the future. The Audi e-tron (combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi)*: 26.2–22.6 (WLTP); 24.6 - 23.7 (NEFZ); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0) features innovative online and charging services as well as the possibility to book functions on demand. It thereby demonstrates once again that premium mobility at Audi is not only sustainable, but also individual and easy. * Figures depending on the chosen equipment level

The brand with the four rings presents its first fully electric series-production model, the Audi e-tron (Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi)*: 26.4 - 22.9 (WLTP); 24.6 - 23.7 (NEFZ); CO₂ emissions combined in g/km (g/mi): 0). From 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.7 seconds, a range up to 411 (255.4) kilometers (248.5 mi) in the WLTP driving cycle, zero local emissions – the full-size SUV is powerful, efficient, sporty and practical for everyday driving. Its two electric motors produce up to 300 kW and combine with the electric all-wheel drive to deliver optimum performance on any terrain. A comprehensive range of charging options for at home and on the go make electric driving convenient and effortless.

Audi and RWE are breaking new ground together to drive the energy revolution forward – RWE has brought an energy storage facility on stream in Herdecke, Germany, that uses used lithium-ion batteries from Audi electric cars. With the help of 60 battery systems, the new type of storage facility on the site of RWE’s pumped-storage power plant on Lake Hengstey will be able to temporarily store around 4.5 megawatt hours of electricity.

Seat heating instead of a hot air blower, optimum tire pressure, parking in the garage, and selecting the efficiency mode: these and other factors determine how quickly the high-voltage battery is drained – or not. What can Audi customers do beyond the established tips to keep the high-voltage battery in their e-tron model working efficiently during the winter and to achieve optimal range?

In the winter, electrically powered cars have to bring the interior and the battery system to the right temperature. This double task already requires a lot of energy from them. Low exterior temperatures exacerbate the problem – and affect high-voltage batteries’ performance. Nonetheless, concern over excessive loss of range in electric Audi models is unfounded: with intelligent thermal management, the brand provides outstanding performance and range in its cars; special protective mechanisms ensure long battery life. In an interview, Pierre Woltmann, head of thermal management for high-voltage batteries at Audi, and Thomas Anzenberger from thermal management virtual functional development explain how the company with the four rings is effectively meeting the challenges of winter operation.

Ceremony in Belgium: The eight millionth car comes off the assembly line at Audi Brussels. Markus Duesmann, CEO of AUDI AG appeared enthusiastic on his visit to Brussels, a site that was designated a “Factory of the Future” only in the last year. Since fall of 2018, Audi Brussels has produced the first fully electric SUV for the brand with the four rings, namely the Audi e-tron, and in early 2020, it began mass production of the Audi e-tron Sportback.

Owners of an Audi e-tron from the 2019 or 2020 model years can now travel farther on a single charge – a new software update will extend their car’s range by up to 20 additional kilometers. This means that Audi isn’t limiting efficiency increases to new models, but also boosting the efficiency of cars already on the road. The update is now available and can be installed at Audi service centers.

quattro and the five-cylinder engine are legends with a great history, but are also defining trailblazers for the future of the automobile. As an integral part of Audi’s “Vorsprung durch Technik” DNA, the drive system and engine have not lost any of their power to captivate, even 40 years after they premiered. The constant all-wheel drive and the sporty engine awaken memories of historic venues. But they are also the technological basis for the automotive experiences that lie before us. Why don’t you take a look back at 40 years of the quattro experience with rally legends Stig Blomqvist and Fabrizia Pons, as well as Formula E driver Lucas di Grassi and get on board when the all-wheel drive powers into the electric future. You can also find out how the latest development stage of the five-cylinder is continuing Audi’s tradition of sporty engines.

They are historic venues for the international rally scene and they have close ties to Audi: the Col de Turini as a stage of the Monte Carlo Rally and San Romolo as a very crucial point of the asphalt special stages of the Rallye Sanremo. Thanks to the quattro and the five-cylinder, the company with the four rings drove from one success to another in the 1980s. It was an era that established the legend of what was then Audi’s revolutionary drive concept and technologies that define the Audi DNA “Vorsprung durch Technik” to this day. Fabrizia Pons, co-driver for Audi factory driver Michèle Mouton in the 1980s, and Sebastian Grams rhapsodize about the old days and look forward at the possibilities that the quattro and the five cylinder offer today and in the future.

