FiestaST
Honorary Master
Carwow insert
[video=youtube_share;vrYRJ9TuaX0]https://youtu.be/vrYRJ9TuaX0[/video]
[video=youtube_share;vrYRJ9TuaX0]https://youtu.be/vrYRJ9TuaX0[/video]
-
Join the MyBroadband community
South Africa’s biggest forum. Discuss, discover, and connect with thousands of members.
-
Question of the Day: Which is the most hair-raising South African mountain pass you've driven?
Audi e-tron & e-tron Sportback
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi teases new e-tron SUV as production kicks off…
Audi has released a fresh teaser image of its new e-tron as mass production of the all-electric SUV kicks off in Brussels.
Set to be fully revealed on September 17, the Ingolstadt-based brand claims that the e-tron will boast a range “suitable for everyday use”. Earlier, the automaker said that the SUV would cover more than 400 km on one battery charge (on the new WLTP test cycle), thanks in part to its energy recuperation system.
The teaser image shows a Misano Red example of the e-tron peeking out from under a cover, with Peter Kössler, the Audi board of member responsible for production, and Patrick Danau, managing director of Audi Brussels, standing alongside it.
“The Audi e-tron is a genuine pioneer. It features innovative technologies such as virtual exterior mirrors and combines traditional Audi qualities in handling and dynamics with technical Vorsprungthat goes far beyond the car,” said Kössler.
“Our Brussels plant was comprehensively modernised for the production of the electric car. This is the world’s first certified CO2-neutral mass production in the premium segment,” he added.
Audi says its Brussels plant offsets all emissions produced in production and at the site, primarily by using energy from renewable sources, but also through environmental projects.
“Audi built up numerous competencies in-house for the Audi e-tron and developed both the battery technology and the actual drive system itself. And employees rethought, planned and implemented many stages of production,” added Danau.
Since 2016, the plant has extensively rebuilt its body shop, paint shop and assembly line, and has set up its own battery production.
Fitted with two electric motors, Audi says the e-tron will deliver 265 kW and 561 N.m, with this “peak performance” available for up to 60 seconds.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news/audi-teases-new-e-tron-suv-as-production-kicks-off/
Audi has released a fresh teaser image of its new e-tron as mass production of the all-electric SUV kicks off in Brussels.
Set to be fully revealed on September 17, the Ingolstadt-based brand claims that the e-tron will boast a range “suitable for everyday use”. Earlier, the automaker said that the SUV would cover more than 400 km on one battery charge (on the new WLTP test cycle), thanks in part to its energy recuperation system.
The teaser image shows a Misano Red example of the e-tron peeking out from under a cover, with Peter Kössler, the Audi board of member responsible for production, and Patrick Danau, managing director of Audi Brussels, standing alongside it.
“The Audi e-tron is a genuine pioneer. It features innovative technologies such as virtual exterior mirrors and combines traditional Audi qualities in handling and dynamics with technical Vorsprungthat goes far beyond the car,” said Kössler.
“Our Brussels plant was comprehensively modernised for the production of the electric car. This is the world’s first certified CO2-neutral mass production in the premium segment,” he added.
Audi says its Brussels plant offsets all emissions produced in production and at the site, primarily by using energy from renewable sources, but also through environmental projects.
“Audi built up numerous competencies in-house for the Audi e-tron and developed both the battery technology and the actual drive system itself. And employees rethought, planned and implemented many stages of production,” added Danau.
Since 2016, the plant has extensively rebuilt its body shop, paint shop and assembly line, and has set up its own battery production.
Fitted with two electric motors, Audi says the e-tron will deliver 265 kW and 561 N.m, with this “peak performance” available for up to 60 seconds.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news/audi-teases-new-e-tron-suv-as-production-kicks-off/
Attachments
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi E-Tron Teased Ahead of Reveal Next Week
German carmaker Audi is set to reveal its electric offering next week in San Francisco and we'll be there. Here's what we know so far.
The new Audi E-Tron is a five-seat electric crossover to rivals the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQC, BMW iX3 and Tesla's offerings. While final specifications have not been confirmed, we do know that the Audi E-Tron will feature fast-charging tech and we're guessing that it will have a range of over 400 km.
