The Audi e-tron Sportback: 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 Sportback

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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 SUV was unveiled as a concept car in 2015, 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. The Sportback version of the electric SUV made its debut in LA (USA) in 2019, at the AutoMobility show.

The key difference between the e-tron SUV and the e-tron Sportback, is the sloping roof at the rear of the electric vehicle (EV). The length and width are the same between the two EVs, however, the e-tron Sportback has a slightly lower height.

The all-electric e-tron Sportback is more suitable for consumers seeking a more sporty exterior styling, while the e-tron SUV is more appropriate for consumers keen on interior space and practicality. The rear headroom in the e-tron Sportback is less than the Audi e-tron SUV.

The coupé-SUV 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 320 km, while the 95 kWh offers a range up to 361 km. 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 500 km.

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, to include: driving profile, weather conditions, road surface, tyre size and more. For the 71.2 kWh, a real-world range will be closer to 270 km, while for the larger EV battery, a real-world emission-free electric range will be closer to 300 km.

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 160,000 km.

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 India 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 for the smaller battery and 9 hours 25 minutes for the larger EV battery.

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 (2,520 kg), given the onboard EV battery, the performance is impressive. The higher specification, e-tron 55 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds (maximum power: 664 Nm) and a 210 km/h top speed. The e-tron 50 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds.

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 (615 L), however, smaller than the SUV. For passengers, the cabin is spacious, though, the headroom is impacted in the rear due to the sloping roofline. Also, impacted is the rear-view visibility.

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

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PROS	CONS
DC charging up to 150 kW	Cheaper pure electric alternatives available
All-wheel drive as standard	Options increase purchase price significantly
Good looks (sporty styling)	Limited headroom for rear seats

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The All-Electric Audi e-tron Sportback (credit: Audi)

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

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Trim (1 Option)
Audi e-tron 55 quattro (from Rs 1.19 Crore)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in two battery sizes: 71.2 kWh/ 95 kWh
Charging:	Up to 150 kW DC charging (5%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 9 hrs 25 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):	1616
Width (mm):	1935
Length (mm):	4901
Wheelbase (mm):	2928
Turning Circle (m):	12.2
Boot Space (L):	615

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e-tron Sportback 50 quattro
EV Battery Capacity:	71.2 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	320 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	24.0
Charging:	120 kW DC charging (5%-80%: 30 mins). On board charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs)
Top Speed:	190 km/h
0-100 km/h:	6.8 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	230
Max Power (PS):	313
Torque (Nm):	540
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	2,445
Colours:	8
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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e-tron Sportback 55 quattro
EV Battery Capacity:	95 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	361 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	25.3
Charging:	150 kW DC charging (5%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 9 hrs 25 mins)
Top Speed:	210 km/h
0-100 km/h:	5.7 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	300
Max Power (PS):	408
Torque (Nm):	664
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	2,520
Colours:	8
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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Benefits Of Electric Driving

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The benefits of electric driving are many, with significant advantageous over petrol and diesel internal combustion (ICE) engine cars, for all stakeholders. These benefits include:

• Lower to zero-tailpipe emissions
• Lower running costs
• Lower taxes
• Lower maintenance costs
• Lower noise pollution
• Convenience of charging at home
• Smoother drive
• Instant torque for acceleration
• Lower environmental impact

Below we have highlighted three of our favourite benefits of owning and driving an electric car.

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Improved Air Quality

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) or all-electric vehicles do not have tailpipe pollution. In fact, such electric cars do not even have a tailpipe! Zero-emission electric driving has a real and immediate impact on local air quality i.e. improving air quality. While, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have reduced tailpipe pollution compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. The sooner we migrate to electric driving in India, the sooner we can improve air quality for all our cities, towns and villages. Lower air pollution will also result in a reduced number of health issues arising from inhaling toxic pollutants.

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Lower Maintenance & Running Costs

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Electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to maintain and drive. Pure electric cars have far fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The fewer the moving parts, the lower the probability of repair and maintenance. Moreover charging an electric car can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres! A full charge can cost between Rs 100 and Rs 200. Significantly cheaper than filling a tank of petrol or diesel!

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Lower Noise Pollution

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Yes, we in India are far more resilient to noise pollution than those living in the western world. We have certainly got used to horns blaring and engines roaring, day and night. But that does not mean we enjoy or welcome noise pollution. In fact, quite the opposite!

Though much focus has been on the advantageous of ‘air quality’ with an electric car, just as important, is the benefit of lower noise pollution. In fact, pure electric cars are silent, with an inbuilt ‘sound booster’ to increase road safety for pedestrians.

As our cities in India and across the world become densely populated with cars, the significant negative impact on ‘quality of life’ as a result of increased noise pollution from petrol and diesel vehicles, is just as dangerous, as increased air pollution. Battery-electric cars are a perfect solution in reducing noise pollution and increasing the living standards for us all. Of course, one can only hope that the self inflicted ‘horn blaring’ pollution will also reduce!

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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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