The EV question

In a matter of months, Audi Australia will introduce the brand’s eagerly anticipated, first all-electric vehicles to the Australian market. The Audi e-tron SUV and e-tron Sportback will mark the start of an e-offensive that will see a comprehensive range of new electric plug-in vehicles introduced over the coming years, with a global goal of developing and producing as many as 30 electrified models by the year 2025.

While this is exciting news, for many it constitutes unchartered territory surrounding the all-new technology and what that means to them in real world situations. Certainly all-electric vehicles have been around for some time, but not everyone has had experience of driving never mind living with this style of vehicle. Even those who have will understand that the brand’s approach to e-mobility with the e-tron models is new in Australia and brings a wealth of new technology, faster charging and greater range than ever before.

Some like to drill right down into the tech of the new models, while for others, their queries surrounding e-tron ownership are based on what they need to know to get the most from their e-tron ownership experience. So here are some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding   electric drive and what it will mean to drive an Audi e-tron in Australia.

How long will it take to fully recharge an Audi e-tron ‘on the go’ in Australia? Both the Audi e-tron 50 and e-tron 55 will take approximately 30 minutes to charge to 80 percent of their capacity or 45 minutes to charge to 100 percent using the ultra-rapid charging stations available around the country.

What range can I get from a fully charged battery? As with a tank of fuel, range will depend on the style of driving, terrain and what other demands are made on the battery, but with its 95kWh battery, a fully charged Audi e-tron 55 quattro can deliver over 400km range. The Audi e-tron 50 quattro with its 71kWh battery can deliver in excess of 300km. Both models also recover energy during the course of driving which can extend range further.

How do I charge my e-tron when I’m away from home or office? When you purchase an Audi e-tron it comes with a six year subscription to the extensive Chargefox charging network which boasts an extensive, nationwide network of chargers or ‘plugs’. Audi is a founding partner of the Chargfox network and the subscription provides e-tron owners with access to all ultra-rapid and selected fast and standard chargers within the Chargefox network.

What would I do if I found myself away from home with no charge? Could Audi Roadside Assist help? The Audi e-tron comes with six years roadside assist. Given the proliferation of charging units around the country it’s unlikely you’d ever find yourself with no charge or charging options. But if the unthinkable should happen, the Audi roadside assist can tow the vehicle to the closest High Performance Charging station or closest Audi dealership.

 What is involved in having a charging station installed in my home and does this provide much faster charging than standard mains power? Audi Australia has partnered with JetCharge for home or office installation requirements. JetCharge will complete a home check and provide advice on the appropriate vehicle charging infrastructure/installation relevant to your home. In most cases this will provide a faster charge rate than a standard 10 Amp power point. For example, the 11kW AC home-charging solution can charge the e tron 55 variants from empty to full in 8.5 hours and the e-tron 50 variants in 6 hours – ideal for charging over night.

Are there any personal risks in charging my Audi e-tron? Much like refueling a vehicle at a petrol station, charging an e-tron is a safe procedure providing all necessary precautions are taken to ensure one’s personal safety. The e-tron can even be charged when it is raining without any issues, as the charging system is fully enclosed.

How often does an Audi e-tron need servicing? The e-tron has a service schedule of 24 Months or 30,000km, whichever occurs first. Any Audi dealer within the national network of 42, can service an e-tron vehicle.

How long does an Audi e-tron lithium-ion battery last and can they be repaired? The e-tron’s lithium-ion battery is covered by an 8 year/160,000km warranty for added peace of mind. The Audi e-tron 55 uses a 95kWh lithium ion battery that is made up of 36 individual modules with 12 cells in each module. If an individual cell is damaged, that individual cell can be replaced – negating the need to replace the complete battery.

Can I tow with my Audi e-tron? Although many electric vehicles are unsuitable for towing, the Audi e-tron has more than sufficient torque to tow and has a towing capacity of up to 1.8 tonnes.