Emotional design, spectacular lighting technology, and perfect harmony – that’s what both the Audi brand and Dutch product designer Marcel Wanders are renowned for. In the Audi City Lab showroom designed by Wanders at Milan Design Week, the brand with the four rings will be exhibiting its impressive Audi A6 e-tron concept. In addition, Audi will also be presenting the RS e-tron GT and the Q4 e-tron to the public.

A progressive, profoundly sporty exterior look with a black Singleframe and black side mirror caps, an interior with orange accents – Audi presents its fully electric SUV models e-tron and e-tron Sportback in the S line black edition. Presales just started in Germany and other European markets.

Audi is driving its transformation as a provider of sustainable premium mobility. The brand plans to ramp up its efforts by 2025 with a wide range of more than 20 fully electric models. The key to its success and the crux of this transformation is the availability of charging infrastructure. Audi is working on a concept for quick-charging for premium-level electromobility. A pilot project in the second half of the year will provide a specific outlook and a practical test for a possible serial roll-out.

“The most beautiful car I have ever drawn.” Marc Lichte, Head of Audi Design, chose these words in the fall of 2018, when the brand presented the Audi e-tron GT concept as a show car in Los Angeles. Two years later, the first fully electric gran turismo from Audi is about to celebrate its premiere as a series production model. This is the perfect time to talk to Marc Lichte about the importance of the e-tron GT.

When several electric cars are charging at the same time, the street will go dark – that is one gloomy vision of the future that skeptics of electric mobility are painting. As part of a small-scale test, Audi has found a clear answer to this problem: Intelligent and grid-optimized charging relieves the grid and can help to increase the acceptance of electric mobility further. The Audi e-tron models and the charging system connect are already prepared and ready.

Faster charging, more convenience behind the wheel – Audi is systematically enhancing its e-tron models. The all-electric SUV and e-tron Sportback* SUV coupe are receiving a number of new equipment features.

Victories in five categories: Audi achieved a major success in the Auto Trophy 2020 voting by readers of the specialist magazine Auto Zeitung. The A1 Sportback, A3 Sportback, Q2, Q8, and e-tron Sportback models each won in their categories. For the A3, it was already the third important award within the space of a few weeks. It previously claimed victory in its category in the “autonis” design competition by auto, motor und sport and the “Golden Steering Wheel” from Auto Bild.

The e-tron route planner is installed on all of Audi’s fully electric e-tron models. As standard equipment and part of the Audi connect services, it offers customers elementary route planning, which can be done before starting a trip, either using the myAudi app or the in-car navigation system. Once on the road, drivers can rely on always traveling the fastest of all possible routes, supported by the system ideally planning the required charging stops – whenever the destination is located outside of the car’s range. Using new algorithms, the extended e-tron route planner is geared to more effectively taking the unique characteristics of electric driving into account. Daily data updates and individual routes enhance everyday usability.

For the first time, Audi is offering its customers in Norway and Germany the possibility to book selected functions on demand, even after purchasing the vehicle. This opens up completely new possibilities for individualizing your own car. The functions are booked online via myAudi. With functions on demand, Audi is taking another consistent step toward a seamless digital customer journey.

Audi is showing consistency and continuing with its electric offensive – with the new Audi e-tron S and the new Audi e-tron S Sportback. Both of the S models with fully electric drive use three electric motors, two of which operate on the rear axle. Their intelligent drive control raises vehicle safety, and dynamic handling in particular, to a new level. In addition to the electric all-wheel drive, the vehicles are equipped with electric torque vectoring with active and fully variable torque distribution on the rear axle.

For four decades, Audi has been setting the pace with permanent quattro all-wheel drive and thus initiated a paradigm shift in powertrain technology in the automotive world and in motorsport. The brand is now using the knowledge it has accumulated in this area since 1980 for the next step. The electric quattro in the models of the e-tron range marks Audi’s next milestone achievement in the age of electric mobility. Enjoyable driving and efficiency are fused into a total package.

Increasing network stability, lowering electricity costs, and contributing to climate protection – that is the vision that Audi and the Hager Group are pursuing. The incorporation of the electric car into the domestic grid is at the core of an innovative research project on bidirectional charging. This offers major advantages in combination with a photovoltaic system in particular. Excess PV electricity can be stored temporarily and output as needed.

