Audi e-tron, the first electric SUV from the German automaker, debuted in San Francisco on Monday night. Two electric motors power the all-wheel-drive e-tron. A 95 kWh battery gives it what Audi says is "well over 400 kilometers" of estimated range, or more than 248 miles on a full charge. The e-tron seats five passengers and its battery can be charged up to 80% capacity in about 30 minutes using publicly available 150 kWh DC fast-chargers. By all appearances, the e-tron is instantly recognizable as a modern Audi four-wheeler: stout, muscular, and well-proportioned. Nearly all of its functions are controlled from two interior touchscreens. It's also the first new Audi to come equipped with Amazon Alexa built-in. The e-tron starts at $74,800. A midrange model goes for $81,800. The top-level "Edition One" is priced at $86,700. Audi is already taking preorders for the e-tron. Deliveries are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2019. Audi e-tron, the German automaker's first all-electric SUV is officially here, in the metal. The company pulled the covers off the five-passenger, all-wheel-drive e-tron on Monday night in San Francisco. It marks the latest evolution in the Audi brand, and the fledgling luxury electric SUV market. Two electric motors power the e-tron. A 95 kWh battery gives it what Audi says is "well over 400 kilometers" of range. That would equate to more than 248 miles of range on a full charge, based on European testing, Audi said. The automaker says numbers for the US market are pending, but anecdotal data, acquired from a handful of US road trips in a prototype e-tron, produced ranges as high roughly 270 miles on a full charge, according to Audi president, Scott Keogh. That testing included a 175-mile trip on one full battery charge, from San Francisco's Craneway Pavilion where the Audi event was being held Monday night, to South Lake Tahoe — a trek that starts at sea-level and ends at a 7,000-foot elevation. According to Keogh, who spoke at the debut event, the e-tron made it to South Lake Tahoe "with an estimated 12 miles of battery left." Some back-of-the-envelope math puts that right around 187 miles of range. Audi e-tron Audi "A very respectable feat, given that 7,000-foot climb," Keogh said, adding that Audi engineers let the e-tron charge fully before starting their return trip. "And then with the AC cranked, the radio blasting, two technical wizards at the helm, the e-tron made the 175-mile journey back to this very spot — but this time, it arrived with an estimated 94 miles of range remaining," Keogh said, which comes out to a roughly 269-mile range. The e-tron's battery can be charged up to 80% capacity in about 30 minutes, using publicly available 150 kWh DC fast-chargers. The range is on par with the e-tron's closest competitor, the Tesla Model X, which promises as many as 295 miles of range with a full battery. Audi e-tron interior. Audi Jaguar's I-Pace electric crossover boasts a 220-mile range. As with all electric vehicles, the battery charge is partially assisted by regenerative braking. When the driver lifts their foot off of the accelerator, energy that would have been used to slow down the vehicle instead charges the battery via the electric motor. Audi says the e-tron can recapture energy from most types of braking applications — 90% by the company's estimation. It says a third of the e-tron's battery range will come from regeneration. The electric SUV hustles from 0 to 60 mph in about 5 1/2 seconds, according to Audi, with a top speed of 124 mph. By all appearances, the e-tron is instantly recognizable as a modern Audi four-wheeler: stout, muscular, and well-proportioned. Nearly all of its functions are controlled via two interior touchscreens. It's also the first new Audi to be equipped with Amazon Alexa built-in. The e-tron starts at $74,800, before federal tax credits. A mid-range, "Prestige" model jumps to $81,800. A select few buyers will be able to opt for a limited "Edition One" e-tron, which tops out at $86,700. Preorders are already underway. The first deliveries are expected to land in the second quarter of 2019. Tesla Model X. Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider Why Tesla should be worried The e-tron ticks all of the right boxes for a next-generation, all-electric luxury SUV. It matches the Tesla Model X in some key metrics on paper: price, equipment, estimated performance, and estimated battery range. And Audi, unlike Tesla, has the benefit of a deeply experienced, well-funded global manufacturing infrastructure. Globally, the company delivered more than 680,000 Q-model SUVs in 2017. The same year, Tesla delivered roughly 46,535 Model X vehicles. Tesla's production struggles have intensified thanks to its mass-market Model 3 sedan. On price, it's tough to ignore that Audi customers can expect to spend less than $90,000 for a top-of-the-line e-tron, according to Audi, compared to a top-range Model X. It's not immediately known how much you'll shell out when available options are added. But when comparing one standard-equipped, $86,700 "Edition One" e-tron to a top-shelf, standard-equipped Model X P100D, which starts at $140,000 — both of which are priced before federal and state tax incentives — the difference is clear.