The Audi SQ8 e-tron 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 SQ8 e-tron 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 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.  The Audi all-electric e-tron portfolio includes:

• Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback
• Audi SQ8 e-tron SUV
• Audi Q8 e-tron SUV
• Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback
• Audi Q4 e-tron SUV
• Audi e-tron S Sportback
• Audi e-tron S SUV
• Audi e-tron GT
• Audi e-tron SUV
• Audi e-tron Sportback
• Audi RS e-tron GT
• Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback

If you are seeking a sportier performance with the latest-generation Audi e-tron pure electric SUVs, the S performance badge is the variant to consider. Though the higher performance Audi SQ8 e-tron SUV has much in common with the Audi Q8 e-tron SUV, there are some key differences.

Unlike the Q8 e-tron, which has two electric motors, the SQ8 e-tron incorporates a three-motor concept i.e. three electric motors. A 124 kW electric motor on the front axle, and two 98 kW electric motors in the rear. This allows for a boost performance up to 370 kW. The rear motors are in constant use, while the front motor is activated on demand, to boost power.

The all-electric, all-wheel drive (AWD) SQ8 e-tron can achieve 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (maximum power: 503 PS/ torque: 973 Nm). In comparison, the Q8 55 e-tron can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds (maximum power: 408 PS/ torque: 664 Nm). The top speed of the SQ8 EV is 200 km/h.

Like the Q8, the SQ8 e-tron also has an improved asynchronous motor concept. It has upgraded the previous generation 12 coils to 14, further improving the delivery of torque for the SQ8 and also reducing the energy required.

The SQ8 is also being manufactured at the Audi Brussels carbon-neutral factory. The manufacturer claims that it is the world’s first carbon-neutral, high-volume automotive manufacturing facility in the premium segment. The Audi SQ8 e-tron is available as both a standard SUV and as a Sportback.

The SQ8 pure electric SUV is available in only one EV battery size: 114 kWh. Audi claims that the SQ8 e-tron can achieve an electric range up to 462 km (WLTP) on a fully charged battery. Of course, the real-world zero-emission electric range will differ from the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test procedure (WLTP) quoted range. Expect a real-world e-range closer to 400 km. Certainly, a useful and practical range for short and long distance travel.

Audi has marginally improved the high-speed DC charging capability of the latest electric SUV. The EV offers ultra-rapid DC charging up to 170 kW, as standard. The EV battery can be charged up to 80% in 31 minutes. At 50 kW DC it will take up to 1 hour and 18 minutes to achieve 80% charge.

The SQ8 e-tron has a three-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard, with the option to upgrade to a 22 kW AC onboard charger. If you expect the majority of the charging to be done at home, upgrading to a 22 kW AC onboard charger will not be required, as most homes in India are powered by single-phase power supply i.e. in reality you will be charging at 7.4 kW AC.

For those fortunate enough to have access to 11 kW three-phase EV charging at the workplace or any other public charging points, the 114 kWh will take up to 11 hours and 30 minutes, and for 22 kW AC charging, it will take up to 6 hours.

Of course, charging at single-phase (7.4 kW AC) will take longer compared to three-phase EV charging. At 7.4 kW AC, it will take up to 18 hours to achieve a full charge. We at e-zoomed recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to charging an electric car, this way, charging times are always shorter!

In terms of interior quality, equipment and technology, the EV reflects the premium price tag. The e-SUV comes with Audi Technology Pack as standard, which includes the premium Bang & Olufsen sound system (16-speakers/705 watt). The SQ8 EV has 40 driver assistance systems, supported by five radar sensors, five cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors.

The EV also incorporates remote paring assist plus, which is perfect for those tight parking spaces. The SQ8 also uses the MMI touchscreen operating system, as is the case with the other Audi electric cars. The SQ8 has two high-resolution displays, 8.6 inch and 10.1 inch. Also as standard is a head-up display and multi-coloured interior ambient lighting.

In terms of practicality, the SUV is only available as a five-seater, but offers ample cabin space for passengers. The EV has a boot size up to 569 L. The EV also has a frunk (62 L). For those unfamiliar with a frunk, it is a term used to describe a front storage compartment in an EV, perfect for storing an EV cable.

Though the exterior styling has become more attractive, Audi continues to maintain a more traditional look for its electric cars. Having said that, the EV does incorporate the futuristic side-view mirrors i.e. cameras replacing the traditional mirrors. Also as standard is the Audi black styling pack.

As is the trend now with global automotive manufacturers, Audi is also keen to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, in particular, in regards to materials used for production. Audi has used recycled materials for insulation, damping and carpeting. The EV also incorporates recycled automotive plastic waste.

Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!

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PROS	CONS
Improved and good pure electric range	Cheaper pure electric SUV are available
High performance premium electric SUV	22 kW AC onboard charger not standard
170 kW DC/ 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard	Option packs are expensive

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The All-Electric Audi SQ8 e-tron SUV (credit: Audi)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Vehicle Type:	SUV
Engine:	Electric
Available In India:	No

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Trims (1 Option)
Audi SQ8 e-tron (from Rs N/A )

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 114 kWh
Charging:	170 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 31 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 11.30 hrs)
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):	1633
Width (mm):	2189
Length (mm):	4915
Wheelbase (mm):	2928
Turning Circle (m):	N/A
Boot Space (L):	569

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SQ8 e-tron
EV Battery Capacity:	114 kWh (106 kWh net capacity)
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	462 km
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km):	271 – 266
Charging:	170 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 31 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 11 hrs 30 mins)
Top Speed:	200 km/h
0-100 km/h:	4.5 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	370
Max Power (PS):	503
Torque (Nm):	973
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	2,585
Colours:	N/A
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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Solar And EV Charging: An Overview

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The benefits of renewable energy, in particular, solar and wind energy, is already well established in India and in other parts of the world. With the increase in sales of electric vehicles (EVs) over the past three years, the advantages of using clean and renewable energy has been further enhanced.

Firstly, on-site renewable energy systems can be used for powering, both, business premises and homes. For on-site generation, we have witnessed a significant increase in distributed clean energy generating plants i.e. many commercial buildings and residential buildings have become generators i.e. generating electricity on-site!  Solar roof projects have been popular for such on-site generation installations.

The war in Ukraine has further amplified the need to develop energy security, not only at a national level, but also at a local level, to include, businesses and households. Those households and businesses that already generate and consume clean energy on-site have been spared the significant onslaught of energy price rise in 2022 and 2023.

Installing solar panels on-site, mitigates the risks associated with energy price inflation, a significant contributor to costs for a business or a household. On-site renewable energy generation also impacts the environment positively. For those with electric vehicles (EVs), in particular, pure electric vehicles, we strongly encourage the use of renewable energy for EV charging. Of course, we also encourage the use of solar energy for charging a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

Apart from the significant cost benefit i.e. generating renewable energy is a nominal cost per kWh (after initial set-up/ installation costs), to achieve true zero-tailpipe emission electric driving, renewable energy needs to be used for EV charging. This is also known as ‘well-to-wheel’. Just one electric car on the road can save an average of 1.5 million grams of CO2.

The good news for electric car owners is that a number of EV charging stations are now compatible with solar/ wind generation and battery storage. The UK based manufacturer myenergi zappi is a good example of a solar/ wind compatible EV charger.

We encourage business and households to adopt an on-site ecosystem of ‘renewable energy-battery storage-EV charging’, to gain the maximum from the advantages of low carbon generation and zero-emission electric driving. Bottom-line, renewable energy is good for the environment and the wallet!

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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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