The Audi e-tron is the worldwide market leader in its segment. The first fully electric series production model from Audi is popular all over the world with customers and media alike. Numerous awards and comparative tests stand testament to this. With the e-tron GT, the Q4 e-tron, and the Q4 Sportback e-tron, Audi is looking toward an electric year 2021 in both senses of the word.

Technical Development – internally referred to at Audi as “TE” – is the place where the brand’s heart beats. It is the place where “Vorsprung durch Technik” becomes a reality. The engineers develop innovations from the initial idea to market level. The new “Audi TechFocus” online newsletter provides detailed insights behind the scenes of TE. The topic of the premiere issue: patents. Or: this is how we document “Vorsprung durch Technik.”

Aerodynamics is a key factor in range particularly with all-electric automobiles. Thanks to smart technology innovations, Audi’s sporty SUV coupé achieves a remarkably low drag coefficient figure of 0.26. The sophisticated aerodynamics concept features many innovative detailed solutions.

The charging process is central to the everyday usability of an electric car. The shorter the stop required for charging the higher the customer’s satisfaction. Drivers of a fully electric Audi model thus benefit from high charging speeds because the charging capacity of up to 150 kW is available for a large portion of the charging procedure. This enables sophisticated thermal management of the lithium-ion battery. In order to assess the everyday usability of an electric car, customers should take not just the nominal maximum charging capacity but also the charging speed into account.

“The future is electric:” Audi is staying consistently true to its strategic alignment by presenting the second model in its e-tron product line. The Audi e-tron Sportback is a dynamic SUV coupé offering up to 300 kW of power and a range of up to 446 kilometers (277.1 miles) ( in the WLTP cycle) from a single battery charge (combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): 26.3 - 21.6 (WLTP); 23.9 – 20.6 (NEFZ); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0). Its digital matrix LED headlights are a new feature now available for the first time in a mass-production vehicle. Their light is broken down into tiny pixels and can be controlled with exceptional precision. This makes safe lane centering easier on narrow stretches of road and shows the position of the vehicle in the lane. Market introduction of the Audi e-tron Sportback** in Europe is scheduled for the spring of 2020.

Audi is systematically moving forward with its e-offensive: The Audi e-tron and the Audi e-tron Sportback are becoming more agile, sharper and more dynamic as S models. The three electric motors, two of which are located on the rear axle, together provide 370 kW of boost power and 973 Nm (717.6 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the two purely electrically driven models to accelerate to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.5 seconds. The intelligent drive control raises vehicle safety, and dynamic handling in particular, to a new level: In addition to the electric all-wheel drive, there is the electric torque vectoring with active and fully variable torque distribution on the rear axle.

One year after launching its own charging service, Audi is introducing a kWh-based price to the e-tron Charging Service that allows customers to charge their cars with quick-charge service provider IONITY. Here, e-tron customers benefit from heavily discounted rates with the transit rate at 31 cents per kilowatt hour used. Everyday usability is underlined by the fact that the number of countries and charging points connected has doubled since the market launch. With a contract, the premium charging service makes around 135,000 public charging points in 24 countries accessible. When driving abroad, customers can charge their cars according to the local purchasing conditions without any extra costs.

Just in time for the premiere of the e-tron Sportback**, Audi is introducing a standard technical update for its first electric product line. This combines optimized drive system hardware with software adjustments to improve efficiency. As a result, all versions of the e-tron SUV will come off the assembly line with an extra 25 kilometers (15.5 mi) or so of range. The new models are available now to customers in Europe.

Double win for Audi in the “Golden Steering Wheel 2019” contest: The A1 Sportback and the fully electric e-tron won in their respective categories “Small Cars” and “Large SUV.” Readers of the German automotive trade magazine Auto Bild, its European sister publications and the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag voted to determine the finalists. An international panel of experts crowned the winners from these nominations.

Ten European countries in 24 hours – the Audi e-tron (combined electrical consumption in kWh/100 km*: 26.4 - 22.9 (WLTP); 24.6 - 23.7 (NEDC), combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 0 (0 g/mi)) has impressively demonstrated its long-distance qualities. On August 20, nine journalists set out on the tour stretching over 1,600 km (994.2 mi) from Lake Bled in Slovenia to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The electric SUV with its long range and short charging stops proved to be a compelling proposition. Combined with its powerful drive and comfortable interior, it turns electric touring into a premium experience.