<doc-sep>Three years after promising a game-changing battery-powered SUV, Audi last night took the wraps of its all-electric 2019 E-Tron model. The setting was a former Ford plant that once produced the Model A near San Francisco. With techno pounding and a swarm of glittering drones hovering outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, Scott Keogh, president of Audi of America, announced that online ordering of the 2019 Audi E-Tron was officially open. The first deliveries are slated for mid-2019. Pricing for the E-Tron starts at $74,800 (before delivery charges or a $7,500 tax credit.) This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. The first showing of the new EV revealed a familiar design. Beyond the 20-inch "Tron" wheels and new design accents flanking the brand’s iconic octagonal grille, the E-Tron's looks are not likely to stand out on an Audi showroom. The car glowed with splashes of LED exterior lighting across its tail and similar streaks accenting the wraparound cabin, giving a sense of floating. (Earlier in the day, Mattijs van Tuijl, the vehicle’s interior designer, aptly said the motif was inspired by a UFO.) Audi In an industry first, conventional mirrors on the front doors were replaced by small narrow slats mounted with cameras, with video monitors installed on the interior door panels. Using virtual mirrors rather than regular hardware improves aerodynamics, resulting in a one-percent improvement in range. Alas, the high-tech side mirrors are not yet legal in the United States, so American owners will get glass. Despite these flourishes, Audi’s strategy was not to wow the world with any single whiz-bang feature or a ludicrous amount of performance, but rather to deliver a sizable, well-appointed SUV that performs like any vehicle it sells. The E-Tron is positioned in the heart of the ultra-popular mid-size sport utility market. “The novel thing is that you get everything you would expect from an Audi SUV and it has zero emissions,” said Anthony Foulk, Audi senior product manager. In this case, those expectations produced a luxury all-wheel-drive model sized between Audi's Q5 and Q7 and loaded with a giant battery pack capable of providing about 250 miles of driving range. The charging system can add about 180 miles of range during a 30-minute pit stop. Official range numbers have not yet been announced. audi The E-Tron’s most important innovations were not visible at the unveiling. The electric SUV is the first designed to use an emerging network of lightning-fast 150-kilowatt public EV chargers. Audi expects this charging rate to become the new normal for electric cars, providing the ability to add 180 or so miles of range in about 30 minutes. Electrify America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen (Audi’s parent company), is rolling out 500 of these charging stations every year for the next four years. All EVs, not just Audi vehicles, will have access. The charging cables used in these charging stations are liquid cooled to allow this new level of power to be transferred without overheating. These developments might remind you of what’s already been accomplished by Tesla vehicles and its Supercharger network. But that belies a critical development that was introduced to the EV market last night: greater reliability. Sam Abuelsamid, a research analyst with Navigant Research, says, “We are now getting manufacturers building EVs that have experience in delivering vehicles to customers and providing proper after-sales support, which is something that Tesla has struggled to do.” He said that while Tesla deserves enormous credit for demonstrating to the world that an electric vehicle can be attractive and fast, venerable automakers are now stepping in to do the same thing. Audi, BMW, and Mercedes are all introducing electric SUVs in the next year or two. “Most people don't want to be dealing with the issues of early adopters,” said Abuelsamid. Audi Indeed, the Audi E-Tron shows that a midsize luxury SUV with about 250 miles of range is becoming a normal thing. Still, it makes me wonder what Audi might have done to deliver on its promise of changing the game. The concept version of the E-Tron had three motors, providing the ability to shift traction at speed with boosts of electric acceleration rather than braking. That would put the same technology used in car racing into the hands of consumers taking routine trips to the grocery store. Although this version of the E-Tron is a two-motor affair, its 5.5 seconds zero-to-sixty time is no slouch. Could we hope for a three-motor E-Tron at some point? "Keep your eyes open," says Matthew Matthew Mostafaei, Audi E-Tron vehicle manager. Audi will have nine more opportunities to deliver that kind of game-changing propulsion in the next seven years. The 2019 Audi E-Tron will be followed by a sportback version in 2019; GT and compact models in 2020; and seven more normal or not-so-normal all-electric Audis by 2025. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io<doc-sep>Volkswagen-owned premium brand Audi has unveiled the E-Tron, a battery-powered crossover, which is just about to hit dealerships, making the market of electric vehicles rather more choiceful for eco-friendly enthusiasts. E-tron, Audi’s first electric sport-utility vehicle (SUV), debuted in San Francisco on Monday night. The all-wheel-drive car is powered by two electric engines and equipped with 95-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that reportedly gives the e-tron “well over 400 kilometers” (250 miles) of estimated range on a full charge. Read more The Audi crossover that reportedly starts at $74,800 was revealed shortly after other European majors took some steps to challenge Tesla’s dominance in the electric vehicles market. Last week, Jaguar Land Rover