Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The Audi A8 L 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:
- 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 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 L luxury saloon is a long wheelbase version of the A8 standard variant, hence the ‘L’.
When it comes to high-end chauffeur driven luxurious executive saloons, there are very options for either a pure electric or plug-in hybrid variant. The likes of the Audi A8 L premium-badge plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) compete with a handful of premium alternatives, to include, Mercedes-Benz and BMW PHEVs.
The Audi A8 stretched long-wheelbase ‘L’ saloon PHEV does not come cheap. However, driving the A8 plug-in EV can still save money. Driving on pure electric mode is cheaper compared to using the internal combustion engine (ICE). The A8 PHEV tailpipe emissions are low (49 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 2.2 l/100 km fuel economy, but of course, for real-world driving conditions the vehicle will be less efficient. 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 58 km (WLTP). Like the real-world fuel economy, expect the real-world electric range to be lower. A 53 km EV 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 150,000 km warranty.
In terms of performance, the Audi A8 does not disappoint. Despite the additional weight of the onboard EV battery, the all-wheel drive A8 L 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 L 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, akin to a luxurious lounge. 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 |
|---|---|
| A refined limo with a high quality interior and specifications | DC charging not available |
| Excellent space for rear seat passengers | Limited to 7.2 kW onboard charger |
| Impressive driving performance | Infotainment system can be improved |
Gallery
The Audi A8 L TFSIe PHEV (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) |
|---|
| A8 L TFSI e (from € 114,480): 60 TFSI e tiptronic |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 17.9 kWh |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 30 mins) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 49 – 41 g (CO2/km) |
| Warranty: | 8 years or 150,000 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): | 1485 |
| Width (mm): | 2130 |
| Length (mm): | 5302 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 3128 |
| Turning Circle (m): | N/A |
| Boot capacity (L): | 390 |
| 60 TFSI e tiptronic | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 17.9 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 58 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 23.8 – 22.1 |
| Fuel Consumption (l/100 km): | 2.2 – 1.8 |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard 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) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | N/A |
| Max Power (PS): | 340 |
| Torque (Nm): | 500 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,405 |
| Colours: | 10 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Ireland: EV Market Overview
As is the case in a number of global markets, to include the European Union and the United Kingdom, the sale of electric cars in Ireland is also fast gaining momentum. In fact, in January 2022, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), accounted for 21% of all new cars licensed in Ireland. Put another way, more than a fifth of the cars bought in Ireland were either pure electric or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
It is also worth nothing the continued decline in the sale of diesel vehicles in Ireland, as families and businesses migrate to lower tailpipe emission electric vehicles (EVs). Diesel market share has declined from 34.2% in early 2021 to 19.7% in early 2022. We can expect this trend to continue for the forseeable future.
The government has set a target of 936,000 electric vehicles by 2030, with 845,000 to be private passenger cars. This will be approximately a third of the vehicles on roads in Ireland (currently there are 2.8 million vehicles on the road). Like many other governments, Ireland is committed to ending the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars by 2030.
The government is committed to the rapid adoption of electric cars in the country. The Department of Transport has committed €100 million for EV subsidies in 2022 (almost double the commitment in 2021). The grant for private electric vehicles is up to €5,000 on qualifying battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), do not qualify for the electric vehicle grant.
Ireland: Top Electric Cars
| Top Electric Cars | Type Of EV |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Volkswagen ID.3 | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Nissan Leaf | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Renault Zoe | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Kia e-Niro | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Kia EV6 | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
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