Audi unveils its first all-electric vehicle; due in NZ in 2019
Friday, 9 March 2018
Audi has unveiled the prototype for its first all-electric model.
The German manufacturer has used the Geneva Motor Show to unveil the Audi e-tron prototype, which it says will be an SUV that combines space and luxury with a range suitable for everyday use.
No firm details are being provided on what the vehicle's range will be on a full charge, but there is speculation it will be at least 400km.
What the company is saying is that the production version of the Audi e-tron will be able to fill up on electricity at fast-charging stations with up to 150kW charging capacity in just under 30 minutes.
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The production version of the Audi e-tron prototype can fill up on electricity at fast-charging stations with up to 150kW charging capacity. In just under 30 minutes, the SUV is then ready for the next leg of the longdistance journey.
Audi adds that until the start of series production, almost 250 development vehicles will complete testing under extreme conditions worldwide.
The production version of the Audi e-tron will be launched in the European market at the end of 2018, with New Zealand following in 2019. The car will be produced at a carbon-neutral plant in Brussels.
'Audi sets an important milestone for the company's future with its first purely electrically powered model,' said Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board of management of Audi AG, at the Geneva show.
'In 2020 we will have three all-electric vehicles in our product range, with a four-door Gran Turismo – the production version of the Audi e-tron Sportback concept – and a model in the compact segment joining the sporty SUV.
'We will be launching more than 20 electric cars and plug-in hybrids by 2025 – spread across all segments and concepts.'
The Audi e-tron prototype on show at Geneva does not wear the traditional prototype camouflage, but instead illustrates its electrification with a specially developed design film.
The distorted e-tron lettering stretches across the entire flank, as if it was charged with electricity. The 'e' winds its way around the tailgate at the height of the front fender and is literally electrifying.
Mimicking the high-voltage grid, orange elements illustrate the fact that the Audi e-tron prototype is fully electric – the lower part of the car, for example, is surrounded with alternating orange and black segments. The expressive sills, with their colourful inserts, indicate where the battery and therefore energy centre of the car are located.
'Audi redefines premium electric mobility with the all-new 100% electrified, sporty Audi e-tron quattro' said Dean Sheed, general manager of Audi New Zealand
'It is the epitome of 'Vorsprung durch Technik' with its superior charging performance ready for long distance driving. The Audi e-tron is a key model for the Audi model range and we're excited to have it here in New Zealand in 2019.' he added.
Until the first electric model of the brand with the four rings is launched at the end of the year, the sporty SUV will complete test drives on four continents.
Whether in the cold of Scandinavia or the heat of Africa, in the mountainous altitudes of Asia or on the north loop of the Nürburgring, in the stop-and-go traffic of major cities or on long distance highways – the purely electrically powered SUV has to prove its all-round qualities in uncompromising practical tests under extreme conditions.
Audi is testing the pre-series vehicles for customer-focused operation in all climate zones ranging from below -20 to above +50 degrees.
In addition, intensive tests of the charging technology are being conducted worldwide – an important safeguarding standard for battery-electric models.
The individual charging standards are tested on proving grounds and in public areas to validate the full range of different charging options.
In total, just under 250 Audi e-tron prototypes are used in the tests. They will cover more than five million kilometres – roughly equivalent to 125 times around the earth and 85,000 hours on the road.
Pricing and specification for the Audi e-tron for New Zealand will be confirmed closer to launch.