Electric Cars: The Basics
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The All-Electric Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron
Audi AG, a Bavaria (Germany) based luxury automotive manufacturer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group. Volkswagen AG is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry. Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years.
With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position is to become the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles. The Audi all-electric e-tron portfolio includes:
- Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback
- Audi SQ8 e-tron SUV
- Audi Q8 e-tron SUV
- Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback
- Audi Q4 e-tron SUV
- Audi e-tron S Sportback
- Audi e-tron S SUV
- Audi e-tron GT
- Audi e-tron SUV
- Audi e-tron Sportback
- Audi RS e-tron GT
- Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback
The Audi Q4 e-tron electric compact crossover SUV is based on the Volkswagen MEB bespoke EV platform (the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 uses the same platform). Production of the Q4 electric SUV commenced in March 2021 and the production Q4 e-tron version was unveiled in April 2021. However, the Q4 e-tron was first shown as a concept vehicle in 2019 at the Geneva Motor Show. The Q4 e-tron is available in the SUV and Sportback body styles.
For those seeking a sportier exterior styling, the coupé-SUV roofline of the Q4 e-tron Sportback will appeal. Of course, given the sleeker roof, headroom is compromised in the cabin and rear-view visibility impacted. However, in return, the aerodynamics and efficiency of the electric vehicle is improved, compared to a more traditional SUV body style.
The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron is available in two EV battery sizes: 55 kWh and 82 kWh. The 55 kWh EV battery has a claimed zero-emission electric range up to 340 km (WLTP), sufficient for most day-to-day driving needs. Do keep in mind that most daily commutes are short distances, and usually below 20 km. The 340 km pure electric range is also sufficient for motorway driving. For those families and company-car drivers keen on more electric range, the 82 kWh EV battery offers a range up to 515 km on a full charge.
Of course, the real-world EV range will be impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, weather conditions, road surface, tyre size, passenger load, onboard services used etc. Expect the 55 kWh EV battery to deliver an electric range closer to 290 km and the 82 kWh closer to 435 km.
The electric vehicle (EV) offers DC charging capability up to 135 kW, with 80% charge achieved in 36 minutes. The entry-level Q4 35 e-tron can be DC charged up to 110 kW and has a 7.2 kW onboard charger. The higher specification Q4 40 e-tron and Q4 50 e-tron offer DC charging up to 135 kW as standard and incorporates a 11 kW onboard charger. For single-phase home charging, expect a fully charged battery in 11 hours and 30 minutes. We at e-zoomed recommend charging an EV overnight, when the electricity tariff rates are cheaper.
The all-wheel drive capability is only available on the highest trim, the 50 e-tron, while the other two trims offer rear-wheel drive as standard. The Q4 50 e-tron achieves 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and has a 180 km/h top speed (torque: 460 Nm). The Q4 40 e-tron achieves 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and has a 160 km/h top speed. The entry-level Q4 35 e-tron achieves 0-100 km/h in 9 seconds and has a 160 km/h top speed.
The exterior of the Audi EV is attractive and the interior does not disappoint in terms of quality and layout. The standard equipment includes: Audi virtual cockpit; MMI navigation plus with a 11.6″ touchscreen, lane departure warning, cruise control with speed limiter, swerve assist and turn assist, Audi pre-sense front and more.
In terms of practicality, the headroom for rear seat passengers is less compared to the Q4 standard SUV. Moreover, the rear-view visibility is also impacted. The boot size on offer is useful (535 L) and slightly larger than the standard SUV body style (520 L).
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Two EV battery sizes available | All-wheel drive not standard on all trim levels |
| DC charging up to 135 kW | 135 kW DC charging and 11 kW AC charging not standard on all variants |
| Attractive sporty exterior styling and high quality interior specification and equipment | Roofline impacts headroom and rear visibility |
Gallery
The All-Electric Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron (credit: Audi)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | Coupé-SUV |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (3 Options) |
|---|
| Audi Q4 sport 40 e-tron (from € 60,735) |
| Audi Q4 S line 40 e-tron (from € 64,130) |
| Audi Q4 S line 50 e-tron quattro (from € 73,015) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 55 kWh/ 82 kWh |
| Charging: | Up to 135 kW DC charging (5%-80%: 36 mins). Onboard charger: 7.2 kW (0%-100%: 11 hrs 30 mins) and 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
| Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
| Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
| Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
| Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
| Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
| Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
| Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
| Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
| Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1614 |
| Width (mm): | 2108 |
| Length (mm): | 4588 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2764 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 10.2 |
| Boot Space (L): | 535 |
| Q4 Sportback 35 e-tron | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 55 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 340 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 18.1 – 17.0 |
| Charging: | 110 kW DC charging. Onboard charger: 7.2 kW AC (0%-100%: 11 hrs 30 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 160 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 9 seconds |
| Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 125 |
| Max Power (PS): | 170 |
| Torque (Nm): | 310 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 1,895 |
| Colours: | 8 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
| Q4 Sportback 40 e-tron | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 82 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 515 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 17.7 – 17.2 |
| Charging: | 135 kW DC charging. Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 160 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 150 |
| Max Power (PS): | 204 |
| Torque (Nm): | 310 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,045 |
| Colours: | 8 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
| Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 82 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 485 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 19.2 – 17.9 |
| Charging: | 135 kW DC charging. Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 180 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 220 |
| Max Power (PS): | 299 |
| Torque (Nm): | 460 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,140 |
| Colours: | 8 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Longest Range Pure Electric Cars: Top 5
The electric driving sector has certainly witnessed significant progress in relation to electric range, for both, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Historically, range anxiety has been an impediment for consumers keen to migrate to electric cars, in particular, pure electric cars.
Though range anxiety has been a valid concern, in our view, it had been over-exaggerated. Do keep in mind that most day-to-day driving involves short journeys i.e. school runs, travel to work, local high street, gym, grocery store etc. How many times in a month do we really travel long distances?
In any case, with the latest-generation of pure electric cars, there is ample e-range for both short and long-distance motorway journeys. In fact, the latest-generation of pure electric cars offer a real-world range over 500 km on a single charge. Some of these EVs can travel from the North to the South of Ireland on a single-charge! The longest range electric car on our list below is the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS saloon with a WLTP claimed range up to 729 km.
Several factors have contributed to the improvement in emission-free electric range. Some of these include: increase in size of the onboard EV battery, improvements in the EV battery management, sleeker aerodynamics, lower vehicle weight and overall improvement in vehicle efficiency. We can expect this trend to continue, as automotive manufacturers labour to further improve the efficiency of electric vehicles and ultimately electric range.
It is also worth noting, that not all automotive manufacturers aspire for the largest onboard EV battery or the longest electric range. Many electric cars, like the all-electric Honda-e have been developed primarily to target the needs of urban drivers, who travel short distances. Of course, even for such electric cars, automotive manufacturers continue to seek improvements in vehicle efficiency and e-range.
| Brand/ Model | Battery Size (kWh) | Electric Range (WLTP) | Body Type | Battery Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz EQS | 108.4 kWh | 729 km | Saloon | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| BMW i7 | 105.7 kWh | 622 km | Saloon | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Mercedes-Benz EQE | 90.6 kWh | 617 km | Saloon | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Polestar 3 | 111 kWh | 610 km | SUV | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 98 kWh | 600 km | SUV | 8 years or 160,000 km |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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