Electric Cars: The Basics
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The Audi Q8 e-tron 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. 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
Audi continues to execute its vision for e-mobility, since the introduction of its all-electric Audi e-tron SUV. The flagship Audi e-tron SUV has been replaced by the next-generation of electric vehicles (EVs) from the German automotive manufacturer. The all-electric Audi Q8 e-tron SUV is now the range-topping e-SUV from Audi. The Q8 e-tron is being manufactured at the Audi Brussels factory.
The Audi Q8 e-tron is an ‘evolution’ and not a paradigm shift, in either styling or performance. But subtle and in some cases, not so subtle improvements, strongly position the latest-generation e-tron, to build on the success and learnings of Audi’s e-mobility experience. Audi claims up to 150,000 units of the first-generation e-tron SUV have been sold since its introduction.
Audi’s current EV portfolio consists of 8 models, and the automotive manufacturer expects to have up to 20 models by 2026. The company is committed to becoming a ‘fully electric brand’ by 2030. This is part of Audi’s corporate strategy ‘Vorsprung 2030’.
The Audi Q8 e-tron is available as both a standard SUV and as a Sportback. The Q8 e-tron SUV reflects not only a new name, face and corporate identity, but it also reflects a more capable pure electric SUV. Do keep in mind that the competition in the electric luxury-class SUV segment continues to intensify, as leading global automotive brands seek to gain market leadership in the premium electric mobility segment.
The Q8 pure electric SUV is available in two EV battery sizes: 95 kWh and 114 kWh. An increase in size from the original Audi e-tron, which was also available in two battery sizes (71.2 kWh/ 95 kWh). Audi claims that the Q8 e-tron can achieve an electric range up to 455 km (WLTP) for the 95 kWh EV battery, and an e-range up to 535 km (WLTP) for the larger 114 kWh EV battery.
A significant improvement in pure electric range, compared to the first-generation Audi e-tron. The Q8 has an improved aerodynamic efficiency (the drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.27 Cd), resulting in higher vehicle efficiency. Also improved is the onboard battery management system (BMS).
Of course, the real-world zero-emission electric range will differ from the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test procedure (WLTP), which was introduced in 2017, to replace the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Expect a real-world e-range closer to 385 km for the 95 kWh EV battery and up to 450 km for the 114 kWh EV battery. Certainly, a useful and practical range for short and long distance travel.
Audi has marginally improved the high-speed DC charging capability of the latest e-tron SUV. The EV offers rapid DC charging up to 170 kW, but only for the 55 e-tron variant. The 50 e-tron variant is available with 150 kW DC. The 95 kWh EV battery will take 28 minutes to achieve up to 80% charge at 150 kW DC, and will take up to 1 hour and 16 minutes to achieve 80% charge at 50 kW DC. The 114 kWh EV battery can be charged up to 80% in 31 minutes at 170 kW DC and 1 hour and 18 minutes at 50 kW DC.
The Q8 e-tron has a three-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard, with the option to upgrade to a 22 kW AC onboard charger. If you expect the majority of the charging to be done at home, upgrading to a 22 kW AC onboard charger will not be required, as most homes in Ireland are powered by single-phase power supply i.e. in reality you will be charging at 7.4 kW AC.
For those fortunate enough to have access to 11 kW three-phase EV charging at the workplace or any other public charging points, the 95 kWh EV battery can be fully charged in 9 hours and 15 minutes for 11kW AC charging. At 22 kW AC charging, it will take up to 4 hours and 45 minutes.
For the larger EV battery (114 kWh), at 11 kW AC charging, it will take 11 hours and 30 minutes, and for 22 kW AC charging, it will take up to 6 hours. Of course, charging at single-phase (7.4 kW AC) will take longer compared to three-phase EV charging.
At 7.4 kW AC, the 95 kWh EV battery will take 14 hours and 30 minutes to fully charge, while 114 kWh will take up to 18 hours. We at e-zoomed recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to charging an electric car, this way, charging times are always shorter!
The improvements continue: as an example, the Q8 e-tron has an improved asynchronous motor concept. It has upgraded the previous generation 12 coils to 14, further improving the delivery of torque for the Q8 and also reducing the energy required.
The pure electric Q8 e-tron is available in two drivetrain options, the 50 e-tron and the 55 e-tron. Despite the weight of the four-wheel drive electric SUV (2,585 kg), the performance is impressive. The higher specification, 55 e-tron can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds (maximum power: 408 PS/ torque: 664 Nm). The 50 e-tron can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6 seconds (maximum power: 340 PS/ torque: 664 Nm). The top speed of the EV is 200 km/h.
In terms of interior quality, equipment and technology, it reflects the premium price tag. The Q8 EV has 40 driver assistance systems, supported by five radar sensors, five cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors. The EV also incorporates remote paring assist plus, which is perfect for those tight parking spaces. The Q8 also uses the MMI touchscreen operating system, as is the case with the other Audi electric cars. The Q8 has two high-resolution displays, 8.6 inch and 10.1 inch.