If the E-Tron Quattro Concept of 2015 is anything to go by, then we're likely to have performance stats of 0-100 kph in under 5 seconds, thanks to the instant torque responsiveness of an electric setup. Audi claims manufacturing will start soon, with the first deliveries kicking off before the end of 2018. Audi USA will be taking reservations for the E-Tron for $1 000, to gauge interest.
We'll keep you posted with more official information and photos next week. Stay tuned.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/audi-e-tron-teased-ahead-of-reveal-next-week/45535/
German carmaker Audi is set to reveal its electric offering next week in San Francisco and we'll be there. Here's what we know so far.
The new Audi E-Tron is a five-seat electric crossover to rivals the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQC, BMW iX3 and Tesla's offerings. While final specifications have not been confirmed, we do know that the Audi E-Tron will feature fast-charging tech and we're guessing that it will have a range of over 400 km.
If the E-Tron Quattro Concept of 2015 is anything to go by, then we're likely to have performance stats of 0-100 kph in under 5 seconds, thanks to the instant torque responsiveness of an electric setup. Audi claims manufacturing will start soon, with the first deliveries kicking off before the end of 2018. Audi USA will be taking reservations for the E-Tron for $1 000, to gauge interest.
We'll keep you posted with more official information and photos next week. Stay tuned.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/audi-e-tron-teased-ahead-of-reveal-next-week/45535/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi e-tron
With the introduction of the Audi e-tron, the Audi brand presents its first fully electric production model. The mid-size SUV is electrified, performance oriented and fit for every aspect of daily life. In combination with a comprehensive range of available charging solutions for home and on the move, customers can enjoy fully electric driving without compromise.
The Audi e-tron is an electric SUV for sport, family and leisure. It is 193 inches long, 76.3 inches wide and 65.5 inches high. It offers the spaciousness and comfort commensurate with an Audi. With a wheelbase of 115.1 inches, the Audi e-tron has ample space for five occupants and cargo. The total luggage capacity is 28.5 cu ft. (57.0 cu ft. seats down), equipping the electric SUV for short jaunts and long road trips.
Electrification visualized: the exterior design
The Audi e-tron reflects the fundamental idiom of Audi design - translated into the electric age by new, stylistically refined aerodynamically focused details. Consistent with one of the brand's SUV models, the Audi e-tron bears the octagonal-design Singleframe grille with vertical struts. Its uniquely enclosed grille is presented in platinum gray - identifying it as a fully electric model. At the lower edge of the standard LED headlights, four horizontal struts, reminiscent of a charging status indicators, create the e-tron-specific signature in the daytime running lights. For the first time this is integrated directly into the headlights. Light is used as a signature design feature.
https://www.netcarshow.com/audi/2020-e-tron/
With the introduction of the Audi e-tron, the Audi brand presents its first fully electric production model. The mid-size SUV is electrified, performance oriented and fit for every aspect of daily life. In combination with a comprehensive range of available charging solutions for home and on the move, customers can enjoy fully electric driving without compromise.
The Audi e-tron is an electric SUV for sport, family and leisure. It is 193 inches long, 76.3 inches wide and 65.5 inches high. It offers the spaciousness and comfort commensurate with an Audi. With a wheelbase of 115.1 inches, the Audi e-tron has ample space for five occupants and cargo. The total luggage capacity is 28.5 cu ft. (57.0 cu ft. seats down), equipping the electric SUV for short jaunts and long road trips.
Electrification visualized: the exterior design
The Audi e-tron reflects the fundamental idiom of Audi design - translated into the electric age by new, stylistically refined aerodynamically focused details. Consistent with one of the brand's SUV models, the Audi e-tron bears the octagonal-design Singleframe grille with vertical struts. Its uniquely enclosed grille is presented in platinum gray - identifying it as a fully electric model. At the lower edge of the standard LED headlights, four horizontal struts, reminiscent of a charging status indicators, create the e-tron-specific signature in the daytime running lights. For the first time this is integrated directly into the headlights. Light is used as a signature design feature.
https://www.netcarshow.com/audi/2020-e-tron/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Finally! Say hello to the new Audi e-tron production model
After a lengthy teaser campaign, the Audi e-tron has finally been revealed as Ingolstadt’s first fully electrically powered series production model.
