An all-electric version of the Audi A3 is known as the Audi A3 e-tron. The front wheels of the A3 e-tron receive power from the rear and middle battery packs through an electric motor located under the hood. The 92 mi (148 km) maximum range offered by the 26.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is actually between 70 and 75 mi (113 to 121 km) in actual driving circumstances. The maximum speed is 89 mph (143 km/h). [40]
By the middle of 2012, Audi had put a fleet of 17 A3s, all-electric, into service in the United States for testing. Audi engineers and staff members test the automobiles, and the business has no plans to test the vehicles with actual customers. [40][41]
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The Audi A3 e-tron can it be charged while it’s moving?
Charging management makes up the second leg of the objective triangle for Audi development. While cars in the medium-size class and full-size class can charge at up to 7.4 kW, the compact class PHEVs charge at 2.9 kW and 3.6 kW, respectively. For instance, utilizing an industrial power outlet to charge the battery takes two and a half to four and a half hours. The larger classes have a bigger battery and, as a result, a higher charging capacity because they use more electricity.
Most PHEV owners charge their cars once or twice a day, typically in their garage after work or on weekends. They can use certified Volkswagen Naturstrom, which is produced using only renewable energy sources, at home if they so choose.
95 percent of all private journeys in Germany are under 50 kilometers (31.1 mi) and 99 percent are under 100 kilometers (62.1 mi), according to research done by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. This indicates that the plug-in hybrid models from Audi serve the majority of their target market. In the NEDC, the Q3 and Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e travel up to 61 kilometers (36.7 mi) on purely electric power, while the Q8 55 TFSI e travels up to 59 kilometers (36.7 mi) (37.9 mi). With no local emissions, the little A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e may travel up to 78 kilometers (48.5 miles).
Audi’s e-tron Charging Service makes it easy to recharge while driving. It provides access to around 155,000 AC charging points throughout 26 European nations with only one card. The compact charging system with a cable for household and commercial power sockets and a mode 3 cable with a type 2 connector for public charging terminals are included as standard equipment with all plug-in hybrid vehicles from Audi.
By enabling users to access the Audi connect services on their smartphones, the myAudi app enhances the convenience of daily living. Customers can initiate charging operations, set a charge timer, check the battery and range status remotely, and obtain charge and consumption statistics. The charging stations at the present location as well as the destination are shown via the app and the vehicle. Before driving off, the app can be used to warm up or cool down the vehicle. By using electricity from an electrical socket, customers can keep the vehicle’s electric range intact. They can use the pre-entry climate control to turn on the steering wheel, seats, mirror, windshield, and rear window, as well as the seat ventilation, depending on how equipped they are.
The Audi A3 e-tron can it charge itself?
When a PHEV is charging, the driver must first insert the connections into the proper inlet. The car then communicates with the charging unit to verify that there is power available, there are no errors, and it is okay to begin charging. The vehicle then begins charging automatically if charging at a private home or business charge point.
An activation procedure is needed to start charging on a public charger. Depending on the network provider, this can call for the usage of an RFID card or smartphone app, frequently connected to a previously created account. On newer points, contactless pay-as-you-go devices are also becoming increasingly prevalent. The devices will do additional connection and account checks after activation before they begin to charge the car.
Is the Audi A3 e-tron a good investment?
Although the base 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Premium is a well-equipped luxury compact, many desirable technology options are not available. Only the top-of-the-line Prestige includes all the technology and active safety features that many premium purchasers want, while the Premium Plus provides more alternatives.
How long does a battery in an Audi A3 Etron last?
Since the sole six-speed S tronic automatic version of the A3 Sportback e-tron was available, all of them share the same mechanical components. An 8.8kWh battery pack allows for a maximum theoretical range of 584 miles while utilizing both gasoline and electricity.
For the A3 e-tron, there was only one trim level initially offered, although it had a substantial amount of equipment. The 17-inch alloy wheels, GPS, eight-speaker stereo with DAB, sports seats, dual-zone climate control, and multifunction steering wheel were all included for the buyers. All versions came standard with front and rear power windows, parking sensors, automatic headlights, and wipers.
White, black, and red were the only conventional colors; however, 15 other metallic and pearlescent shades were also offered, including silver, red, blue, green, grey, black, and white. All e-tron interiors were equipped with fabric trim as standard, although leather or leather and Alcantara trim could be had for a fee.
Other optional extras for the front seats exclusively were heated seats, electric lumbar adjustment, and electric adjustability. A fixed panoramic glass roof, a Bang & Olufsen stereo, cruise control (with adaptive cruise control, which costs extra money again), privacy glass, a rear parking camera, and front parking sensors are other features that you might wish to focus on.
Alternatives
The Volkswagen Golf GTE, which is fundamentally identical to the Audi A3 e-tron, is its main opponent. There isn’t much to differentiate them in terms of the driving experience, and both have really high-quality interiors. Additionally, their running expenses are probably going to be fairly comparable.
If the hatchback design is not necessary, you should consider the BMW 330e or Mercedes C 350 e, both plug-in hybrid vehicles that are only available in saloon form for the BMW and an estate version for the Mercedes. These vehicles are wonderful to drive, well crafted, and simple to live with, as you would expect from the brands that represent them.
