Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The Audi Q4 e-tron Electric SUV
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:
The Audi Q4 e-tron electric compact crossover SUV is based on the Volkswagen MEB bespoke EV platform (the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 uses the same platform). Production of the Q4 electric SUV commenced in March 2021 and the production Q4 e-tron version was unveiled in April 2021. However, the Q4 e-tron was first shown as a concept vehicle in 2019 at the Geneva Motor Show. The Q4 e-tron is available in the SUV and Sportback body styles.
For those of you keen on a pure electric SUV, but with a premium badge and relatively ‘affordable’ price, the Audi Q4 e-SUV is worth considering. The Audi Q4 e-tron is the fourth pure electric vehicle from the German manufacturer. It is available in two EV battery sizes: 55 kWh and 82 kWh.
The 55 kWh EV battery has a claimed zero-emission electric range up to 335 km (WLTP), sufficient for most day-to-day driving needs. Do keep in mind that most daily commutes are short distances, and usually below 25 km. The 335 km pure electric range is also sufficient for motorway driving. For those families and company-car drivers keen on more electric range, the 82 kWh EV battery offers a range up to 511 km on a full charge.
Of course, the real-world EV range will be impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, weather conditions, road surface, tyre size, passenger load, onboard services used etc. Expect the 55 kWh EV battery to deliver an electric range closer to 290 km and the 82 kWh closer to 460 km.
The electric vehicle (EV) offers DC charging capability up to 125 kW, with 80% charge achieved in 36 minutes. The entry-level Q4 35 e-tron can be DC charged up to 100 kW and has a 7.2 kW onboard charger.
The higher specification Q4 40 e-tron and Q4 50 e-tron offer DC charging up to 125 kW as standard and incorporates a 11 kW onboard charger. For single-phase home charging, expect a fully charged battery in 11 hours and 30 minutes. We at e-zoomed recommend charging an EV overnight, when the electricity tariff rates are cheaper.
The all-wheel drive capability is only available on the highest trim, the 50 e-tron, while the other two trims offer rear-wheel drive as standard. The Q4 50 e-tron achieves 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and has a 180 km/h top speed (torque: 460 Nm). The Q4 40 e-tron achieves 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and has a 160 km/h top speed. The entry-level Q4 35 e-tron achieves 0-100 km/h in 9 seconds and has a 160 km/h top speed.
The exterior of the Audi EV is attractive and the interior does not disappoint in terms of quality and layout. The standard equipment includes: Audi virtual cockpit; MMI navigation plus with a 11.6″ touchscreen, lane departure warning, cruise control with speed limiter, swerve assist and turn assist, Audi pre-sense front and more. In terms of practicality, the Audi Q4 has much to offer.
There is ample headroom and legroom for all passengers. Given the placement of the EV battery on the floor, the boot space on offer is good (520 L). Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. The Audi Q4 e-tron is not available in India, however, other Audi electric cars are available in India.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Two EV battery sizes available | All-wheel drive not standard on all trim levels |
DC charging up to 125 kW | 125 kW DC charging and 11 kW AC charging not standard on all variants |
Attractive exterior styling and high quality interior specification and equipment | Expensive EV |
The All-Electric Audi Q4 e-tron SUV (credit: Audi)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | SUV |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In India: | No |
Trims (1 Option) |
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Audi Q4 e-tron (from ₹ N/A) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
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EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 55 kWh/ 82 kWh |
Charging: | Up to 125 kW DC charging (5%-80%: 36 mins). Onboard charger: 7.2 kW (0%-100%: 11 hrs 30 mins) and 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 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 |
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
Dimensions | |
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Height (mm): | 1632 |
Width (mm): | 2108 |
Length (mm): | 4599 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2764 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.5 |
Boot Space (L): | 520 |
Q4 35 e-tron | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 55 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 306 – 335 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 18.1 |
Charging: | 100 kW DC charging. Onboard charger: 7.2 kW AC (0%-100%: 11 hrs 30 mins) |
Top Speed: | 160 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 9 seconds |
Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 125 |
Max Power (PS): | 170 |
Torque (Nm): | 310 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight (kg): | 1,890 |
Colours: | 8 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Q4 40 e-tron | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 82 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 466 – 511 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 18.3 |
Charging: | 125 kW DC charging. Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins) |
Top Speed: | 160 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 8.5 seconds |
Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 150 |
Max Power (PS): | 204 |
Torque (Nm): | 310 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,050 |
Colours: | 8 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Q4 50 e-tron | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 82 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 516 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 18.7 |
Charging: | 125 kW DC charging. Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins) |
Top Speed: | 180 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 6.2 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (RWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 220 |
Max Power (PS): | 299 |
Torque (Nm): | 460 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,135 |
Colours: | 8 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Types Of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
“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.
Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
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.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
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.
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)
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.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)
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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