The Audi e-tron GT Saloon: The Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The All-Electric Audi e-tron GT Saloon

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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. Audi electric vehicles (EVs) include:

• Q4 e-tron
• Q4 e-tron Sportback
• e-tron
• e-tron Sportback
• e-tron S
• e-tron S Sportback
• e-tron GT
• RS e-tron GT
• Q4 Sportback e-tron

The Audi e-tron GT concept electric vehicle (EV) was shown in 2018 in Los Angeles. Images of the production model were released in late 2020. The EV shares a lot in common with the all-electric Porsche Taycan (Porsche is also owned by the Volkswagen Group). The Audi e-tron GT pure electric saloon is manufactured in Germany. The battery-electric vehicle (BEV) has been on sale on since March 2021.

If you are seeking high performance zero-emission electric driving, few models can deliver as well as the pure electric Audi e-tron GT coupé styled saloon. The electric vehicle (EV) can achieve 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. Impressive nevertheless, but more so given the weight of the electric vehicle, to include the onboard EV battery (2,347 kg).

The EV has a top speed up to 245 km/h, and can deliver up to 640 Nm torque. Do keep in mind that one of the benefits of electric driving is the access to instant torque! All-wheel drive is available as standard for this EV.

The e-tron GT Saloon also offers an impressive pure electric range. The electric car has a 93.4 kWh (800-volt lithium-ion) onboard EV battery with a claimed zero-emission electric range up to 479 km (WLTP). Bottom-line enough EV range for most driving needs, to include, longer distance trips on the motorway. The electric car also benefits from regenerative braking.

The EV offers DC charging capability up to 270 kW (5% to 80%: 23 minutes). Put another way: for every 5 minutes of DC charging, the range available increases by 100 km. For those fortunate enough to have three-phase power supply at home, the EV can be fully charged in 9 hours and 30 minutes.

For the rest of us with single-phase power supply, it will take 13 hours 30 minutes to fully charge the EV. We at e-zoomed encourage charging an electric car overnight, when the tariff rates are cheaper. We also encourage using green energy for EV charging.

In terms of practicality, let’s be honest, you are not buying this EV for its interior cabin space or boot space. Having said that, the four-door interior cabin space is what you would expect from a high performance car, and the boot space on offer is 405 L.

Of course, given the premium price tag, the interior quality, technology and equipment level is very good, to include: Audi pre-sense front, parking system plus, cruise control with speed limiter, reversing camera, lane departure warning and more. For an additional payment, one can also get the Head-up Display.

Also as standard are the: MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch (12.3” virtual cockpit display or the central 10.1” MMI touch display), Audi smartphone interface, Audi phone box with wireless charging etc.

Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Audi pure electric car is available in India.

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PROS	CONS
Excellent driving performance	Expensive. Cheaper EV saloons available in the market
DC charging up to 270 kW	Limited rear-view visibility and rear headroom
Large EV battery and good pure electric range	Range inferior to Tesla

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The All-Electric Audi e-tron GT Saloon (credit: Audi)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Body Type:	Saloon
Engine:	Electric
Available In India:	Yes

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Trim (1 Option)
Audi e-tron GT quattro (from Rs 1.8 Crore)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 93.4 kWh
Charging:	270 kW DC charging (5%-80%: 23 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0% – 100%: 9 hrs 30 mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	0g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1413
Width (mm):	2158
Length (mm):	4989
Wheelbase (mm):	2900
Turning Circle (m):	11.6
Boot Space (L):	405

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e-tron GT
EV Battery Capacity:	93.4 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	479 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	20.5
Charging:	270 kW DC charging (5%-80%: 23 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0% – 100%: 9 hrs 30 mins)
Top Speed:	245 km/h
0-100 km/h:	4.1 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	390 (with boost)
Max Power (PS):	530 (with boost)
Torque (Nm):	640
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	4
Doors:	4
Unladen Weight (kg):	2,347
Colours:	8
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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India Electric Vehicle (EV) Market

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India, like many other countries, is well positioned to benefit from the shift to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving. Road transportation is a major contributor to air pollution (over 30%), choking our towns, cities and villages across India.

Diesel vehicles, in particular, diesel trucks and diesel buses, are significant sources for tailpipe emissions. But given the rise in the standard of living, since liberalisation, the demand for privately owned passenger cars has increased at an unprecedented pace, further worsening the air quality. India has more than 3 crores (30 million) cars releasing tailpipe emissions on its roads!

Though we have seen some improvements in air quality during the ongoing pandemic (as a result of lower vehicle traffic), India’s shift to electric driving will be key in achieving long-term higher air quality.

Of course, apart from EVs, the continued development of green and renewable energy infrastructure will be key in achieving lower long-term air pollution. India has already demonstrated global leadership in regards to large-scale solar and wind projects! Hopefully, India will replicate the success with zero-emission electric vehicles.

