TECHNIK v2.0
Inside the irst fruit from Ingolstadt’s electric tree
REGENERATION GAME Turning the motors into dynamos to charge the batteries as you slow makes perfect sense. Except in this case: Audi’s two-stage regenerative braking system unsettled Georg. It’s nowhere near as slick and intuitive as Jaguar’s set-up in the new i-Pace. SKATEBOARD SPEC Both motors run o a battery pack measuring 2280mm by 1630mm by 340mm – around the size of a double mattress. The LG-sourced pack is placed low in a Teslainspired ‘skateboard’ layout. Rated at 95kWh, it comprises 432 cells arranged in 36 units, each with its own impact protection. Audi claims a 249-mile range (WLTP), which may be on the conservative side, given Audi’s post-Dieselgate caution. QUATTRO REBORN The legendary quattro badge makes the leap from old Audi to new electric Audi. It drives the rear wheels with the rear motor most of the time, but can bring the front motor – and wheels – into play when the central black box deems that to be the best course of action.
ROADSIDE CHARGING
Audi has noted the way Tesla’s Supercharger network eliminates many of the potential negatives from the charging experience, and will oer its own Teslainspired scheme. Across Europe there will be over 72,000 charge points. You’ll be able to pay with a contactless e-Tron card or QR app. Audi is keen to introduce some ceremony to the experience – so when you’re ready to connect, a motorised panel moves to reveal the charging socket
(there’s one on each side of the car). SLOW, MEDIUM AND FAST 120kW fast chargers will get the e-Tron from zero to 80 per cent charged in 30 minutes. The overnight Compact 11kW charging system takes 8.5 hours, while the 22kW Charging System Connect will do it in 4.5 hours. There’s no sign of
wireless charging yet.