New drive version for e-tron

Audi has announced the introduction of a second e-tron variant to join the e-tron 55 quattro in the new year. Designated the Audi e-tron 50 quattro, this entry model, all-electric SUV, employs two electric motors to deliver 230kW and 540Nm of torque, while its  gross energy content of 71kWh provides for a range of over 300km.

This new e-tron variant will be developed at Audi’s carbon-neutral plant in Brussels, and employs an electric motor at the front and rear axles to propel the luxury e-SUV to 100km in just seven seconds on the way to a governed top speed of 190km/h.

The goal with the e-tron 50 quattro is outstanding luxury and maximum efficiency and to that end, only the rear electric motor is active in most driving situations, with the front motor only activated predictively when needed. Of course this happens in a split second without the driver being aware, but the power savings are significant.

The regulation of the electric all-wheel drive is likewise lightening fast, highly connected and very precise, and in combination with air suspension and the vehicle’s low centre of gravity, it provides extraordinary dynamics and stability.

The battery of the Audi e-tron 50 quattro is made up of 324 prismatic cells combined in 27 modules. These store up to 71kWh of energy – enough for a range of more than 300 kilometres in the WLTP cycle. The high efficiency can be attributed to the newly calibrated drivetrain and various optimisations to the high-voltage system. The lower gross weight, which also reduces running resistance, contributes to this as well as the efficient thermal management system with its standard thermal pump. This system regulates the temperature of the interior as well as the battery and cools the electric motors, the power electronics and the charger. In this way it ensures that the high-voltage components enjoy a long service life and enables fast charging with direct current (DC). 

The Audi e-tron 50 quattro can charge with up to 120kW at fast-charging stations which allows for  up to an 80 percent battery charge in just 30 minutes. Alternatively, the battery can be supplied with alternating current (AC) and at a charging capacity of 11kW, this means a full charge in around seven hours. After the market introduction, a second, on-board charging device will be added to the offering as an option, which will allow charging using up to 22kW at AC stations. 

For charging at home, the Audi e-tron 50 quattro is equipped with the compact mobile charging system as standard which supports a charging capacity of up to 11kW when connected to a 400 volt industrial outlet, or up to 2.3kW are possible with a 230 volt domestic outlet. 

A charging system that enables the use of smart charging functions will be available from the end of 2019 on request. This system allows customers to charge their Audi e-tron at most inexpensive times and in combination with a home energy management system, customers can benefit from additional advantages, like charging with self-generated solar power if they have solar cells installed at home. Using the myAudi app, customers can control all charging processes and timers as well as pre-entry climate control via their smartphone. 

On the go, the Audi e-tron 50 quattro also recuperates energy via its two electric motors, most often the rear one, during more than 90 percent of all deceleration actions. This means that the energy from practically all normal braking manoeuvres is recovered and fed back into the battery. The newly developed wheel brake system with electrohydraulic actuation is activated only above a deceleration of more than 0.3 g, resulting in short braking distances. 

The standard efficiency assistant also helps the driver to adopt an economical driving style through automatic recuperation and predictive information in the Audi virtual cockpit. The system uses radar sensors, camera images, navigation data, and Car‑to‑X information to detect the traffic environment and the route. In combination with the adaptive cruise assist, the efficiency assistant can also brake and accelerate the electric SUV predictively.

The Audi e-tron is expected to go on sale in Europe next year at less than 70,000 euros, although at time of writing, no decision had yet been finalised on whether this model will become available in Australia.