The German brand says its new electric SUV is powered by two electric motors that are “locally CO2-neutral and virtually silent”. A new electric generation of the brand’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, meanwhile, promises “excellent traction and dynamics”.
As we’ve already reported, the e-tron will produce 265 kW and 561 N.m, with this “peak performance” available for up to 60 seconds. But shifting from “D” to “S” and fully depressing the accelerator will activate what the brand calls “boost mode”, which will be available for just eight seconds. Here, peak outputs briefly rise to 300 kW and 664 N.m, allowing for a claimed zero to 100 km/h sprint in “less than six seconds”.
Audi says the vehicle will be able to accelerate from standstill to its electronically limited top speed of 200 km/h “several times consecutively without output losses”.
On the new WLTP test cycle, it will cover more than 400 km on one battery charge, thanks in part to its energy recuperation system. In fact, the German brand says that every kilometre travelled downhill will bring an additional kilometre in range.
Audi says the e-tron boasts a “sporty character and outstanding transverse dynamics”, aided by the low, central position of the battery system.
Of course, aerodynamics also play a role in the EV’s efficiency. One such highlight is the option of virtual exterior mirrors, which Audi says not only reduce aerodynamic drag but also take digitalisation in the vehicle “to a whole new level”.
The Audi e-tron has already started rolling off the assembly line in Brussels, with initial deliveries to European customers planned for late 2018.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news/finally-say-hello-to-the-new-audi-e-tron-production-model/
After a lengthy teaser campaign, the Audi e-tron has finally been revealed as Ingolstadt’s first fully electrically powered series production model.
The German brand says its new electric SUV is powered by two electric motors that are “locally CO2-neutral and virtually silent”. A new electric generation of the brand’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, meanwhile, promises “excellent traction and dynamics”.
As we’ve already reported, the e-tron will produce 265 kW and 561 N.m, with this “peak performance” available for up to 60 seconds. But shifting from “D” to “S” and fully depressing the accelerator will activate what the brand calls “boost mode”, which will be available for just eight seconds. Here, peak outputs briefly rise to 300 kW and 664 N.m, allowing for a claimed zero to 100 km/h sprint in “less than six seconds”.
Audi says the vehicle will be able to accelerate from standstill to its electronically limited top speed of 200 km/h “several times consecutively without output losses”.
On the new WLTP test cycle, it will cover more than 400 km on one battery charge, thanks in part to its energy recuperation system. In fact, the German brand says that every kilometre travelled downhill will bring an additional kilometre in range.
Audi says the e-tron boasts a “sporty character and outstanding transverse dynamics”, aided by the low, central position of the battery system.
Of course, aerodynamics also play a role in the EV’s efficiency. One such highlight is the option of virtual exterior mirrors, which Audi says not only reduce aerodynamic drag but also take digitalisation in the vehicle “to a whole new level”.
The Audi e-tron has already started rolling off the assembly line in Brussels, with initial deliveries to European customers planned for late 2018.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news/finally-say-hello-to-the-new-audi-e-tron-production-model/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi E-tron launches as brand's first electric-only model
Audi's first standalone electric model offers 249 miles of range, the same as the Mercedes EQC
The interior is in line with other Audi models with its Virtual Cockpit instrument display and two touchscreens – an upper 10.1in screen and a lower 8.8in screen – replacing most conventional controls.
The most notable difference is the optional addition of 7.0in displays in the front door panels near the dashboard for the camera-based side mirrors. The images from the cameras are shown on the screens and change views on the motorway, when indicating or parking. The driver can also control what he sees. The aerodynamic benefits of the virtual mirrors can create an extra 1.4 miles of range.
Audi claims the E-tron beats rivals for rear leg room and front and rear head room. It has 660 litres of boot space, 160 more than the EQC. There's another 60 litres of storage space in the car's nose. The front space is intended to give easy access to charging cables, because the charging port is near the A-pillar on the driver’s side of the car. Towing capability is 1800kg.
The E-tron will be built at Audi’s CO2-neutral plant in Brussels ahead of UK deliveries starting early next year. Pricing is expected to start from £71,000 before the Government’s plug-in grant. By comparison, the EQC is tipped to cost from £67,500.
Q&A with Stephan Fahr-Becker, Audi exterior designer
Why did you decide on this design for your first standalone model?
