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 Q8 TFSIe PHEV 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. 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 Q8 is a premium SUV launched in 2018. The Q8 is a flagship model of the German automotive group and is manufactured at the Volkswagen Bratislava plant. The Audi Q8 is available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
If you like the Audi Q7 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, but are keen on a sportier exterior design, the Audi Q8, is your best option for a spacious, but stylish large-sized environment-friendly coupè-SUV. Though the Q8 and Q7, have much in common, the Q8 sloping roofline sets it apart from the Q7.
One of the many advantages of driving a plug-in hybrid electric SUV, is the lower cost per mile when driven on e-mode, and the overall increase in fuel economy. The Audi PHEV has a claimed fuel economy up to 2.6 l/100km, significantly better than the fuel economy of the conventional petrol or diesel variant. However, the key in leveraging the benefits of the electric mode, is to use it as often as possible.
Therefore, adopting a habit of topping-up on a regular basis, and using the onboard EV battery range to its maximum, is imperative in lowering driving costs. Put another way, achieving anything close to the manufacturers claimed fuel economy will require driving the EV on e-mode as much as possible.
The Audi PHEV has a 17.9 kWh onboard EV battery with a WLTP zero-emission electric range of up to 48 km. Depending on driving style, weather condition, passenger load, services used in the EV, expect a real world range closer to 42 km.
Though the EV range is limited, it is still sufficient for shorter commutes. Like most electric vehicles (EVs), the Audi PHEV incorporates regenerative braking to increase driving efficiency i.e. EV range. The onboard charger is limited to 7.2 kW AC and can be charged overnight via a dedicated domestic EV charger.
The all-wheel drive PHEV combines a 3.0 litre V6 petrol engine with an electric motor, which is powered by the onboard EV battery. The EV has a maximum output of 381 PS and total system torque up to 600 Nm. Despite the weight of the vehicle, which has increased due to the placement of the EV battery, the EV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds for the 55 TFSIe quattro tiptronic variant. Top speed is up to 240 km/h. Bottom-line, good driving performance and the EV benefits from instant torque, a smoother and quieter drive.
In regards to practicality, the PHEV does not offer a 7-seater option, but the 5 seat PHEV is luxurious and comfortable for rear and front seat passengers. The roofline does impact headroom for taller passengers in the rear, but there is ample legroom. The EV offers 505 L boot space.
The EV interior cabin is completed to a high specification, as is expected from a premium brand, and the EV is technology-filled, to include, the MMI navigation plus, MMI touch response, a 12.3″ Audi virtual cockpit and more. The EV also incorporates a host of driver safety assistance technology, to include, pre sense front and lane assist.
The Audi Q8 EV has a claimed 60 – 52 g (CO2/km) tailpipe emissions, again much lower than the conventional petrol or diesel variant. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| High standard specifications and tech | Limited electric range (48 km) |
| Good exterior styling and practical | Does not have a seven-seat option |
| A comfortable drive | High tailpipe emissions and low fuel efficiecy compared to alternative PHEVs |
Gallery
The Audi Q8 TFSIe PHEV SUV (credit: Audi)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Petrol-Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (2 Options) |
|---|
| Audi Q8 S line 55 TFSIe (from € 98,898) |
| Audi Q8 Competition 60 TFSIe (from € 105,293.83) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 17.9 kWh |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 60 – 52 g (CO2/km) |
| Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 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): | 1705 |
| Width (mm): | 2190 |
| Length (mm): | 4986 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2995 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 13.3 |
| Boot capacity (L): | 505 |
| 55 TFSIe | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 17.9 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 45 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 25 – 24 |
| Fuel Consumption (l/100km): | 2.6 – 2.3 |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC |
| Top Speed: | 240 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 5.8 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Max Power (PS): | 381 |
| Torque (Nm): | 600 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,515 |
| Colours: | 5 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
| 60 TFSIe | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 17.9 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 48 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 25 – 24.2 |
| Fuel Consumption (l/100km): | 2.6 – 2.3 |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC |
| Top Speed: | 240 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Max Power (PS): | 462 |
| Torque (Nm): | 700 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,515 |
| Colours: | 5 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Air Quality: An Overview
If there is one common theme that unites many of us, it is the concern over worsening air quality in our villages, towns and cities. This concern is not unique to Ireland, but a narrative that is now firmly centre stage globally. The detrimental health consequences of higher pollution, in particular, on the vulnerable, like children and the elderly is significant, and well documented.
According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), the PM2.5 concentration in Ireland is currently 1.6 times higher than the WHO annual air quality guideline value. WHO has described air pollution as the ‘single biggest environmental health risk’, leading to an increase in the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases.
Electric vehicles and in particular, zero-tailpipe emission EVs, also known as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), help improve local air quality i.e. a pure electric car does not have a tailpipe/ exhaust, hence, zero-tailpipe emissions! Without an iota of doubt, all types of EVs, to include, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are better for improving air quality, compared to conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. We encourage all drivers in Ireland to migrate to lower emission electric driving.
| Type Of Pollutants |
|---|
| Particulate matter (PM or PM 2.5) |
| Ammonia (NH3) |
| Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) |
| Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) |
| Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCS) |
| Primary Sources Of Pollutants |
|---|
| Road transportation |
| Industrial processes |
| Farming and agricultural processes |
| Waste industry |
| Energy generation |
| Domestic burning |
| Other forms of transportation, such as aviation, shipping and railroads |
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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