Despite recent announcements and support from local and national government agencies in India, the EV market is still at a nascent stage, well, at least in terms of electric cars and electric vans. Two-wheel electric scooters and three-wheel electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) have demonstrated a strong uptake, and India is poised to become a global leader in electric scooters and electric rickshaws (e-tuk).

In fact, the ubiquitous e-rickshaw commands an impressive 83% of the Indian electric vehicle market. India currently has over 15 lakhs (1.5 million) e-rickshaws, with each EV playing a role in reducing tailpipe emissions on our roads in India.

Sales of passenger electric cars is still at an early stage. In FY2021, though the market witnessed a growth of nearly 110% from the previous year, the absolute volume of cars sold was only 5,905 electric cars. Currently there are less that 15 pure electric car models available on sale in India.

Tata Motors, the biggest automotive manufacturer in India has launched the Tata Nexon electric SUV. Mahindra Electric, another leading Indian automotive manufacturer, has also launched a number of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), to include, the Mahindra eVerito electric car, Mahindra eSupro electric van and Mahindra e2o Plus compact electric car. International manufacturers, like UK based MG Motors, have also launched the MG ZS electric SUV in India. Also available are the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUV and the Hyundai Kona electric SUV.

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Types Of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

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“Electric vehicle” is an umbrella term, and a broad one at that. There are a number of different types of electric vehicles (EVs), each with its distinct characteristics and advantages. These include:

• BEVs: Battery-electric vehicles (pure electric)
• PHEVs: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) combined)
• MHEVs: Mild hybrid electric vehicles (internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) along with regenerative braking)
• FCEVs: Fuel cell electric vehicle (electric with hydrogen as fuel)

The above “types” are powered either entirely or partially by electric energy and have different environmental impacts.

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Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), also known as pure electric vehicles, are powered entirely by electricity (i.e. the vehicle does not have a conventional internal combustion engine). BEVs have zero-tailpipe emissions and help improve local air quality.

BEVs are also very economical to drive. A BEV can cost as little as Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive. Examples of best-selling EVs include, the all-electric Tesla Model 3 and the all-electric Renault Zoe. A BEV is charged by plugging in the electric vehicle to a dedicated electric car charging station (home or public charging stations). BEVs are well suited for those living in towns, cities and urban centres. Of course, battery-electric vehicles are also suitable for those living in rural settings.

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Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) differ from battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), in that, PHEVs use both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric engine for propulsion. Plug-in hybrid vehicles combine the advantages of electric driving and internal combustion engine driving.

On shorter distances, the PHEV uses the electric mode to drive emission-free, using the on-board EV battery and regenerative braking. For longer distances, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles switches to using the internal combustion engine.

With a PHEV, the vehicle can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive on e-mode, without any tailpipe pollution, and also be driven long-distances, without the fear of range anxiety! Most PHEVs have an EV battery of up to 15 kWh and can achieve a zero-emission electric range of up to 50 kilometres.

No wonder PHEVs are fast becoming popular globally, with much potential or India. Like a BEV, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is charged by using an external power source (EV charging point) for charging.

PHEVs are suitable for those that drive long-distances on a regular basis but want to lower the negative environmental impact from tailpipe pollution. PHEVs are also suitable for those individuals and families that are seeking to save money by taking advantage of electric driving. The Volvo XC40 PHEV and the Volkswagen Golf 8 are good examples of PHEVs.

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Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)

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Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are a limited form of electric driving. These vehicles also use hybrid technologies (electric driving and internal combustion engine), but the EV battery is much smaller than a BEV or PHEV. Moreover, in a mild hybrid, the EV battery cannot be charged via an external source (i.e. EV charging station).

In a MHEV, the battery is charged by capturing the energy released during braking, a process known as regenerative braking. MHEVs have lower tailpipe emissions, and are more economical to own, run and maintain than petrol and diesel cars.

MHEVs are a better option than a petrol or diesel car, but not as good an option as a BEV or PHEV. Mild hybrids are well suited for those living in regions with limited charging infrastructure. Again, MHEVs have great potential in India, given the limited public EV charging infrastructure.

The Toyota Prius is a good example of a mild hybrid electric vehicle.

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) also called hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, have a fuel cell stack that uses hydrogen to generate the electricity needed to power the electric vehicle. The fuel cell generates electricity and pure water vapour that can escape via the tailpipe. It is capable of generating electricity as long as there is a steady supply of hydrogen. Fuel cell electric vehicles can be refuelled with hydrogen at purpose built filling stations. Filling an FEC takes no more than five minutes.

FCEVs have a range of about 500 kilometers or more between refueling. Today, the only and major limitation is the very limited hydrogen refuelling station network globally. The Toyota Mirai FCEV is a good example of this type of EV.

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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