The supply chain of the Audi e-tron* is becoming more sustainable: The aluminum producer Hydro now supplies sustainable aluminum for the battery housing of the first fully electric model of the company. The material is processed and manufactured along the entire process chain in an environmentally friendly manner and under socially acceptable working conditions. This has been confirmed by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) with a “chain of custody” certificate. The ASI already awarded Audi a certificate for the sustainable assembly of these aluminum components in October 2018. This means that the aluminum sheets processed in the battery housing of the Audi e-tron are now demonstrably produced in a responsible manner along the entire value chain, from the extraction of the bauxite raw material to the end product.

Know-how in high-voltage technology, electrics and electrical engineering: Audi is currently preparing technical trainers and service technicians worldwide for the Audi e-tron*. Virtual-reality training is also being used for the first time. The virtual technology allows realistic, safe learning of highly sensitive technologies such as the high-voltage battery. The company uses an efficient digital modular solution that is already in use for VR training in logistics.

Audi celebrated a resounding success as part of the readers’ choice “All-wheel-drive car of the year 2019” awards: The Q2, Q5, A6 allroad quattro* and the all-electric powered Audi e-tron* models won in their respective class, making Audi the most successful brand among the competition.

In late January, Audi sent its first fully electric-powered SUV onto the slopes where the world’s best ski racers battle for victory in the Hahnenkamm Race. The specially equipped Audi e-tron climbed the “Mausefalle” on the legendary “Streif”. With an 85 percent gradient, it is the steepest section of the spectacular downhill course.

The green light has been given for unlimited, trouble-free electric mobility. The Audi e-tron Charging Service is going on-grid in ten markets. The service will be rolled out in a further six markets in the first quarter and expanded in Eastern Europe over the course of the year. When driving abroad, Audi customers can charge their cars according to the local purchasing conditions without any extra costs. To cover individual charging needs, customers can choose from two different tariffs. Providing a premium charging offer, Audi makes 80% of all public charging stations in Europe accessible on the basis of just one contract.

Audi is actively involved in shaping the digital energy world of the future. The brand with the four rings is involved in the EEBUS initiative to promote networking across manufacturer and industry boundaries. The Audi e-tron (combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi)*: 26.2 - 22.6 (WLTP); 24.6 - 23.7 (NEFZ); CO₂ emissions combined in g/km (g/mi): 0) is the first electric car whose charging system uses the new communication standard. At the “Plugfest E-Mobility” at the Audi plant in Brussels, developers are testing cross-industry compatibility before the EEBUS standard for energy communication is introduced in February.

Sustainable mobility for the World Economic Forum in Davos: As the exclusive shuttle partner, Audi is providing a fleet of 50 Audi e-tron cars (Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi)*: 26.2 - 22.6 (WLTP); 24.6 - 23.7 (NEFZ); CO₂ emissions combined in g/km (g/mi): 0) for the annual meeting in 2019. The all-electric cars are fully powered by green electricity. And with mobile charging containers, the company is demonstrating a potential application of used batteries from electric cars.

Excitement guaranteed: The new Audi e-tron (Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi)*: 26.2 - 22.6 (WLTP); 24.6 - 23.7 (NEFZ); CO₂ emissions combined in g/km (g/mi): 0) is now at the heart of a specially developed strategy game at Munich Airport. Customers and other interested parties can playfully explore the first fully electric Audi and the topic of electric mobility in an “Escape Room.” The new event format will be hosted in the rooms of myAudi Sphere until mid-March.

On September 17, Audi presented its first all-electric series-production model to the world public. In Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, journalists are now getting behind the steering wheel of the Audi e-tron and experiencing the full-size SUV on test drives. Their route is taking them from Masdar City, one of the world’s most sustainable urban communities, and then up the second highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates.

With driving dynamics tests on Namibia’s salt flats and savanna, the Audi e-tron prototype is at present impressively demonstrating its handling qualities. All made possible thanks to a new generation of the quattro drive – the electric all-wheel drive. In conjunction with the versatile suspension, its low center of gravity and the powerful electric motors, the electric SUV offers powerful traction, outstanding dynamics and unshakable stability on disparate terrain.