"It was important to have an SUV. If you are sitting on a battery, the roof height creates problems. The Tesla Model S deals with this by making the car really wide. We were going to [design] something really mind-blowing and then customers said ‘can’t you just do a nice looking EV?’. People aren’t ready for major change. Instead, we decided on nice proportions."
What was the biggest challenge?
"To find the right roof line. We needed it to be sporty and aerodynamic but also to be a full SUV. We had to find the exact height where people still perceive it to be an SUV while ensuring it contributes to range."
What details will we see on future E-Tron models?
"Apart from the single frame grille, the front and rear lights will be a common theme. All the wheels will be more aerodynamic but look sporty. We also want to point out [in the design] where the battery is laying. That’s why there’s a wedge in the E-tron where the battery lays."
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/audi-e-tron-launches-brands-first-electric-only-model
Audi's first standalone electric model offers 249 miles of range, the same as the Mercedes EQC
The interior is in line with other Audi models with its Virtual Cockpit instrument display and two touchscreens – an upper 10.1in screen and a lower 8.8in screen – replacing most conventional controls.
The most notable difference is the optional addition of 7.0in displays in the front door panels near the dashboard for the camera-based side mirrors. The images from the cameras are shown on the screens and change views on the motorway, when indicating or parking. The driver can also control what he sees. The aerodynamic benefits of the virtual mirrors can create an extra 1.4 miles of range.
Audi claims the E-tron beats rivals for rear leg room and front and rear head room. It has 660 litres of boot space, 160 more than the EQC. There's another 60 litres of storage space in the car's nose. The front space is intended to give easy access to charging cables, because the charging port is near the A-pillar on the driver’s side of the car. Towing capability is 1800kg.
The E-tron will be built at Audi’s CO2-neutral plant in Brussels ahead of UK deliveries starting early next year. Pricing is expected to start from £71,000 before the Government’s plug-in grant. By comparison, the EQC is tipped to cost from £67,500.
Q&A with Stephan Fahr-Becker, Audi exterior designer
Why did you decide on this design for your first standalone model?
"It was important to have an SUV. If you are sitting on a battery, the roof height creates problems. The Tesla Model S deals with this by making the car really wide. We were going to [design] something really mind-blowing and then customers said ‘can’t you just do a nice looking EV?’. People aren’t ready for major change. Instead, we decided on nice proportions."
What was the biggest challenge?
"To find the right roof line. We needed it to be sporty and aerodynamic but also to be a full SUV. We had to find the exact height where people still perceive it to be an SUV while ensuring it contributes to range."
What details will we see on future E-Tron models?
"Apart from the single frame grille, the front and rear lights will be a common theme. All the wheels will be more aerodynamic but look sporty. We also want to point out [in the design] where the battery is laying. That’s why there’s a wedge in the E-tron where the battery lays."
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/audi-e-tron-launches-brands-first-electric-only-model
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Electric Audi e-tron Revealed
German carmaker, Audi, has revealed its first all-electric series production model in San Francisco. The new e-tron will be introduced to the South African market in the middle of 2019.
The new Audi e-tron is a five-seat electric SUV to rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQC, BMW iX3 and Tesla's offerings. The e-tron is powered by 2 electric motors that are CO2 neutral and virtually silent in operation. Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures maximum traction and dynamic ability by regulating and distributing torque between the axles instantaneously. Zero to 100 kph is achieved in about 5.5 seconds and e-tron will reach a top speed of 200 kph.
The battery system is positioned low and central in the vehicle, contributing to a more sporty character while over 90 percent of deceleration energy is recovered by the electric motors via the integrated electrohydraulic brake control system, resulting in improved range, which is expected to be over 400 km. More so, this is the first time that a carmaker to use such a system in an electrically powered series production vehicle. Aerodynamics play a major role in reducing energy consumption and as such the e-tron is fitted with optional virtual exterior mirrors (also a first) which reduce drag but also take digitalisation to a new level.
The e-tron will be equipped with all the latest technology in Audi's arsenal.