presented its first all-electric SUV, the Jaguar I-PACE, which will be available in the US, starting at $69,500, in fall 2018. Earlier this month, the Daimler-owned Mercedes-Benz revealed the EQC sport utility crossover that will go on sale in the United States in 2020. Mercedes has not yet announced pricing for the new model. Moreover, a German multinational BMW has unveiled a concept vehicle of a self-driving electric crossover dubbed BMW Vision iNext, while Volkswagen-owned Porsche is preparing to start sales of its Taycan electric performance car at the end of 2019. Prices are expected to start around $80,000. The recent e-vehicles boom among the top-ranked car beasts will inevitably shake Tesla’s dominance in the market of premium electric cars. The manufacturer of the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle has recently faced some problems. On Monday, Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk admitted bigger logistical problems in Twitter responses to a customer complaint. In July, the carmaker was struggling to meet production targets for its Model 3 vehicles. “Sorry, we’ve gone from production hell to delivery logistics hell, but this problem is far more tractable,” Musk said in a tweet in response to a customer complaint on delivery delay. “We're making rapid progress. Should be solved shortly.” Tesla stock was up and down, closing off 0.1 percent at 294.84 on the stock market today. Volkswagen stock gained 1 percent to move above its 50-day line. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section<doc-sep>Audi has announced its first production all-electric vehicle, the E-Tron midsize SUV. While we've seen the "E-Tron" moniker for Audi's prior plug-in hybrid offerings, not to mention a whole bunch of concepts, this full-fledged EV promises to give the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace, to say nothing of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQC and Porsche Taycan, a run for their money. Now playing: Watch this: The 2019 Audi E-Tron electric SUV is here The E-Tron is powered by a pair of electric motors, though Audi's preliminary press information does not confirm any exact power output. Instead, the company says the E-Tron will be able to accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds, which is respectably quick for a midsize SUV, and will hit a top speed of 124 mph. A 95-kilowatt-hour battery stores the go-go juice, and Audi's initial press release does not confirm overall driving range. Considering the competition can go anywhere from 240 to 295 miles on a charge, Audi should be aiming for the top end of that spectrum. We should have official confirmation following the E-Tron's public debut in San Francisco this week. Exact charging times are also unknown, Audi's official information simply saying the E-Tron "debuts a DC fast charging capability of up to 150 kW available at select high-speed public charging stations," and that "this capability can deliver up to an 80-percent charge in only approximately 30 minutes." The E-Tron's 9.6-kW AC Level 2 charger, meanwhile, will be able to "deliver a fresh charge overnight." Regardless of charging method, drivers can expect a big boost from regenerative braking. Audi estimates 90 percent of braking energy will be recuperated, keeping drivers out on the road longer. Audi Should you find yourself with a bit of range anxiety, the standard navigation system in Audi's excellent MMI infotainment will show a suggested route with charging points, taking both the battery's charge and traffic conditions into account. Audi's Virtual Cockpit infotainment tech is standard on the E-Tron. This system is one of our favorites, thanks to its high-resolution display and ability to bring navigation maps front and center. Like the new A6 and A7, the E-Tron gets a pair of screens in the center console. The larger upper screen measures 10 inches and is used for most functions including phone, media, navigation and E-Tron settings. The lower 8.6-inch screen is used for HVAC settings and text input. By incorporating these two screens with Virtual Cockpit, nearly all conventional switches have been eliminated. Like the A8, US-spec E-Trons will not get the Level 3 semi-automated capability of Traffic Jam Pilot. Instead, a less robust adaptive cruise control system will be optional. This tech can keep the E-Tron centered in the lane and at a set distance behind a lead car, but it requires hands on the wheel at all times. The system can adjust its speed, taking into account local speed limits and upcoming turns in the road. What really stands out, however, is its ability to function in a Comfort or Sport style, depending on the selected drive mode. Measuring 16 feet long, the E-Tron promises to strike a commanding pose on the road once it comes to market in 2019. Though a grille isn't functionally needed for an EV, Audi chose to keep at least a facsimile of an octagonal-shaped opening, done up in platinum gray to signify its EV status. Lighting plays an important role in the overall design of the E-Tron. In front, the LED headlights are accented by four horizontal bars for a unique daytime running light signature. Out back, a horizontal lightstrip runs the full width of the car, reminiscent of the new A7 and A8. Inside, expect to find plenty of premium materials. A panoramic sunroof is standard, as is four-zone air conditioning. Available multi-contoured massaging seats should keep passengers calm and comfy while commuting. Behind the rear seats, Audi says the E-Tron