Audi announces pilot programme for Electric A3

Mar 1 2012

Audi has just taken another step into the world of electric motoring by announcing a pilot programme for its A3 E-Tron model.

The Audi A3 E-Tron is a five-seater electric car based on a standard Audi A3.  It features an electric motor with a power output of 60kW and maximum torque of 270Nm.  The lithium-ion battery with a weight of 300kg is able to store 26.5kWh of electricity at 380 volts.

Audi estimates that the E-Tron will be able to cover a distance of over 86 miles on a single battery charge ñ depending on driving conditions.  Its top speed is in the range of 90 miles per hour and it can accelerate from 0-62 miles per hour in a mere 11.2 seconds.

The car places a lot of emphasis on the driver, who has a choice of three different driving modes.  In efficiency mode the battery range is maximised and the electric motor is limited to 50kW.  In auto mode both the electric motor and the air-conditioner are throttled back to provide the best possible range.  In dynamic mode the electric motor as well as the air conditioner is running at full power.

The driver also has four power recuperation levels to choose from.  At the highest level, when the driver applies strong pressure to the brakes, this energy is preserved and the electric engine acts like a generator.  At the lowest level the car will glide freely as soon as the driver takes his foot off the accelerator pedal.
 

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