Audi says that the e-tron will offer the space and comfort you would expect from an Audi SUV with high-quality materials and workmanship. A wide range of charging options are available to ensure that the e-tron is charged whether it be at home or on the go. The e-tron is engineered for AC and DC charging and has fast-charging capability of up to 150 kW at high-speed charging stations. 80 percent charge can, therefore, be achieved in about 30 minutes. Charging at home is achieved using a standard 9.6 kW AC capsule charger. This charger will also include plugs for a standard 120-volt outlet as well as a fast-speed 240-volt NEMA 14-50 outlet.
The e-tron is equipped with a 10.1-inch upper screen and an 8.6-inch lower screen that takes care of all vehicle functions. A route planner shows the most efficient route and charging points along the way as well as offering automated billing at charging stations and can even be controlled remotely via a smartphone. MMI Navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot is standard. Other nifty features include efficiency assist, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, intersection assist, rear cross traffic assist and park steering assist. to maximise efficiency.
The Audi e-tron will be produced at a CO2 neutral plant in Brussels, Belgium and is expected to arrive in South Africa in the middle of 2019. Pricing for Europe has been pegged at €79 900 which translates to roughly R1 395 129.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/electric-audi-e-tron-revealed/45535/
German carmaker, Audi, has revealed its first all-electric series production model in San Francisco. The new e-tron will be introduced to the South African market in the middle of 2019.
The new Audi e-tron is a five-seat electric SUV to rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQC, BMW iX3 and Tesla's offerings. The e-tron is powered by 2 electric motors that are CO2 neutral and virtually silent in operation. Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures maximum traction and dynamic ability by regulating and distributing torque between the axles instantaneously. Zero to 100 kph is achieved in about 5.5 seconds and e-tron will reach a top speed of 200 kph.
The battery system is positioned low and central in the vehicle, contributing to a more sporty character while over 90 percent of deceleration energy is recovered by the electric motors via the integrated electrohydraulic brake control system, resulting in improved range, which is expected to be over 400 km. More so, this is the first time that a carmaker to use such a system in an electrically powered series production vehicle. Aerodynamics play a major role in reducing energy consumption and as such the e-tron is fitted with optional virtual exterior mirrors (also a first) which reduce drag but also take digitalisation to a new level.
The e-tron will be equipped with all the latest technology in Audi's arsenal.
Audi says that the e-tron will offer the space and comfort you would expect from an Audi SUV with high-quality materials and workmanship. A wide range of charging options are available to ensure that the e-tron is charged whether it be at home or on the go. The e-tron is engineered for AC and DC charging and has fast-charging capability of up to 150 kW at high-speed charging stations. 80 percent charge can, therefore, be achieved in about 30 minutes. Charging at home is achieved using a standard 9.6 kW AC capsule charger. This charger will also include plugs for a standard 120-volt outlet as well as a fast-speed 240-volt NEMA 14-50 outlet.
The e-tron is equipped with a 10.1-inch upper screen and an 8.6-inch lower screen that takes care of all vehicle functions. A route planner shows the most efficient route and charging points along the way as well as offering automated billing at charging stations and can even be controlled remotely via a smartphone. MMI Navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot is standard. Other nifty features include efficiency assist, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, intersection assist, rear cross traffic assist and park steering assist. to maximise efficiency.
The Audi e-tron will be produced at a CO2 neutral plant in Brussels, Belgium and is expected to arrive in South Africa in the middle of 2019. Pricing for Europe has been pegged at €79 900 which translates to roughly R1 395 129.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/electric-audi-e-tron-revealed/45535/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi E-tron: What it means for SA
By now, many of you will have seen the new Audi e-tron and, if first impressions are anything to go by, Ingolstadt's all-electric vehicle ticks many boxes. What does Ingolstadt's newcomer mean for South Africa, though?
Audi is not the first German brand to embark on an electric-car offensive. While marketing buzzwords focus on things like "early adopters" and "disrupt or be disrupted", Audi has played a conservative hand when it comes to its first all-electric vehicle. While the Audi e-tron was due to form the backbone of the Audi Summit in Brussels, Belgium at the end of August 2018, its unveiling was delayed until the middle of September 2018 in San Francisco, United States. This delay allowed rival German brand Mercedes-Benz to showcase its EQC electric SUV in Sweden, just a few weeks before the e-tron's unveiling.
