Audi debuts in the electric car segment with A3 e-tron

Audi, the German auto maker, is aiming to develop a battery-electric A3 that was called as e-tron at TED2012 in Long Beach, California. Pilot programme of A3 e-tron will be held at four places, namely Washington D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver. At these places, technical experts and engineers of Audi will explore EV practically in the real world and will see how this technology works in everyday use.

Auto buyers have showed a positive response towards electric vehicles, with the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt attaining good response from the buyers. Launching of this electric vehicle will be the debut of Audi in this segment. By studying the pattern of e-tron across many geographical locations, the company will monitor its functioning with changes in the climatic conditions, driving patterns and energy performances. This study will assist Audi in understanding the development of future applications of EV technology.

Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi America, said, “As part of the long-range Audi corporate goal of moving toward CO2-neutral mobility, there will be e-tron plug-in vehicle products exhibiting all of the performance and design attributes Audi drivers have come to expect. Audi is committed to refining Audi e-tron technology and we expect our plug-in vehicles to become a significant choice for our buyers within a growing line of advanced, efficient Audi powertrains over the coming years.”

Audi A3 e-tron is based on the platform of its A3 model, which is currently offered to the customers of United States in two configurations, namely clean diesel TDI and powered by gasoline. However, Audi A3 e-tron will be featured with a fully electric powertrain with a 35 bhp lithium-ion battery and zero driving emissions. Moreover, the maximum torque produced by the engine of this car is 270 Nm. In one full charge, the car runs around 145 km, with a top speed of 145 kmph.

Along with this, the company is also focussing over standardising peripheral technologies, useful for the adoption of EV. This also includes the setting up of running stations, where users can charge the EVs.