Announced as a prototype in 2015 and released for sale in March 2019, the e-tron is Audi’s first all-electric vehicle. Australian sales of the e-tron began in 2020.
The e-tron label covers two very similar vehicles – the Audi e-tron 50, and the e-tron 55. Each is available with a wagon or ‘Sportsback’ rear treatment. They also share the same basic interior, dash and seat layouts – with the 55 being the more ‘upmarket’ version offering additional trim and functions over the 50. The key difference between the two is battery size. The e-tron 50 has 71kWh and the e-tron 55 95kWh.
Audi e-Tron Variants
| Variant | Battery (kWh) | WLTP Range (km) | EPA Range (km) | Power Output (kW) | Torque (Nm) | Plug Types (AC/DC) | Max Charge Rate (AC/DC) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 71 | 334 | - | 230 | 561 | Type 2 / CCS2 | 11/150 | $137,700 |
| 55 | 95 | 446 | 351 | 300 | 664 | Type 2 / CCS2 | 11/150 | $148,700 |
DRIVING RANGE
Australian test standards are currently in a state of flux, with the Green Vehicle Guide (GVG) showing some vehicle driving ranges using either the old (and highly over optimistic) European NEDC test cycle figure or the newer European WLTP test cycle figure. Worse still, for recent additions to the Australian market the GVG often gives no data at all! Around town, the WLTP figure is the best guide for range or, if doing outer suburban to regional driving – use the US EPA figure.
Being a large and heavy car the e-tron does not have industry leading efficiency or range figures, but they are still very good due to the large battery sizes on offer. Coupled with up to 11kW AC and 150 kW DC charge speeds, the e-tron will be an easy car to use for both short commuting trips and long-distance travel.
Using the WLTP range, an e-tron 55 should be capable of a return trip from the Melbourne GPO to Port Welshpool (near Wilsons Promontory) – provided neither the heating or air conditioning are heavily used. For this sort of trip, a 1 to 2 hr 15A charge at a caravan outlet in Port Welshpool (giving approx. 16km charged/hr) or a 10 to 15 min DC fast-charge (although there are few yet available on this route) is recommended.
CHARGING SPEEDS/REQUIREMENTS
The Audi e-tron is fitted with a CCS2 socket allowing it to charge via Type 2 AC chargers as well as CCS2 DC fast-chargers.
The e-tron can be charged at any AC EVSE, however an adaptor will be needed to use the (few) remaining older EVSEs fitted with Type 1 (J1772) plugs.
AC charging:
Like all new EVs sold in Australia, the Audi e-tron electric is fitted with a type 2 AC socket as part of the CCS2 AC/DC charge plug system.
Charging rates:
Single phase: maximum of 7.4 kW (32A)
Three phase: maximum of 11 kW (16A per phase)
Charging speeds and times vary on the capacity of the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) that it is connected to and the chosen battery size. Charging times for the e-tron 50 and 55 are shown in table 2 below.
Audi e-Tron Time to Charge (hrs)
| Battery size (kWh) | 10A socket (power point) | 15A socket | 32A 1 phase (7.2kW) | 16A 3 phase (11kW) | DC Fast Charge (50kW) | DC Fast Charge (150kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 32h | 19.5h | 10.5h | 6.75h | 53m | 23m |
| 95 | 42h | 26h | 14h | 9h | 70m | 30m |
DC fast charging:
The e-tron electric uses the CCS2 DC fast-charge connector and can charge at up to 150kW DC.
This connector is fast becoming the majority DC fast-charge connector type in both Australia and overseas.
Home charging considerations
To get the shortest home charging time for an e-tron an 11 kW three phase AC EVSE is needed.
However, depending on your existing power supply and/or charging needs, a lower rated EVSE may only be practicable, or needed. Lower capacity EVSEs will increase charging times, as shown in table 2 above.
The e-tron also comes with a Mode 2 portable EVSE for plugging into a 10A power point. Charging an e-tron from 0 – 100% with this EVSE will take around 32 hours for the e-tron 50 and 42hrs for the e-tron 55.
Audi e-Tron Specifications
| Cargo space (litres) | Cargo Space with rear seats folded (litres) | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Width with mirrors (mm) | Height (mm) | Tow Rating (braked / unbraked) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 660 | 1725 | 4901 | 1935 | 2043 | 1616 | 1800/750 |