Bringing 21st-century technology to SA
The proliferation of electric cars in South Africa is a sticky subject. There is, of course, the catch-22 of not being able to introduce cars due to limited infrastructure and few charging facilities, but there's no point to building numerous fast chargers if there are just a handful of electric cars on our roads. The real sting is that government doesn't appear to see any benefit to electric cars, other than a source of revenue via import duty (one has to ask: Why would government levy a carbon emissions tax on most new vehicles, but not incentivise, via a rebate on taxation, those pricey vehicles that emit no carbon dioxide at all?).
By contrast, European Union countries subsidise electric-car purchases. For example, some countries make electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid models exempt from registration tax, annual circulation tax and company car tax, while others offer cash incentives. As it stands, the only country in Africa to offer any benefit is Morocco, which has made EVs and hybrids exempt from customs duties since 2017.
Despite the less-than-hospitable business environment, many manufacturers are pressing on with electric- and plug-in hybrid vehicle introductions to the South African market. Setting aside hybrid products (and their plug-in variants) for the moment, Audi will soon be joining the likes of BMW, Nissan and Jaguar, all of which either have EVs in their local portfolios or are planning to launch them in the near future. Audi South Africa will be introducing dedicated e-tron dealerships in major urban hubs, equipped with the 150 kWh super-fast chargers, with which the e-tron can be charged to 80% in around 30 minutes.
Suffice to say, the challenges of introducing an EV are multiple and significant. The entire dealer teams will need to be trained on the intricacies of how the vehicles are driven, charged, maintained and so on.
The true cost of switching from fossil fuels to electric
Dealerships will naturally be cautious to invest as the low volumes and the high cost of charging station installation may not be worthwhile. Whichever way you look at it, it's a tough sell. As a dealership, would you rather invest in the rollout, marketing and support of established volume-selling models... or devote resources to a brand-building premium niche product, of which you will sell just a handful of units?
If you're a cash-strapped retailer with strict sales targets and low overheads foremost in mind, the former scenario applies. However, selected dealers in major centres may look into getting onboard the e-tron brand and creating workspaces where e-tron customers can work or host meetings while their cars are charging, for example.
Despite the myriad obstacles to the proliferation of EVs in South Africa, things become a bit more workable if manufacturers/importers and their associated franchised outlets work together or team up with a company like GridCars. BMW was the first brand out the block and has many charging stations dotted around the country, Jaguar has committed to a R30-million investment into creating a charging network with 82 chargers linking the major routes across the country. We're sure that Audi will announce a similar charging network plan of its own prior to the launch of the e-tron.
The majority of these chargers will be of the 60 kWh (fast-charging) variety, which allows you to charge your car's batteries to around 80% in just over an hour. There will also be 22 kWh chargers, with which you can charge your vehicle overnight. Critically, the high-power chargers will feature the CCS (Combined Charging System) plug, which is universally accepted across the brands. For electric car ownership, being able to charge at any station is vital, irrespective of brand. Don't be surprised to see Audi e-trons at BMW dealerships and Jaguar I-Paces popping into Audi dealerships for a quick charge, for example.
Audi e-tron coming to SA?
The Audi e-tron is officially confirmed for a South African market introduction around the middle of 2019. There is a lot of work to be done to prepare for its arrival and there's no doubt that the e-tron model will be introduced an asking price that puts it beyond the reach of average South African consumers. Still, even though the technology is new, it's advancing at a tremendous rate. The battery tech, for example, has come a long way during the past few years (contemporary battery cells can hold more charge for longer, yet are smaller in size than their predecessors).
The e-tron will be the first of many electric products that Audi will offer in its portfolio. There will be more than 20 new Audi models introduced between now and 2025, some of which will feature electric assist (including plug-in models and full-electric vehicles). For example, the e-tron Sportback will make its debut in 2020, there will be another compact hatchback vehicle and a performance 4-door gran turismo flagship as well. The prediction is that by 2025, every 3rd Audi will be electrified... suffice to say it'll be fascinating to see at what rate the South African market adopts electric cars over the next few years.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/audi-e-tron-what-it-means-for-sa/45559/
By now, many of you will have seen the new Audi e-tron and, if first impressions are anything to go by, Ingolstadt's all-electric vehicle ticks many boxes. What does Ingolstadt's newcomer mean for South Africa, though?
