Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The Audi A3 Sportback TFSIe PHEV
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. Audi also offers plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), to include:
- A3 Sportback TFSIe
- A6 TFSIe
- A6 Avant TFSIe
- A7 Sportback TFSIe
- A8 TFSIe
- A8 L TFSIe
- Q3 TFSIe
- Q3 Sportback TFSIe
- Q5 TFSIe
- Q5 Sportback TFSIe
- Q7 TFSIe
- Q8 TFSIe
The Audi A3 compact premium hatchback has been on sale since early 1990s. The A3 is currently in its fourth generation. The A3 is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Like BMW and other leading automotive manufactures, Audi has also followed suit in offering a plug-in hybrid variant for a number of its existing conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel models. For those keen on driving a premium compact car with lower tailpipe emissions, the Audi A3 plug-in electric car is worth considering. The A3 has claimed tailpipe emissions up to 31g (CO2/km), considerably lower than the A3 conventional petrol/ diesel variants (132g CO2/km).
The Audi Sportback PHEV has a slightly larger onboard EV battery compared to other compact PHEVs currently available on the market. The A3 PHEV 13 kWh onboard EV battery has a claimed 65 km electric range (WLTP), which again is a higher emission-free electric range, compared to other PHEVs of a similar size.
Of course, the real world EV range will be lower that the WLTP range, and will be impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, passenger load, traffic and road conditions, weather, onboard services used and more. A real-world electric range closer to 60 km will be more realistic.
However, for urban and rural driving, a 60 km+ electric range is more than sufficient. We strongly encourage both private and company drivers to take advantage of the hybrid capability of the electric vehicle (EV) by keeping the EV battery topped-up on a regular basis and driving as much as possible on e-mode. Audi claims a fuel economy up to 1.2 l/100km, and to achieve the maximum fuel efficiency, using the electric driving mode is imperative.
Also, where possible, select the maximum regenerative braking profile, to further enhance the efficiency of the electric vehicle. Driving the EV on e-mode has many advantages, to include: lower driving cost per mile, a smoother and silent drive, instant torque and more. Of course, most EVs also have an artificial noise generator to warn pedestrians and other road users.
The EV can be charged at home or at a public AC charging station. However, AC charging is limited to 3.6 kW, given the onboard charger capability. The EV is not capable of DC charging. For home charging, we recommend, charging overnight, when the electricity tariff rates are more favourable. We also recommend to charge the EV via a dedicated residential EV charger like, Easee. Yes, please avoid charging an electric car via a 3-PIN domestic plug!
The compact size of the Audi A3 PHEV lends itself naturally to easier driving and parking in congested city and town centres. Though the PHEV is practical, do keep in mind its limitations as a compact vehicle. In particular, the reduced boot size (280 L) due to the placement of the EV battery and also the Sportback exterior styling. But the EV has 4 passenger doors, so access is easy.
The plug-in electric car does not disappoint in terms of its sporty exterior style, interior quality or performance. The front-wheel drive (FWD) PHEV pairs the 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, achieving 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. Top speed of the PHEV is 227 km/h, sufficient for city and motorway driving.
The EV also includes a digital 10.25″ instrument cluster – the Audi Virtual Cockpit and MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch. Featuring an integrated power metre highlighting the system’s total output, driving mode, battery charge and remaining range.
Bottom-line, plug-in electric cars are good for the wallet and also good for the environment!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| A good option for city driving on zero tailpipe emission EV range | Small boot space (280 L) |
| Good electric range (65 km) | Cheaper city friendly EVs available |
| A comfortable drive | On board charger limited to 3.6 kW |
Gallery
The Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e PHEV (credit: Audi)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
| Body Type: | Hatchback |
| Engine: | Petrol-Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (2 Options) |
|---|
| Audi A3 SE 40 TFSIe S tronic (from € 45,740) |
| Audi A3 S line 40 TFSIe S tronic (from € 49,005) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 13 kWh |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 3.6 kW AC |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 31 – 25g (CO2/km) |
| Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh | € 2.10 |
| Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh | € 2.78 |
| Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh | € 2.87 |
| Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh | € 3.14 |
| Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh | € 3.37 |
- 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) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1450 |
| Width (mm): | 1984 |
| Length (mm): | 4343 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2630 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 10.7 |
| Boot capacity (L): | 280 |
| 40 TFSIe S tronic | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 13 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 65 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 15.1 |
| Fuel Consumption (l/100km): | 1.2 – 1.0 |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 3.6 kW AC |
| Top Speed: | 227 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| Max Power (PS): | 204 |
| Torque (Nm): | 250 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 1,635 |
| Colours: | 8 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Top 5 Jargons
There is no doubt, in that, for those new to electric driving, the terminology can be both daunting and confusing. We have chosen the top 5 jargons to help you get more familiar with electric vehicles (EVs)!
| Top 5 Jargons : Electric Vehicles (EVs) | |
|---|---|
| EV (Electric Vehicle) | An EV is any vehicle that uses ‘electricity’ or an ‘electric motor’ to power the vehicle. The electric motor derives its power from a rechargeable battery or batteries. In general, EVs are less dependent on petrol or diesel as fuel, and in the case of pure electric cars, not dependent at all, on petrol/diesel for propulsion. EVs encompass all types of electric vehicles, to include Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Extended Range Electric Vehicles (E-REVs) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). |
| Regenerative Braking | Driving at all times requires braking. However, on more densely populated roads, the frequency and intensity of braking increases, reducing the efficiency of the vehicle. Regenerative braking is the process of capturing energy, otherwise wasted during braking. According to the rules of physics, energy cannot be destroyed, instead it simply transfers from one state to another. The same principle applies to braking. The kinetic energy that propels a car forward is usually displaced or wasted as heat. Regenerative braking captures this kinetic energy, that in turn recharges an onboard EV battery, increasing both efficiency and electric range. Electric cars like Toyota Prius PHEV, Jaguar I-PACE BEV and Tesla Model 3 BEV use regenerative braking to increase efficiency and electric range. |
| Torque | Torque (Nm) is the measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. Torque is a key factor in determining acceleration of a vehicle and is defined as the engines rotational speed. Torque is most commonly defined as the force required to twist an object. For example, a wrench being used. The heavier a car, the more important is the role of torque i.e. the vehicle needs more rotational force to help it accelerate faster. |
| WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) | In a bid to continue to improve the quality of data released by automotive manufacturers (OEMs), on efficiency, range and CO2 emissions, Europe has introduced the WLTP testing procedure. WLTP is seen as a significant improvement over the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) testing standard designed in the 1980s. In general, WLTP data is more realistic compared to NEDC! WLTP has been developed with the aim of becoming a global standard, so that cars can be easily compared between regions. However, real world driving data will still differ from WLTP data. As an example, the real world electric range of an electric car can be significantly lower than the stated WLTP range, depending on driving style, driving conditions, weather, onboard services used and more! |
| ULEVs (Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles) | An ultra low emission vehicle is any vehicle that emits less than 75g of CO2/km and is capable of operating with zero-tailpipe emissions for at least 10 miles. In general, ULEVs release emissions that are at least 50% lower than petrol and diesel cars, by using low carbon technologies. ULEVs include all types of electric vehicles: BEVs, PHEVs, E-REVs etc. and are a key solution in improving air quality. There are currently numerous ULEVs available, to include e-cars, e-vans, e-motorcycles, e-mopeds and e-taxis. Examples include: Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, MINI Countryman PHEV and Renault Kangoo ZE. |
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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