Just in time for the premiere of the e-tron Sportback**, Audi is introducing a standard technical update for its first electric product line. This combines optimized drive system hardware with software adjustments to improve efficiency. As a result, all versions of the e-tron SUV will come off the assembly line with an extra 25 kilometers (15.5 mi) or so of range. The new models are available now to customers in Europe.
* Information on fuel/power consumption and CO2 emissions in ranges depending on the chosen equipment level of the car.
** The collective fuel consumption values of all models named and available on the German market can be found in the list provided at the end of this MediaInfo.
“Every detail counts” – that was the principle that engineers working on the Audi e-tron applied as they succeeded in extending its range yet further. Future versions of the Audi e-tron 55 quattro** will be able to drive for up to 436 kilometers (270.9 mi) on a full battery charge (WLTP cycle), which is an additional 25 kilometers (15.5 mi) over its previous capability. Thanks to a new type of wheel brake, the developers have achieved further reductions in what is known as residual brake torque. This refers to losses that occur as a result of the proximity of the brake calipers to the brake discs. The drive system has also become more efficient. In normal driving, the motor on the rear axle provides propulsion as standard. Now, thanks to a number of optimizations, the front electric motor is almost entirely disengaged and disconnected from the electricity supply. Only when the driver requests more power do both motors spring into action. Running without power or drag losses, the major advantage of the asynchronous motor concept, is even more effective as a result. In addition, the usable range of the high-voltage battery has increased. The battery in the Audi e-tron 55 quattro** has a total capacity of 95 kWh and now gives customers access to a net power figure of 86.5 kWh. All newly produced models will benefit from the technical upgrade. There is no change to prices for the Audi e-tron 55 quattro**, which start at €80,900.
Highly efficient thermal management
The engineers have also made improvements to cooling. The highly flexible thermal management system, which comprises four separate circuits, has been revised and now regulates the temperature of the high-voltage components even more efficiently. Volume flows in the coolant circuit have been reduced, which means that the pump uses less power. The sophisticated cooling system continues to guarantee rapid DC charging, a long battery life cycle and reproducible performance even under heavy loads. The standard heat pump harnesses waste heat from the high-voltage battery to keep the interior warm. Depending on the outside temperature, that can boost the Audi e-tron’s range by up to ten percent in customer operation.
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SOURCE: Audi
