Audi introduces e-Tron range into South Africa
Is the electric car really the future of mobility? Many manufacturers tend to think so and Audi is one manufacturer that has taken the bold step and developed an entire range of electric vehicles for customers. These include a range of SUV’s and high-performance saloon cars.
Here is what you need to know about these new electric vehicles.
Introducing a fully electric vehicle is a big step, introducing an entire range alongside each other is a bold move. Audi presented the new range of vehicles at the Night of Progress event where they shared their vision for the future of the automotive segment to the media, brand ambassadors, dealer partners and a few celebrities. The evening was a fanfare, a showcase of Audi’s commitment to a sustainable future.
One of the main attractions at the event was of course Audi’s all-electric four-door coupe performance sedan the e-Tron GT. It features a 93.4kWh battery with a power output rated at 350kW and an impressive 630Nm of torque. This combination results in a 0-100km time of 4.5 seconds.
We here at AutoAdvisor really do like the design of the e-Tron range. The car looks modern yet is overly designed, they don’t look radical. It looks fantastic and features many similar items to other Audi products, especially on the interior. We particularly like the large infotainment screen, lower climate control screen and the digital instrument cluster. The cabin looks similar to that of other Audi products and if quality is anything to go by we predict that the e-Tron will have a top-class interior.
Audi claims that the e-tron GT will be able to cover around 488km worth of range before it needs to be recharged. Which is actually becoming a relatively easy thing to do despite our strained electricity supply.
Audi South Africa is fully embracing the partnership with GridCars and has already commenced with the installation of the local charging investment project since December 2021 and will continue into this year.
The investment includes:
● Four 150kW (DC) ultra-fast charging stations, enabling +/- 340km in 30 minutes. These are planned for placement along major highway routes such as the N1, N2, N3 and N4.
● Five 80kW (DC) fast-charging stations, enabling +/- 185km in 30 minutes, also planned for location on major highway routes such as the N1, N2, N3 and N4. One of these chargers will close a long-standing gap (Richmond) in the route between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
● Twenty-four 22kW (AC) fast-charging stations, enabling +/- 100km in about one hour, at public lifestyle and recreational venues across the country and as part of Audi’s destination charging strategy.
● A total of 70 connectors will be available from the above charging stations, further growing the public charging opportunities for all EV drivers.
We have a few more questions that we will answer when we get the vehicle on test for a more in-depth evaluation. Make sure you follow us on social media so as to not miss out on our reviews.