Audi is not the first German brand to embark on an electric-car offensive. While marketing buzzwords focus on things like "early adopters" and "disrupt or be disrupted", Audi has played a conservative hand when it comes to its first all-electric vehicle. While the Audi e-tron was due to form the backbone of the Audi Summit in Brussels, Belgium at the end of August 2018, its unveiling was delayed until the middle of September 2018 in San Francisco, United States. This delay allowed rival German brand Mercedes-Benz to showcase its EQC electric SUV in Sweden, just a few weeks before the e-tron's unveiling.
Bringing 21st-century technology to SA
The proliferation of electric cars in South Africa is a sticky subject. There is, of course, the catch-22 of not being able to introduce cars due to limited infrastructure and few charging facilities, but there's no point to building numerous fast chargers if there are just a handful of electric cars on our roads. The real sting is that government doesn't appear to see any benefit to electric cars, other than a source of revenue via import duty (one has to ask: Why would government levy a carbon emissions tax on most new vehicles, but not incentivise, via a rebate on taxation, those pricey vehicles that emit no carbon dioxide at all?).
By contrast, European Union countries subsidise electric-car purchases. For example, some countries make electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid models exempt from registration tax, annual circulation tax and company car tax, while others offer cash incentives. As it stands, the only country in Africa to offer any benefit is Morocco, which has made EVs and hybrids exempt from customs duties since 2017.
Despite the less-than-hospitable business environment, many manufacturers are pressing on with electric- and plug-in hybrid vehicle introductions to the South African market. Setting aside hybrid products (and their plug-in variants) for the moment, Audi will soon be joining the likes of BMW, Nissan and Jaguar, all of which either have EVs in their local portfolios or are planning to launch them in the near future. Audi South Africa will be introducing dedicated e-tron dealerships in major urban hubs, equipped with the 150 kWh super-fast chargers, with which the e-tron can be charged to 80% in around 30 minutes.
Suffice to say, the challenges of introducing an EV are multiple and significant. The entire dealer teams will need to be trained on the intricacies of how the vehicles are driven, charged, maintained and so on.
The true cost of switching from fossil fuels to electric
Dealerships will naturally be cautious to invest as the low volumes and the high cost of charging station installation may not be worthwhile. Whichever way you look at it, it's a tough sell. As a dealership, would you rather invest in the rollout, marketing and support of established volume-selling models... or devote resources to a brand-building premium niche product, of which you will sell just a handful of units?
If you're a cash-strapped retailer with strict sales targets and low overheads foremost in mind, the former scenario applies. However, selected dealers in major centres may look into getting onboard the e-tron brand and creating workspaces where e-tron customers can work or host meetings while their cars are charging, for example.
Despite the myriad obstacles to the proliferation of EVs in South Africa, things become a bit more workable if manufacturers/importers and their associated franchised outlets work together or team up with a company like GridCars. BMW was the first brand out the block and has many charging stations dotted around the country, Jaguar has committed to a R30-million investment into creating a charging network with 82 chargers linking the major routes across the country. We're sure that Audi will announce a similar charging network plan of its own prior to the launch of the e-tron.
The majority of these chargers will be of the 60 kWh (fast-charging) variety, which allows you to charge your car's batteries to around 80% in just over an hour. There will also be 22 kWh chargers, with which you can charge your vehicle overnight. Critically, the high-power chargers will feature the CCS (Combined Charging System) plug, which is universally accepted across the brands. For electric car ownership, being able to charge at any station is vital, irrespective of brand. Don't be surprised to see Audi e-trons at BMW dealerships and Jaguar I-Paces popping into Audi dealerships for a quick charge, for example.
Audi e-tron coming to SA?
The Audi e-tron is officially confirmed for a South African market introduction around the middle of 2019. There is a lot of work to be done to prepare for its arrival and there's no doubt that the e-tron model will be introduced an asking price that puts it beyond the reach of average South African consumers. Still, even though the technology is new, it's advancing at a tremendous rate. The battery tech, for example, has come a long way during the past few years (contemporary battery cells can hold more charge for longer, yet are smaller in size than their predecessors).
