The Audi e-tron SUV has been revealed, albeit in prototype form in Geneva. The e-tron is Audi’s first venture into an all-electric model and is scheduled to be released in Europe later this year.
With the goal of being a sporty and spacious SUV, the Audi e-tron also takes on the challenge of providing an electric driving range suitable for everyday use. Almost 250 development vehicles have undergone a range of extreme tests worldwide to ensure this goal is met.
Audi has developed the prototype to be suitable for a range of tasks. Multiple charging options should mean no compromises with the switch to the electric SUV. The production version of the Audi e-tron prototype should be able to recharge at a fast-charging station in less than 30 minutes with a 150kW charging capacity.
Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, Rupert Stadler, said "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."
Audi has suggested outputs of 320kW and 800Nm, along with a driving range of over 500km. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 210km/h. The numbers are very similar to the upcoming Jaguar I-PACE.
With the electric quattro drivetrain, the e-tron should also be able to perform on a range of driving terrains. Testing has taken place on four continents with the e-tron subjected to testing in the cold of Scandinavia, the heat of Africa, the dizzying altitudes of Asia, the congestion in China and the cruising space of America. Extensive charging tests have also taken place.
The production version of the Audi e-tron, which will be built at the carbon-neutral plant in Brussels, should be launched in the European market by the end of 2018.
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