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 All-Electric Audi e-tron S Sportback
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 Audi e-tron SUV was unveiled as a concept car in 2015 (quattro concept), at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The e-tron battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is the first mass-market zero-emission pure electric vehicle from the German automotive manufacturer. The EV was delivered in 2019.
If you are seeking performance, style and zero-emission electric driving in a neat premium badged package, well, the Audi e-tron S Sportback will not disappoint. The e-tron S Sportback is the first electric vehicle (EV) with the ‘S’ designation.
In fact, the pure electric S Sportback is the first production vehicle to boast three electric motors: one powering the front wheels, while two power the rear wheels. The all-wheel drive Coupé-SUV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and delivers a staggering 808 Nm torque. The top speed of the e-SUV is 210 km/h.
The Audi EV is available in one battery size (95 kWh). The automotive manufacturer claims a zero-emission electric range up to 362 km on a full charge. Of course, the real world pure electric range will be impacted by a number of factors, in particular, driving speed and style. Expect a real-world EV range closer to 300 km. Though not as impressive as some of the alternative electric SUV’s, still sufficient for most day-to-day needs and also weekend trips.
The e-tron is capable of DC charging up to 150 kW i.e. 5%-80% in 30 mins! We at e-zoomed encourage a ‘topping up’ strategy to EV charging and charging overnight at home when the electricity tariff rates are cheaper. The e-tron EV has a 11 kW onboard charger and is capable of three-phase EV charging.
However, as most homes in Ireland are powered by single-phase power supply, we cannot fully leverage this capability. Using a dedicated single-phase (7.4 kW) residential charger like easee, will fully charge the EV in under 14 hours. If you have access to 3-phase AC charging at your workplace, the EV can be fully charged in 9 hours and 25 minutes.
The all-wheel drive S Sportback is technology-filled and the interior is of high quality, as one would expect from an upmarket SUV. Standard features include: Audi pre sense basic, cruise control with speed limiter, lane departure warning, 360° sensors, MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch and more. In terms of practicality, the sloping roofline does impact headroom for taller adults seated in the rear, and the rear view visibility is impacted. The EV offers 615 L boot space.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
PROS | CONS |
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A premium performance electric SUV | An expensive EV. Cheaper options available |
DC charging up to 150 kW and 11 kW onboard charger | EV range not as good as some rivals |
Appealing exterior styling and high quality interior | Limited headroom for rear seats |
The All-Electric Audi e-tron S Sportback (credit: Audi)
At A Glance | |
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EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | SUV |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In Ireland: | Yes |
Variants (1 Option) |
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Audi e-tron S Sportback (from € 120,375) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
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EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 95 kWh |
Charging: | 150 kW DC charging (5%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0% – 100%: 9 hrs 25 mins) |
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 | |
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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) | |
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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 | |
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Height (mm): | 1616 |
Width (mm): | 2040 |
Length (mm): | 4902 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2928 |
Turning Circle (m): | 12.2 |
Boot Space (L): | 615 |
e-tron S quattro | |
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EV Battery Capacity: | 95 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 348 – 362 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 28.1 – 27.0 |
Charging: | 150 kW DC charging (5%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0% – 100%: 9 hrs 25 mins) |
Top Speed: | 210 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 5.1 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 370 |
Max Power (PS): | 503 |
Torque (Nm): | 808 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,620 |
Colours: | 7 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Top 5 Jargons
There is no doubt, in that, for those new to electric driving, the terminology can be both daunting and confusing. We have chosen the top 5 jargons to help you get more familiar with electric vehicles (EVs)!
Top 5 Jargons : Electric Vehicles (EVs) | |
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EV (Electric Vehicle) | An EV is any vehicle that uses ‘electricity’ or an ‘electric motor’ to power the vehicle. The electric motor derives its power from a rechargeable battery or batteries. In general, EVs are less dependent on petrol or diesel as fuel, and in the case of pure electric cars, not dependent at all, on petrol/diesel for propulsion. EVs encompass all types of electric vehicles, to include Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Extended Range Electric Vehicles (E-REVs) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). |
Regenerative Braking | Driving at all times requires braking. However, on more densely populated roads, the frequency and intensity of braking increases, reducing the efficiency of the vehicle. Regenerative braking is the process of capturing energy, otherwise wasted during braking. According to the rules of physics, energy cannot be destroyed, instead it simply transfers from one state to another. The same principle applies to braking. The kinetic energy that propels a car forward is usually displaced or wasted as heat. Regenerative braking captures this kinetic energy, that in turn recharges an onboard EV battery, increasing both efficiency and electric range. Electric cars like Toyota Prius PHEV, Jaguar I-PACE BEV and Tesla Model 3 BEV use regenerative braking to increase efficiency and electric range. |
Torque | Torque (Nm) is the measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. Torque is a key factor in determining acceleration of a vehicle and is defined as the engines rotational speed. Torque is most commonly defined as the force required to twist an object. For example, a wrench being used. The heavier a car, the more important is the role of torque i.e. the vehicle needs more rotational force to help it accelerate faster. |
WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) | In a bid to continue to improve the quality of data released by automotive manufacturers (OEMs), on efficiency, range and CO2 emissions, Europe has introduced the WLTP testing procedure. WLTP is seen as a significant improvement over the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) testing standard designed in the 1980s. In general, WLTP data is more realistic compared to NEDC! WLTP has been developed with the aim of becoming a global standard, so that cars can be easily compared between regions. However, real world driving data will still differ from WLTP data. As an example, the real world electric range of an electric car can be significantly lower than the stated WLTP range, depending on driving style, driving conditions, weather, onboard services used and more! |
ULEVs (Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles) | An ultra low emission vehicle is any vehicle that emits less than 75g of CO2/km and is capable of operating with zero-tailpipe emissions for at least 10 miles. In general, ULEVs release emissions that are at least 50% lower than petrol and diesel cars, by using low carbon technologies. ULEVs include all types of electric vehicles: BEVs, PHEVs, E-REVs etc. and are a key solution in improving air quality. There are currently numerous ULEVs available, to include e-cars, e-vans, e-motorcycles, e-mopeds and e-taxis. Examples include: Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, MINI Countryman PHEV and Renault Kangoo ZE. |
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