The i3, which is offered as a range-extender or in pure-electric form, is another BMW that is worthwhile of consideration. The latter claims to have a range of up to 206 miles when combined with a tiny petrol motorbike engine; the electric-only model reduces this to just 125 miles.
Verdict
One of the sleekest vehicles in its class, if not the sleekest of them all, is the Audi A3. By releasing a plug-in hybrid that wasn’t as stunning as all of the other vehicles in the A3 lineup, Audi was never going to compromise. As a result, even if it’s not the cheapest option available, you can be confident that the A3 Sportback e-tron will be enjoyable to own.
As with any plug-in hybrid, the price is substantially higher than the same A3 model with a diesel or petrol engine. You must determine whether the cost is worthwhile, as our sister publication Auto Express noted in its initial evaluation of the A3 Sportback e-tron: “Compared to competing range-extenders, the hybrid configuration feels less well-resolved, and the drive is weakened by the heavier batteries. Finally, if you drive a lot, your fuel economy will suffer.”
Checklist
- Owners can communicate with their e-tron with a free app. This shows the battery pack’s current charge level and fuel consumption information. It also makes it possible to remotely adjust the climate control using a smartphone. You may also remotely control charging.
- As a plug-in hybrid, the A3 Sportback e-tron features a larger battery pack (8.8 kWh) than a conventional hybrid. It is able to go up to 31 miles in electric-only mode as a result.
- According to manufacturer estimates, the A3 Sportback e-tron may be fully charged in two hours 15 minutes or three hours and 45 minutes using a wallbox.
- There is an active bonnet installed, which means that in the case of a collision with a pedestrian, it will rise to provide protection. Sadly, it may also appear if an animal is struck, resulting in a significant price to make things right.
- Make sure the vehicle has both of the two charging cables that come standard with the e-tron. One is for using at home, while the other is for usage at public charging stations.
- When the back seats are folded, the e-boot tron’s can accommodate 1220 liters and 280 liters, respectively. 380 and 1,220 liters are the equivalent for A3s with conventional engines, which also come with 50 or 55-liter gasoline tanks as opposed to the e-40-liter tron’s capacity.
Running costs
- 29-33 insurance groups
- MPg on average: 166176
- emissions of CO2: 3739 g/km
Although the A3 Sportback e-overall tron’s warranty was limited for three years, the battery pack’s warranty is for eight years or 100,000 miles. The interval between minor and major maintenance is set at 12 months or 9,000 kilometers. These cost $170 and $335, respectively, at the time of writing (October 2019), and a brake fluid change was also necessary every two years and cost an additional $65.
Every five years or 140,000 miles, the 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine that powers the e-tron needs to have its cambelt replaced. An authorized Audi dealer will charge a fairly high 725 for this service.
Charging time for an Audi e-tron
The expected time it will take to charge your e-tron from empty to full is shown in the table below. Since charging tends to slow down outside of this range to protect the battery, we only provide the time to charge for rapid charging from 20 to 80 percent.
Connector type and charging rates
With a Type 2 plug, you can charge your Audi e-tron at home, at work, or at a public charging station. Additionally, a CCS port is present for quick charging.
Where you can charge a Audi e-tron
Your Audi e-tron may be conveniently charged at home, plugged in when you go to work, or topped off while you’re out and about at sites like supermarkets and public parking lots (usually for free!).
Why won’t my Audi A3 e-tron start?
The A3 e-tron can be recognized by the charging plug, orange cables (such as those found in the engine compartment), and the e-tron emblem. START-ENGINE-STOP button should be pressed without applying the brakes. The engine will start if you simultaneously press the START-ENGINE-STOP button and the brake pedal!
Is the Audi A3 e-tron a hybrid electric vehicle?
The Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron exhibits strength and style in typical Audi way. A plug-in hybrid car, as indicated by the E-Tron badge, features a battery pack that, when completely charged, can carry the car a respectable distance without using the engine, saving gas.
How long does it take an Audi A3 e-tron to charge?
The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron may be fully charged in as little as 2:30 hours with a charging power of up to 3.7 kW. In the technical information below, charging times for your Audi A3 Sportback e-tron are mentioned.
Is there all-wheel drive on the Audi A3 e-tron?
How it works: The only A3 hatchback available in the United States is the Sportback e-tron, a plug-in hybrid. It only comes with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive. You may recharge the plug-in battery while operating the vehicle on the freeway thanks to a special driver-selected mode. New 18-inch alloy wheels are offered with the Sport Package for 2018.
Audi e-tron: Does it consume gas?
e-tron technology by Audi An electric car’s battery, which can be recharged overnight at home using a 220-volt outlet, provides all of the energy needed to power the vehicle. Compared to plug-in hybrid technology, which can also run on gasoline when the battery is low, this is a little different.
Is there an autopilot on the Audi e-tron?
For 2021, 97 additional vehicles provide both features up to a standstill in stop-and-go traffic: Honda: TLX. Alfa Romeo: Stelvio and Giulia. Audi: Q3, Q5, Q7, and Q8. Audi: A4, A5, A6, A7, and A8.
Can an Audi e-tron self-park?
Both e-tron body designs come equipped with a variety of driver assistance features as standard, including self-parking assistance and adaptive cruise control.
- standard automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard.
- Typical lane-departure alert