Electric Cars: The Basics
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The Audi Q7 TFSIe PHEV SUV
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 Q7 is a premium SUV unveiled in 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The production of the Q7 commenced the same year. The Q7 also uses the Volkswagen Group MLB platform. The Audi Q7 is available as a standard SUV body style. The Q7 is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Let’s face it, in most cases, larger SUVs that are environment-friendly, far and few between. However, plug-in hybrid large-sized SUV’s are a step in the right direction, towards more sustainable driving, and the Q7 PHEV SUV is a good example to consider.
The upmarket Audi Q7 PHEV is a good all-rounder, for those keen to migrate to lower tailpipe-emission electric cars, but need a more spacious vehicle. For a start, driving a conventional SUV is not cheap, let alone, a larger internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol or diesel SUV. The continued increase in petrol and diesel prices, has brought the increased cost of driving large conventional SUVs to the forefront.
One of the many advantages of driving a plug-in hybrid electric SUV, is the lower cost per mile when driven on e-mode, and the overall increase in the fuel economy. Depending on when and where the electric vehicle (EV) is charged, the cost per km will be between 5 cents and 10 cents. The Audi PHEV has a claimed fuel economy up to 2.4 l/100 km, though not as efficient as some of the more recent plug-in hybrids, still significantly better than the fuel economy of the conventional petrol or diesel Q7 variant.
However, the key in leveraging the benefits of the electric mode, is to use it as often as possible. Therefore, adopting a habit of topping up the EV battery on a regular basis, and using the onboard EV battery range to its maximum, is imperative in lowering driving costs. Moreover, topping up on a regular basis is also good for the long-term health and maintenance of the EV battery. Audi offers a 8 years or 160,000 km warranty.
The Audi PHEV has a 17.9 kWh onboard EV battery, with a WLTP zero-emission electric range of up to 49 km. Depending on driving style, weather condition, passenger load, services used in the EV, expect a real-world range closer to 43 km.
Though the EV range is limited, it is still sufficient for shorter daily commutes: grocery store, high street, school-runs, work etc. Like most electric vehicles (EVs), the Audi PHEV incorporates regenerative braking to increase driving efficiency i.e. EV range.
The Q7 plug-in hybrid does not offer DC charging compatibility. The EV has a 7.2 kW AC onboard charger. Using a dedicated domestic EV charger, the Q7 PHEV can be fully charged in 2.5 hours. Though an EV can be charged using a 3-PIN domestic socket, we at e-zoomed discourage the use of a domestic 3-PIN plug!
The all-wheel drive Audi Q7 PHEV combines a 3.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, which is powered by the onboard EV battery. The EV has a maximum output of 381 PS and total system torque up to 600 Nm. Despite the weight of the vehicle, which has increased due to the placement of the EV battery, the EV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds for the 55 TFSIe quattro tiptronic and 5.4 seconds for the 60 TFSIe quattro tiptronic variant. Top speed is up to 240 km/h. Good driving performance and the EV benefits from instant torque, a smoother and quieter drive.
In regards to practicality, the PHEV does not offer a 7-seater option, but the 5 seat PHEV is luxurious and comfortable for rear and front seat passengers. The EV offers 650 L boot space. The EV interior cabin is completed to a high specification, as is expected from a premium brand, and the EV is technology-filled, to include, the MMI navigation plus, MMI touch response, a 12.3″ Audi virtual cockpit and more. The EV also incorporates a host of driver safety assistance technology, to include, pre sense front and lane assist.
The Audi Q7 EV has a claimed 55 g (CO2/km) tailpipe emissions, again much lower than the conventional petrol or diesel variant (209g CO2/km). Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| High quality interior and standard specifications | Onboard EV charger limited to 7.2 kW AC. DC charging not available |
| A practical SUV with ample space for passengers and luggage (boot space: 650L) | Alternative PHEVs have better fuel efficiency |
| Good driving performance | Limited zero-emission electric range |
Gallery
The Audi Q7 TFSIe PHEV SUV (credit: Audi)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Petrol-Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (3 Options) |
|---|
| Audi Q7 SE 55 TFSIe (from € 83,605) |
| Audi Q7 S line 55 TFSIe (from € 89,370) |
| Audi Q7 Competition 60 TFSIe (from € 93,800) |
| 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 and 30 mins) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 55 – 45 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): | 1741 |
| Width (mm): | 2212 |
| Length (mm): | 5063 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2995 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 12.5 |
| Boot capacity (L): | 650 |
| 55 TFSIe quattro tiptronic | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 17.9 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 44 – 49 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 24.5 – 23.1 |
| Fuel Consumption (l/100 km): | 2.4 – 2.0 |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs and 30 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 240 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 5.8 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | N/A |
| Max Power (PS): | 381 |
| Torque (Nm): | 600 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,450 |
| Colours: | 7 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
| 60 TFSIe quattro tiptronic | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 17.9 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 44 – 48 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 24.5 – 23.1 |
| Fuel Consumption (l/100 km): | 2.4 – 2.0 |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs and 30 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 240 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | N/A |
| Max Power (PS): | 462 |
| Torque (Nm): | 600 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,375 |
| Colours: | 8 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Top Reasons To Buy An Electric Vehicle (EV)
Never have the reasons to buy an electric car been more compelling, than 2022. The past decade has witnessed a significant maturity of all types of electric vehicles (EVs), to include, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). A BEV, also known as a pure electric car, is propelled using energy stored in an EV battery via an electric motor. While a PHEV uses ‘hybrid technology’, to include, an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor, to propel the vehicle.
One of the primary differences between a BEV and a PHEV, is that, a pure electric car, like the best-selling Tesla Model 3, has a much longer zero-tailpipe emission electric range, compared to a plug-in hybrid electric car, like the Toyota Prius PHEV. The reason is simple: a BEV has a much larger onboard EV battery. In general, the latest BEVs have a zero-emission range between 150 to 400 kms, while PHEVs average closer to 50 kms. Given the significant increase in electric range, improvement in EV charging infrastructure and attractive government grants, BEVs are fast becoming the preferred type of electric vehicle to own!
| Lower tailpipe emissions and lower air pollution i.e. improves air quality in the immediate area. |
| Significantly cheaper to recharge a full EV battery, compared to filling a full tank of petrol/ diesel. An EV battery can be charged for as little as €10, while filling a tank of fuel is over €100! |
| Cheaper to drive per km, compared to an internal combustion engine petrol/ diesel car. An EV costs less than 5 cents per km to drive. |
| Lower maintenance costs, compared to an internal combustion engine petrol/ diesel car. Pure electric cars have fewer moving parts, so less can go wrong! |
| Lower noise pollution, compared to an internal combustion engine petrol/ diesel car. Noise pollution is as detrimental on health, as air pollution! |
| A vast range of fantastic EV available on sale, for all budgets and aspirations. EVs have come a long way since the introduction of the first generation all-electric Nissan Leaf in 2010. |
| Attractive government subsidies to support the uptake of electric cars. Take advantage while still available. |
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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