Electric Cars: The Basics
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The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback Coupé-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
The all-electric Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is the range-topping EV, replacing the first-generation Audi e-tron Sportback. The Q8 e-tron is also available in a more traditional SUV body style. Both EVs are being manufactured at the Audi Brussels factory.
The Audi Sportback body style was first shown in 2009. For those seeking a sportier exterior styling, the coupé-SUV roofline of the Q8 e-tron Sportback will appeal. According to Audi, “the Sportback e-tron has the unmistakable dimensions of an SUV – with the dynamic silhouette of a sporty coupé“. Indeed, this is correct, in that, the length, wheelbase and width of the Q8 SUV and Q8 Sportback are similar. However the key differences are in the height and the boot space.
The Q8 SUV height is 1633mm, while the height for the Sportback is 1619mm. The Sportback has a smaller boot (528 L) compared to the SUV (569 L). Both body styles have a frunk (62 L). Also, 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 Q8 Sportback has an improved aerodynamic efficiency (0.24 Cd), compared to the traditional SUV (0.27 Cd). Moreover, for the latest generation e-tron Sportback, the drag coefficient has been reduced from 0.26 to 0.24 Cd.
The Q8 pure electric Sportback is available in two EV battery sizes: 95 kWh and 114 kWh. An increase in size from the original Audi e-tron Sportback, which was also available in two battery sizes (71.2 kWh/ 95 kWh). Audi claims that the Q8 e-tron Sportback can achieve an electric range up to 470 km (WLTP) for the 95 kWh EV battery, and an e-range up to 555 km (WLTP) for the larger 114 kWh EV battery. Both options offer marginally more zero-emission range, compared to the traditional SUV body style.
Of course, the real-world zero-emission electric range will differ from the manufacturer quoted range. Expect a real-world e-range closer to 400 km for the 95 kWh EV battery and up to 466 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 Sportback. 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 Sportback 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 for the latest generation e-tron continues: as an example, the Q8 e-tron Sportback 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 Sportback 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 Sportback 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.
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 SUVs are available |
| Attractive Coupé-SUV exterior styling | 22 kW AC onboard charger not standard |
| 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard | 170 kW DC rapid charging not available on all variants |
Gallery
The All-Electric Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback (credit: Audi)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | Coupé-SUV |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (6 Options) |
|---|
| Audi Q8 e-tron 50 quattro (from € 89,215) |
| Audi Q8 e-tron sport 50 quattro (from € 92,820) |
| Audi Q8 e-tron S line 50 quattro (from € 98,710) |
| Audi Q8 e-tron 55 quattro (from € 99,715) |
| Audi Q8 e-tron sport 55 quattro (from € 103,320) |
| Audi Q8 e-tron S line 55 quattro (from € 109,210) |
| 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): | 1619 |
| Width (mm): | 2189 |
| Length (mm): | 4915 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2928 |
| Turning Circle (m): | N/A |
| Boot Space (L): | 528 |
| Q8 50 e-tron quattro | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 95 kWh (89 kWh net capacity) |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 470 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100 km): | 23.7 – 19.6 |
| 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: | 6.0 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): | 555 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100 km): | 24.1 – 19.9 |
| Charging: | 170 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 30 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 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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