Electric Cars: The Basics
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The Audi SQ8 e-tron 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
For those seeking a high performance and sportier styled premium pure electric SUV, few can compete with the all-electric SQ8 Sportback e-tron. The e-SUV features a distinctive coupé-SUV roofline to enhance the exterior appeal and performance of the EV. 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 (4.9 metres), wheelbase (2.9 metres) and width (2.1 metres) of the SQ8 SUV and SQ8 Sportback are similar. However the key differences are in the height and the boot space.
The SQ8 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 (EV) is improved, compared to a more traditional SUV body style. The SQ8 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 SQ8 Sportback pure electric SUV is available in only one EV battery size: 114 kWh. Audi claims that the SQ8 Sportback e-tron can achieve an electric range up to 475 km (WLTP) on a fully charged EV battery. Of course, the real-world zero-emission electric range will differ from the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test procedure (WLTP) quoted range. Expect a real-world e-range closer to 400 km 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 electric SUV. The EV offers ultra-rapid DC charging up to 170 kW, as standard. The EV battery can be charged up to 80% in 31 minutes. At 50 kW DC it will take up to 1 hour and 18 minutes to achieve 80% charge.
The SQ8 Sportback e-tron 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 114 kWh will take up to 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, it will take up to 18 hours to achieve a full charge. We at e-zoomed recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to charging an electric car, this way, charging times are always shorter!
The SQ8 Sportback e-tron 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. Unlike the Q8 Sportback e-tron, which has two electric motors, the SQ8 Sportback e-tron incorporates a three-motor concept i.e. three electric motors.
A 124 kW electric motor on the front axle, and two 98 kW electric motors in the rear. This allows for a boost performance up to 370 kW. The rear motors are in constant use, while the front motor is activated on demand, to boost power. The all-electric, all-wheel drive SQ8 Sportback e-tron can achieve 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (maximum power: 503 PS/ torque: 973 Nm). The top speed of the EV is 200 km/h.
In terms of interior quality, equipment and technology, the EV reflects the premium price tag. The e-SUV comes with Audi Technology Pack as standard, which includes the premium Bang & Olufsen sound system (16-speakers/705 watt). The SQ8 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 SQ8 also uses the MMI touchscreen operating system, as is the case with the other Audi electric cars. The SQ8 Sportback has two high-resolution displays, 8.6 inch and 10.1 inch. Also as standard is a head-up display and multi-coloured interior ambient lighting.
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.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| High performance and good electric range | Cheaper pure electric SUVs are available |
| Attractive Coupé-SUV exterior styling | 22 kW AC onboard charger not standard |
| 170 kW DC/ 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard | Option packs are expensive |
Gallery
The All-Electric Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron (credit: Audi)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | Coupé-SUV |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (1 Option) |
|---|
| Audi SQ8 e-tron (from € N/A ) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 114 kWh |
| Charging: | 170 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 31 mins). Onboard charger: 11kW AC (0%-100%: 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 |
| SQ8 Sportback e-tron | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 114 kWh (106 kWh net capacity) |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 475 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | N/A |
| Charging: | 170 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 31 mins). Onboard charger: 11kW AC (0%-100%: 11 hrs 30 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 200 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 4.5 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 370 |
| Max Power (PS): | 503 |
| Torque (Nm): | 973 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,585 |
| Colours: | N/A |
| 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 2022, a total of 23,356 new electric cars were registered in Ireland. BEVs commanded the highest market share (67.13%), between the different types of electric cars, with PHEVs commanding just over 30% market share. The majority of the plug-in hybrids registered were petrol plug-in hybrids, with only very few diesel plug-in hybrids registered.
We can expect this trend to continue, given the significant increase in electric range, affordability and choice of pure electric cars in Ireland. Top EV brands in Ireland in 2022: Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, BMW and Volvo. Other popular electric car brands include: Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot and Audi.
In January 2023, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), accounted for over 20% of all new cars registered in Ireland. A total of 3,674 BEVs and 1,900 PHEVs were registered. The all-electric IONIQ 5 was the best-selling EV in Ireland in January 2023.
The government has set a target of 936,000 electric vehicles (EVs) 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.
| Top 5 Electric Cars (2022) | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 12.77% |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | 4.99% |
| Tesla Model 3 | 4.47% |
| Kia EV6 | 4.09% |
| Volkswagen ID.3 | 3.96% |
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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