In terms of practicality, the SUV is only available as a five-seater, but offers ample cabin space for passengers. The EV has a boot size up to 569 L. The EV also has a frunk (62 L). For those unfamiliar with a frunk, it is a term used to describe a front storage compartment in an EV, perfect for storing an EV cable. As expected, the interior cabin is completed to a premium finish, reflective of the price tag. Though the exterior styling has become more attractive, Audi continues to maintain a more traditional look for its electric cars.
As is the trend now with global automotive manufacturers, Audi is also keen to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, in particular, in regards to materials used for production. Audi has used recycled materials for insulation, damping and carpeting. The EV also incorporates recycled automotive plastic waste. The Q8 e-tron is expected to be certified as net-carbon-neutral for customers in Europe and the USA.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Improved and good pure electric range | Cheaper pure electric SUV are available |
| Technology-filled | 22 kW AC onboard charger not standard |
| 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard | 170 kW DC charging not standard on all variants |
Gallery
The All-Electric Audi Q8 e-tron SUV (credit: Audi)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (6 Options) |
|---|
| Audi Q8 e-tron Advance 50 quattro (from € 86,400) |
| Audi Q8 e-tron sport 50 quattro (from € 90,005) |
| Audi Q8 e-tron S line 50 quattro (from € 95,895) |
| Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Advance quattro (from € 96,900) |
| Audi Q8 e-tron sport 55 quattro (from € 100,505) |
| Audi Q8 e-tron S line 55 quattro (from € 106,395) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 95 kWh/ 114 kWh |
| Charging: | 170 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 28-31 mins). Onboard charger: 11kW AC (0%-100%: 9.15 hrs – 11.30 hrs) |
| 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): | 1633 |
| Width (mm): | 2189 |
| Length (mm): | 4915 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2928 |
| Turning Circle (m): | N/A |
| Boot Space (L): | 569 |
| Q8 50 e-tron quattro | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 95 kWh (89 kWh net capacity) |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 455 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 23.9 – 20.1 |
| Charging: | 150 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 28 mins). Onboard charger: 11kW AC (0%-100%: 9 hrs 15 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 200 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 6 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 250 |
| Max Power (PS): | 340 |
| Torque (Nm): | 664 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,585 |
| Colours: | 9 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
| Q8 55 e-tron quattro | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 114 kWh (106 kWh net capacity) |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 535 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 24.4 – 20.6 |
| Charging: | 170 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 31 mins). Onboard charger: 11kW AC (0%-100%: 11 hrs 30 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 200 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 300 |
| Max Power (PS): | 408 |
| Torque (Nm): | 664 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,585 |
| Colours: | 9 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Longest Range Plug-In Hybrid Electric Cars: Top 5
The continued improvement in the development of electric cars is not limited to only pure electric cars, also known as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). In fact, we have also witnessed improvements for the latest-generation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In particular, increased range and lower emissions.
In the list below of longest-range PHEVs, all EVs have a claimed WLTP e-range over 100 km. Leading the pack is the Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid with an emission-free electric range up to 114 km. In regards to tailpipe emissions, Mercedes PHEVs top the list with tailpipe emissions as low as 13g (CO2/km), significantly lower compared to the conventional petrol or diesel variants!
Though historically, plug-in hybrids have played an important role in the migration from conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicles to all-electric cars, given the significant improvement in the e-range of pure electric cars, the role of PHEVs has reduced in importance. We can expect this trend to continue, as automotive manufacturers focus on developing and delivering pure electric cars. We at e-zoomed expect plug-in hybrid cars to become redundant in due course.
In general, we recommend buying a pure electric car, however, with those with very limited access to EV charging infrastructure and need to drive long distance on a regular basis, to consider a PHEV. Do keep in mind, for most families, day-to-day driving needs are limited to short journeys i.e. school runs, grocery store, gym, work, high street etc. Most of the latest-generation of pure electric cars can meet this need!
| Brand/ Model | Battery Size (kWh) | Electric Range (WLTP) | Tailpipe Emissions (CO2/km) | Body Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz C Class Plug-In Hybrid | 25.4 kWh | 104 km | 13g (CO2/km) | Estate |
| Mercedes-Benz C Class Plug-In Hybrid | 25.4 kWh | 110 km | 13g (CO2/km) | Saloon |
| Mercedes-Benz S Class Plug-In Hybrid | 28.6 kWh | 101 km | 19g (CO2/km) | Saloon |
| Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid | 38.2 kWh | 114 km | 20 – 18g (CO2/km) | SUV |
| Range Rover Plug-In Hybrid | 38.2 kWh | 112 km | 21 – 18g (CO2/km) | SUV |
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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