Audi has unveiled its e-tron prototype at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, in Switzerland. The prototype offers a preview of the German brand’s first all-electric model.
This is also the vehicle that is scheduled for launch in the South Africa market during 2019 or 2020.
The sports utility vehicle (SUV) has space for five people.
The production version of the Audi e-tron prototype can ‘fill up’ at fast-charging stations with up to 150 kW of charging capacity in under 30 minutes.
Current planning will see the production version of the Audi e-tron launch in the European market at the end of 2018, when more details about the vehicle will be revealed.
The car is produced at a carbon-neutral plant in Brussels, Belgium.
Compact SegmentIn 2020, Audi plans to have three all-electric vehicles in its product range, with a four-door Gran Turismo and a model in the compact segment joining the SUV.
Audi plans to launch more than 20 electric cars and plug-in hybrids by 2025, spread across all segments and concepts.
Testing ProcedureUp to the time the Audi e-tron is officially launched at the end of the year, the SUV will complete test drives on four continents, including Africa, as part of a wide-ranging testing procedure.
Audi is testing the preseries vehicles for customer-focused operation in all climate zones, ranging from below –20 ˚C to above 50 ºC.
In addition, intensive tests of the charging technology are being conducted worldwide.
In total, just fewer than 250 Audi e-tron prototypes are to be used in the tests.
They will cover more than five-million kilometres – roughly equivalent to 125 times around the earth and 85 000 hours on the road.