The Audi Q5 TFSIe Plug-In Hybrid SUV: 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 Audi Q5 TFSIe PHEV SUV

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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.

With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position is to become the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles.  Audi also offers plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), to include:

• A3 Sportback TFSIe
• A6 TFSIe
• A6 Avant TFSIe
• A7 Sportback TFSIe
• A8 TFSIe
• A8 L TFSIe
• Q3 TFSIe
• Q3 Sportback TFSIe
• Q5 TFSIe
• Q5 Sportback TFSIe
• Q7 TFSIe
• Q8 TFSIe

The Audi Q5 is a mid-size premium SUV. The Q5 has been manufactured since 2008. The SUV is now in its second generation and uses the Volkswagen MLB platform. The Audi Q5 is available as a standard SUV or Sportback body style. The Q5 is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

The Q5 has successfully demonstrated its positioning as a premium-badged mid-size SUV, since it went on sale in 2008. The SUV has been a family-favourite with those seeking practicality, without compromising on quality and luxury. With the introduction of the hybrid drivetrain, the SUV has further extended its reach to those keen to benefit from lower tailpipe emission electric driving (42g CO2/km).

The Q5 TFSIe PHEV has a 17.9 kWh onboard EV battery that the manufacturer claims can deliver up to 62 km (WLTP certified) on a full battery charge. The EVs onboard battery is a larger size compared to the average PHEV, but that would be expected, given the size of the vehicle. However, expect the real-world EV range closer to 55 km, which is certainly sufficient for most daily needs, but not hugely impressive compared to the more recent PHEVs.

Audi claims a fuel economy up to 1.8l/100km, but like EV range, the real-world fuel efficiency will depend on a number of factors, to include, the use of the e-mode, powered by the electric motor/ EV battery.

Bottom-line, inculcating a habit of charging on a regular basis, so that the EV range can be leveraged, is key in achieving financial savings from driving a PHEV. Charging on a regular basis is also good for the long-term maintenance and health of the EV battery. Audi offers a 8 years or 160,000 km warranty.

The Q5 EV has a 7.2 kW onboard charger, sufficient for charging the 17.9 kWh EV battery relatively quickly at home or at public AC charging. The EV can be fully charged in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Though an EV can be charged using a 3-PIN domestic socket, we would encourage EV drivers to charge using a dedicated residential EV charger like Easee: faster and safer in charging operation, compared to a domestic 3-PIN plug! The EV does not offer DC charging compatibility.

In terms of performance, the Q5 plug-in hybrid does not disappoint, despite the extra weight of the EV battery. The e-SUV pairs the electric motor with a 2.0-litre petrol engine. The EV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds for the 55 TFSIe quattro S tronic and 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds for the 50 TFSIe quattro S tronic. Maximum output is 299 PS and 367 PS, respectively (top speed: 239 km/h). Bottom-line, the plug-in electric SUV is well suited for urban and motorway driving.

Apart from the attractive exterior styling, the PHEV offers a generous and spacious interior for front and rear seat passengers. Also given the more traditional SUV styling, the rear-view visibility is good. Cargo volume has been impacted by the onboard EV battery, but there is still 465 L available, albeit, smaller than the conventional Q5 SUV.

The interior quality is high, and the SUV is technology-laden, to include: Audi parking system plus, Audi pre-sense city, hill hold assist, city assist pack (optional), Audi virtual cockpit, MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch and more.

The EV has claimed tailpipe emissions up to 42g CO2/km. Again, substantially lower than the emissions of the conventional combustion engine variant. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Audi electric car is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
Decent EV battery size and zero-emission EV range	Top trim not cheap
A practical, family-friendly and environment-friendly SUV	DC charging not available
Good performance	Not as efficient as some newer PHEVs

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The Audi Q5 TFSIe PHEV SUV (credit: Audi)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:	SUV
Engine:	Petrol-Electric
Available In India:	No

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Variants (1 Option)
Audi Q5 TFSIe PHEV (from ₹ N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 17.9 kWh
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 30 mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	42 – 39g (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):	1662
Width (mm):	2140
Length (mm):	4682
Wheelbase (mm):	2819
Turning Circle (m):	11.8
Boot capacity (L):	465

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50 TFSIe quattro S tronic
EV Battery Capacity:	17.9 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	62 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	21.4 – 20.9
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	1.5 – 1.8
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 30 mins)
Top Speed:	239 km/h
0-100 km/h:	6.1 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	N/A
Max Power (PS):	299
Torque (Nm):	500
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	2,075
Colours:	9
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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55 TFSIe quattro S tronic
EV Battery Capacity:	17.9 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	58 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	21.2 – 21.4
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	1.6 – 1.8
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 30 mins)
Top Speed:	239 km/h
0-100 km/h:	5.3 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	N/A
Max Power (PS):	367
Torque (Nm):	500
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	2,075
Colours:	9
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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Top Reasons To Buy An Electric Vehicle (EV)

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The past few years, in particular, 2020 and 2021, have witnessed a phenomenal increase in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Major global economies, to include, the United States and the European Union, have documented a surge in the sales of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

In many of these countries, lower emission to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) now account for up to 15% of annual new vehicle registrations, and in some countries like Norway, even greater than 50%.

This is not a short-term trend. Instead, it is the emergence of a long-term shift towards cleaner forms of travel. Though there are many reasons to own an electric vehicle (EV), we list below some of the key reasons fuelling consumer demand for EVs.

1). Vast choice of electric vehicles

It is true, that in India, the choice of electric vehicles is still restricted, compared to international markets. In India, we have access to only up to 15 electric vehicle models to include the MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona, Jaguar I-PACE and the Tata Nexon EV. However, in many of the matured international markets, the choice of pure electric cars and plug-in hybrid electric cars are up to 200 models. We expect this to only increase! However, we do hope India will see an increase in the variety and supply of EVs on sale, giving consumers a greater choice.

2). Increased zero-emission range

The emission-free driving range of electric cars have improved significantly in recent years, and the latest models of EVs can achieve well over 200 miles (WLTP), if not over 300 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. In general, EV battery size and efficiency have improved. As an example, the all-electric Kia e-Niro compact SUV has a range of 282 miles. The best-selling pure electric Nissan Leaf has an electric range of 239 miles on a single charge. Of course, the likes of Tesla electric cars have a range well over 300 miles on a single charge!

3). Increased public charging infrastructure

Yes, it is true that the public charging infrastructure in India is at a nascent stage, but in a number of international markets, AC fast charging and DC rapid charging stations are now widespread. As an example, in the UK, there are as many public charging stations as there are petrol pumps! This increase in charging accessibility has driven confidence in consumers who were hesitant to migrate to zero-tailpipe emission electric cars i.e. no more range anxiety! Of course, many homes in the UK also have a dedicated EV charger. For EVs to succeed in India, the deployment of public and home EV charging infrastructure is mandatory.

4). Lower running and maintenance costs

Electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts compared to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The lower number of moving parts has reduced the maintenance burden of EVs, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Electric cars are also cheap to drive. At an average one can expect a cost per km of Rs 1 for a zero-emission EV, while for an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle, the cost per km could be up to Rs 7 per km. The annual cost savings achieved by switching to electric driving is significant!

5). Lower air pollution

However, in our view the greatest benefit of driving electric vehicles, in particular, pure electric vehicles, is the absence of tailpipe emissions. Electric cars do not even have a tailpipe! Zero-emission electric driving has a real and immediate impact on local air quality i.e. reducing air pollution. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have reduced tailpipe pollution compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.

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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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