The Audi e-tron is the first fully electrically powered series production model from the brand with the four rings. The company will present its sporty full-size SUV – which is suitable for everyday use – to the world for the first time in San Francisco.

Intel performed its first-ever combined indoor and outdoor Intel drone light show in collaboration with Audi for the world debut of its all-electric SUV—the Audi e-tron.

In systematic pursuit of its digitalization strategy, Audi is offering its customers ever-greater in-car connectivity. The latest example: The new, fully electric Audi e-tron SUV has Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service on board. It is seamless integrated into the car’s MMI operating system – no smartphone is necessary.

The e-tron marks the dawning of a new era for Audi. The brand with the four rings is being transformed from a classic automotive manufacturer into a premium mobility systems supplier. The Audi e-tron Charging Service will be part of a broad-based offering for charging and provides Europe-wide access to the public charging infrastructure. Audi’s proprietary charging card brings together over 72,000 charging points operated by 220 providers, for unlimited, trouble-free electric mobility.

Audi will celebrate a historic world premiere in California on September 18, 2018: the brand will be presenting the Audi e-tron – its first all-electric-drive production model – during its “The Charge” event. Audi will also be presenting its mobility initiative in the United States.

Audi starts into the future: This Monday, Audi Brussels begins mass production of the Audi e-tron. The brand’s first all-electric SUV has a range suitable for everyday use. With a charging capacity of up to 150 kW at quick-charging stations, it is ready for the next long-distance stage in about 30 minutes. Audi will present the unveiled electric car for the first time at its world premiere in San Francisco on September 17.

The Audi e-tron prototype combines enormous power and high efficiency. With a system output of up to 300 kW, the full-size SUV with a fully electric drive accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in less than six seconds. In the WLTP test cycle, it covers more than 400 kilometers (248.5 mi) on one battery charge. One important factor for the long range is the most innovative recuperation concept among the competitors. The electric SUV proved this with an impressive performance at Pikes Peak.

Driver and passengers experience their surroundings in a whole new dimension in the Audi e-tron prototype. In addition to its generous space and the stylishly reduced design, Audi’s first electric car offers a high level of calm and, in turn, the perfect stage for the Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System. The full-size SUV also provides a new digital operating and display experience. It is the first volume-production car with virtual exterior mirrors.

The better an electric car’s aerodynamics, the further it travels: With a drag coefficient of 0.27, the Audi e-tron prototype achieves a top result in the SUV segment. This figure is a decisive factor in the everyday range of more than 400 kilometers (248.5 mi) in the WLTP cycle. The virtual exterior mirrors constitute one highlight in the aerodynamics concept of the all-electric premium class model.

The popular GTI Meet at Lake Wörthersee will be held from May 9 to 12. In on the action: the Audi e-tron prototype. As a towing vehicle for the Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo, the sporty electric SUV proves its excellent suitability for everyday use.

The production version of the Audi e-tron prototype heralds the dawn of a new era for the brand with the four rings: The company is transforming from a classic carmaker to a systems supplier for mobility offering its customers tailored solutions for charging, whether at home or on the move. The production version of the Audi e-tron prototype is the first car on the market that can charge at charging stations with up to 150 kW. In approximately 30 minutes, the electric SUV is then ready to set off on the next long stage of its journey. Its large lithium-ion battery provides for a range of more than 400 kilometers (248.5 mi) in the WLTP driving cycle.

Audi unveils the prototype for its first all-electric model at the Geneva Motor Show. The sporty SUV combines the space and comfort of a typical luxury car with a range suitable for everyday use. Until the start of series production, almost 250 development vehicles will complete testing under extreme conditions worldwide. Specially camouflaged prototypes kick off the chase for the most spectacular photos.

Audi continues its model initiative in the luxury class: following the new Audi A8 and the new Audi A7, the premium brand now introduces the next generation of the Audi A6. Whether in terms of digitalization, comfort or sportiness – the elegantly sculptured sedan is the all-round talent in its segment. Audi is also unveiling the prototype of its first purely electrically powered model in Geneva. The sporty SUV offers the space and comfort of a typical luxury car together with a range suitable for longer journeys.