boasts 28.5 cubic feet of space, more than the Jaguar I-Pace. Fold those rear seats down and that expands to 57 cubes. Sounds good, but the E-Tron dwarfed by the 88 cubic feet available in the slightly longer Model X. Pricing starts at $74,800, not including $995 for destination. The entry-level Premium Plus trim comes with 20-inch wheels, a 360-degree camera, 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, heated and cooled 12-way adjustable front seats and a full leatherette interior package. The higher-grade Prestige trim starts at $81,800 and adds a head-up display, driver assistance package, massaging front seats, a Valcona leather interior and dual-pane acoustic front and side windows. If you want to feel super-special, a limited First Edition trim starts at $86,700 and adds 21-inch wheels, a unique Daytona Gray paint job, orange exterior trim, black Valcona leather interior with wood inlays. Only 999 First Edition units will come to the United States. The 2019 Audi E-Tron will hit our shores during the second quarter of 2019. You can reserve yours now with a refundable deposit of $1,000. Regenerative brakes: Check out our first experience with the E-Tron's heavy-duty brake regeneration system -- on Pikes Peak! Battery tech: We take a closer look at the batteries beneath Audi's E-Tron. Side mirror cameras: Take a closer look at Audi's trick mirror tech, and learn why the US won't get it just yet.<doc-sep>
Photo : Audi A 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds, a top speed of 124 mph, maximum drive torque achieved in a quarter of a second. This is the 2019 Audi E -T ron, Audi’s first all-electric offering. (Full Disclosure: Audi was so excited to show off the new E-Tron , they flew us out to San Francisco, put us up for a night at hotel, and covered dinner. Some 1,300 people joined us.) Photo : Audi The E-Tron is the first of three all-electric models Audi’s aiming to launch by 2020, and one of them is likely to be similar to the E-Tron GT shown back in March. And it comes at a key moment for the still fledgling EV industry. Mercedes, Jaguar, Chevrolet, Audi’s cousins at Porsche and more are all upping their electric game big time. And Tesla, which spurred the industry in part to consider the potential sales power of battery-powered cars, has struggled mightily as of late, and now a bevy of automakers and startups are rushing to get vehicles of their own into the public’s hands. The E-Tron SUV is another cast member to the growing field of luxury electric vehicles, especially crossovers. Audi’s framed it as a versatile ride—for sport, family, and leisure. The E-Tron can pack in five bodies and has 28.5 cubic feet of space in the trunk; 57 cu. ft. with the seats down. The 2019 Audi e-tron Photo : Audi It’ll have some decent punch, too—a gallop to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 124 miles. Audi didn’t shed light on power stats, saying the figures will become available closer to launch, but the E-Tron’s two asynchronous motor setup is supposed to achieve maximum torque in just 250 milliseconds, which is no surprise for an EV, but is still pretty damn fast. Audi also tried to solved the charging riddle, a key infrastructure question for automakers trying to wiggle their way into the EV space. The E-Tron is engineered for both AC and DC charging, and has a DC fast charging capability of up to 150 kW, which can deliver an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. Audi didn’t disclose U.S. range estimates, but said earlier it could achieve about 250 miles based on the new WLTP European standards. To that end, Audi tried to allay any concerns drivers may have about long-distance drives in the E-Tron . The SUV will be supported by the Dieselgate-funded Electrify America charging network. That’s the Volkswagen-created network of fast-charging sites, and if all goes according to plan, it’ll have nearly 500 fast-charging sites in place throughout 40 states and 17 metro areas by July 2019. Audi E-Tron customers will receive a complimentary 1,000 kWh of charging at Electrify America sites with the purchase of the SUV. Audi didn’t want to go crazy with the design, and it’s completely obvious what it is upon first glance. It looks like an Audi. The E-Tron has an enclosed platinum gray grille that’s intended to mimic Audi’s AUVs, and Audi pointed out its continuous shoulder line that extends from the headlights to the rear. The E-Tron is being offered with three trims—Premium Plus, Prestige, and First Edition. Premium Plus is a funny way of saying “base” model, and it starts at $74,800, with 20" all-season tires, panoramic sunroof, 12 way power front seats that can be heated or cooled, and Audi side-assist with cross-traffic alert technology. For $7,000 more, Audi’s offering the Prestige trim, which tacks on a Heads-Up Display, driver assistance tech package, and individual contour seats with a massage function. To mark the occasion, Audi’s also releasing a limited First Edition trim, with 999 units being offered in the U.S. market. At $86,700, that’ll include a Daytona Gray color exterior, 21-inch bi-color black wheels, orange brake calipers to match the headlights and highlights surrounding the nameplate located near the charge port. Deliveries are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2019. Overall, it’s easily one of the most “normal”-looking EVs to date, eschewing the spaceship looks of the Model X or even the Jaguar I-Pace. But it’s nice, it’s premium and should be an interesting competitor in this growing space.