Audi e-tron becomes the world market leader in its segment
Audi has already delivered 17,641 e-tron models globally and that was just in the first half of 2020. It seems that the COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed down Audi’s market, in fact, it has seen an increase of 86.8 percent. The e-tron is Audi’s first fully electric model and has already blown past its competitors in terms of sales, even becoming the overall top-selling electric SUV in Europe.
It seems that the Audi e-tron is particularly popular in the Scandinavian market. In Norway, the Audi e-tron makes up 92 percent of the volume of Audi models. The Audi e-tron also makes up a significant portion of deliveries in Iceland (93 percent), Sweden (12 percent), and Israel (14 percent). While in the USA, the e-tron has recorded an increase in sales by more than 50 percent as compared to 2019.
It seems that large passenger-compartment space and long-distance driving range has played an important factor in the e-tron’s success. The e-tron Sportback 55, has a driving range of 446 kilometers. While the e-tron 55 offers a driving range of 436 kilometers. The e-tron also benefits from its fast charging speed, with a charging capacity of up to 150kW being available for a significant proportion of the charging process. The Audi e-tron 55 can be charged up to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. Audi has also said that the e-tron can offer a driving range of around 110kms with just 10 minutes of charging.
The e-tron Charging Service makes around 155,000 public charging points in 25 countries, all accessible with one charging card. Customers can charge their cars according to the local purchasing condition no matter if they are driving abroad and will not be charged any additional costs. With the myAudi app and the Audi navigation system, drivers can plan the route and activate charging points. To make things even more convenient, the driver is also always kept informed as to whether or not the charging terminal is currently available for use.
The e-tron is the beginning of a new era for Audi. “We will continue this success story.” Says Hildegard Wortmann, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing.
The Audi e-tron has proven to be a major success for Audi and already received many awards and achievements worldwide. Furthermore, Audi has plans to release more than 20 fully electric models by 2025, with the ‘S’ versions of the e-tron being just the beginning.
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What does the Audi e-tron cost in South Africa?
The Audi e-tron 55 quattro starts at around R1,850,000 in South Africa, while the sportier e-tron Sportback 55 quattro will set you back approximately R1,950,000, making it a premium electric SUV that competes with the likes of the BMW iX3 and Mercedes EQC.
Q: How far can the Audi e-tron drive on a single charge?
The e-tron 55 offers a driving range of 436 kilometres, while the sleeker e-tron Sportback 55 can travel up to 446 kilometres on a single charge, which is more than enough for a Cape Town to George road trip without breaking a sweat.
Q: How fast does the Audi e-tron charge?
The e-tron can charge at up to 150kW, getting you from 5% to 80% battery in about 30 minutes, and if you're in a real hurry, just 10 minutes of charging will give you around 110 kilometres of range, perfect for those quick top-ups during coffee breaks.
Q: Is the Audi e-tron worth buying in South Africa?
The e-tron is worth considering if you've got deep pockets and want a luxury electric SUV with proven European success, but South Africa's limited charging infrastructure and the hefty R1,850,000 starting price mean it's more suited to affluent urban buyers than the average South African motorist.
Q: What makes the Audi e-tron better than other electric SUVs?
The e-tron's success comes from its spacious interior, solid 436-446km range, rapid charging capabilities, and Audi's premium build quality, plus it became Europe's best-selling electric SUV for good reason, though local charging network support remains a concern in SA.
Should You Buy It?
The Audi e-tron is a brilliant luxury electric SUV if you can stomach the R1,850,000 starting price and live in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban where charging infrastructure actually exists. It's proven itself as a world beater with fantastic range, rapid charging, and typical Audi refinement, but honestly, most South Africans would be better served waiting for more affordable electric options or sticking with a hybrid until our charging network catches up. If you're wealthy, environmentally conscious, and mostly drive in major cities, then yes, the e-tron is worth buying, but for everyone else, it's a case of waiting for the market to mature and prices to drop.