The e-tron will be the first of many electric products that Audi will offer in its portfolio. There will be more than 20 new Audi models introduced between now and 2025, some of which will feature electric assist (including plug-in models and full-electric vehicles). For example, the e-tron Sportback will make its debut in 2020, there will be another compact hatchback vehicle and a performance 4-door gran turismo flagship as well. The prediction is that by 2025, every 3rd Audi will be electrified... suffice to say it'll be fascinating to see at what rate the South African market adopts electric cars over the next few years.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/audi-e-tron-what-it-means-for-sa/45559/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi E-Tron SUV Already Has 10,000 Orders
We have been waiting quite a while now for Audi to take the wraps off its forthcoming electrified SUV called the e-Tron. Last week, the automaker finally revealed its all-electric SUV, but it now claims that there are already 10,000 orders for it.
In an interview with France-based publication Automobile Propre, Audi’s director Lahouari Bennaoum revealed the staggering figure. It is said that the company has been accepting pre-orders for $1000 over the past several months. Although these deposits are refundable, Audi seems to be confident that customers are certainly interested in the all-electric crossover.
The Audi e-Tron is powered by two asynchronous motors backed by a charitable 95 kWh battery pack. Power figures are still under wraps, but Audi is aiming for a 0-100 km/h time of around 5.5 seconds as well as a top speed of 200 km/h.
Audi’s all-electric SUV also features clever EV technology that not only offers torque vectoring to the advance all-wheel drive system but also recuperates energy under braking and lifting off the accelerator, this system could extend the e-Tron’s range by as much as 30 per cent.
The Audi e-Tron also features a battery pack that accommodates DC. Thanks to this fast charging technology offering up to 150 kW in some public charging stations, the battery can be charged up to 80 percent in around half an hour.
https://www.zero2turbo.com/2018/10/audi-e-tron-suv-already-has-10000-orders.html
We have been waiting quite a while now for Audi to take the wraps off its forthcoming electrified SUV called the e-Tron. Last week, the automaker finally revealed its all-electric SUV, but it now claims that there are already 10,000 orders for it.
In an interview with France-based publication Automobile Propre, Audi’s director Lahouari Bennaoum revealed the staggering figure. It is said that the company has been accepting pre-orders for $1000 over the past several months. Although these deposits are refundable, Audi seems to be confident that customers are certainly interested in the all-electric crossover.
The Audi e-Tron is powered by two asynchronous motors backed by a charitable 95 kWh battery pack. Power figures are still under wraps, but Audi is aiming for a 0-100 km/h time of around 5.5 seconds as well as a top speed of 200 km/h.
Audi’s all-electric SUV also features clever EV technology that not only offers torque vectoring to the advance all-wheel drive system but also recuperates energy under braking and lifting off the accelerator, this system could extend the e-Tron’s range by as much as 30 per cent.
The Audi e-Tron also features a battery pack that accommodates DC. Thanks to this fast charging technology offering up to 150 kW in some public charging stations, the battery can be charged up to 80 percent in around half an hour.
https://www.zero2turbo.com/2018/10/audi-e-tron-suv-already-has-10000-orders.html
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi e-tron 2019 prototype reviewShould I buy one?
What I experienced bodes well for the inevitable comparison test against the I-Pace, but I’ll wait until I drive a regular-production E-tron on paved roads to make a final call on handling, comfort and the overall execution.
What stands out above all, however, is that Audi cut no corners as it raced to enter the burgeoning electric luxury car segment.
Audi E-tron specification
Where Namibia Price £70,000 (est) On sale now (reservations only) Engine twin electric motors Power 402bhp Torque 487lb ft at Gearbox single-speed auto Kerb weight Not stated Top speed 124mph 0-62mph 5.5sec Range 249 miles (WLTP) CO2 0g/km Rivals Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model X
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/audi/e-tron/first-drives/audi-e-tron-2019-prototype-review
pinball wizard
Honorary Master
Confirming that SUV's do not go offroad? I mean there's no plug points out there are there?
GlassMirror
Expert Member
I smaak that urban camo wrap that it has. If I were to order one I'd definitely ask if I could order it with that
pinball wizard
Honorary Master
I would prefer the entire car in the dayglo and black stripes they used on the bumpers and sills.
GlassMirror
Expert Member
That would look even more badass, or like a safety cone on wheel lolz
FiestaST
Honorary Master
GlassMirror
Expert Member
At first I thought it was in an accident, that picture is deceiving