The Audi A8 TFSIe Plug-In Hybrid Saloon: The Complete Guide For Ireland

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The Audi A8 TFSIe Saloon 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 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:

The Audi A8 is a full-size executive premium saloon vehicle. The car has been manufactured since 1994. The Audi A8 is now in its fourth generation and utilises the Audi quattro technology. The A8 saloon is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

When it comes to high-end luxurious executive saloons, there are very options for either a pure electric or plug-in hybrid variant. The likes of the Audi A8 premium-badge plug-in hybrid electric car compete with a handful of other premium alternatives, to include Mercedes-Benz and BMW PHEVs.

The Audi A8 saloon PHEV does not come cheap and has reduced tailpipe emissions (45 g CO2/km) compared to the conventional Audi A8 diesel or petrol variant (189g CO2/km).

Moreover the marriage of the internal combustion engine (3.0-litre petrol TFSI V6 engine), with an electric motor, increases the fuel efficiency of the electric vehicle i.e. lower petrol/ diesel costs! Audi claims a 2.0 l/100 km fuel economy, but of course, the real-world fuel economy will be impacted by a number of factors.

Nevertheless, taking advantage of the electric mode will result in higher fuel efficiency. To further increase the efficiency of the electric vehicle, we also encourage using the maximum regenerative braking profile, as often as possible. It does take some getting used to regen braking, but, it is not a significant challenge!

The Audi electric vehicle has a 17.9 kWh onboard EV battery with a claimed emission-free EV range up to 59 km (WLTP). Like the real-world fuel economy, expect the real-world pure electric range to be less efficient. A 54 km range will be more realistic. But leveraging the hybrid technology by driving on e-mode, will help reduce running costs for the vehicle.

Of course, to leverage the EV range, keeping the EV battery charged on a regular basis is key. Given the size of the EV battery, charging at home via a dedicated residential EV charger, like Easee, should get the battery 100% charged in just over 2.5 hours. The PHEV has a 7.2 kW AC onboard charger and does not offer DC charging. Audi offers a 8 years or 160,000 km warranty.

In terms of performance, the all-wheel drive Audi A8 does not disappoint. Despite the additional weight of the onboard EV battery, the A8 TFSI e is quick (0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds). The EV has a maximum output of 340 (PS) and 700 Nm torque, with top speed up to 250 km/h. Do keep in mind that the EV also benefits from the availability of instant torque. Yes, as you can expect for the price tag, the A8 offers a refined drive and on e-mode it benefits from a smoother and silent drive.

The exterior styling of the A8 PHEV is a good balance between traditional and new design. The EV is good looking without looking futuristic, so well suited for those keen on embracing new technology without feeling overwhelmed. The inside cabin is certainly luxurious and technology-filled. The drivers cockpit is well laid out and modern.

The EV includes: Audi virtual cockpit, Audi connect navigation and infotainment, Audi smartphone interface, head up display, camera-based traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise assist with emergency assist and more. In terms of practicality, the EV can comfortably seat adults in the front and rear seats. The boot space has been impacted by the onboard EV battery and the need to also carry an EV charging cable. Nevertheless the premium saloon offers 390 L cargo volume.

Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!

PROS	CONS
Attractive exterior styling and high quality interior	Expensive. Cheaper alternatives available
Good space for rear seats	Limited to 7.2 kW onboard charger
Impressive acceleration and performance	DC charging not available

Gallery

The Audi A8 TFSIe PHEV Saloon (credit: Audi)

At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:	Saloon
Engine:	Petrol-Electric
Available In Ireland:	Yes

Variants (1 Option)
Audi A8 TFSI e (from € 106,890.60)

EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 17.9 kWh
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 30 mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	45 – 42 g (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):	1473
Width (mm):	2130
Length (mm):	5172
Wheelbase (mm):	2998
Turning Circle (m):	12.5
Boot capacity (L):	390

Audi A8
EV Battery Capacity:	17.9 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	59 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	22.9
Fuel Consumption (l/100 km):	2
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 30 mins)
Top Speed:	250 km/h
0-100 km/h:	4.9 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Max Power (PS):	340
Torque (Nm):	700
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	4
Unladen Weight (kg):	2,375
Colours:	10
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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.

	Price: From € 106,890.60
	Type of electric vehicle: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
	Body type: Saloon
	Battery size: 17.9 kWh
	Electric range (WLTP): 59 km
	Tailpipe emissions: 45 - 42 g (CO2/km)

The Audi A8 TFSIe Plug-In Hybrid Saloon: The Complete Guide For Ireland

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Electric Cars: The Basics

Different Type Of Electric Vehicles (EVs): An Introduction

Electric Cars: Benefits Of Electric Driving: Top 5

What Is Regenerative Braking: The Complete Guide For Ireland

Benefits Of Green Energy: A Guide For Ireland

EV Charging Cables: A Guide For Ireland

How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car At Home: The Complete Guide For Ireland

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The Audi A8 TFSIe Saloon PHEV

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Electric Vehicles (EVs): Top 5 Jargons

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