Audi plots 12 EVS
New E-tron SUV is just the start
The recently unveiled E-tron will be the first of 12 electric models to be launched by Audi before 2025. Following the E-tron SUV, the E-tron Sportback SUV coupé will be revealed next year and a four-door E-tron GT, a rival to the Tesla Model S, will arrive in 2020.
Also confirmed is a compact model, an electric equivalent to the Audi A3, coming in 2020 and five more SUVS.
Another possible newcomer is a production version of the PB18 concept, shown last month, previewing an R8-style electric sports car.
All of the electric cars will be stand-alone models rather than electric versions of existing cars. Audi has also said the zero-emissions line-up will include “classic body layouts” such as Avant and Sportback, and the range will cover every segment from compact cars to large executive models.
All of Audi’s new electric models will be based on one of four platforms.
The E-tron and E-tron Sportback are based on Audi’s modular longitudinal platform, which is capable of quattro all-wheel drive, while the E-tron GT will be based on the same J1 architecture
as the upcoming Porsche Taycan EV.
Another shared platform between Porsche and Audi, called Premium Platform Electric (PPE), will be introduced by 2022 and cover the B-segment to the D-segment of the market (A1-sized to A4-sized models), said Audi.
Audi technical development boss Ulrich Widmann said PPE will be able to use both “highfloor and flat-floor solutions” (essentially SUV and standard models). He added: “This will be perfect to generate the full portfolio needed in the marketplace.”
Finally, Audi will also employ Volkswagen’s modular electrification platform (MEB), which is being used for VW’S range of ID electric models. The MEB will be the basis for Audi’s 2020 compact model, as well as a China-only EV.
The new E-tron SUV is capable of charging at 150kw but, by 2020, the E-tron GT will have the capability to charge at 350kw, which equates to an 80% charge in 10-12 minutes.
Further tech to make its debut on Audi’s electric lineup includes new features on the Audi app, which will allow buyers to ‘unlock’ equipment on their car, such as lane keep assist and matrix headlights. It can also calculate the ideal navigation route via charging points that will be operable and available.
Additional features will also be added, including a function that detects hazardous road conditions and informs other drivers.