Here's how the Audi E-Tron recharges so quickly

2020 Audi e-tron — Two flavors of the Audi E-Tron are offered.
Audi

The driving range is an important concern for owners of electric cars and drivers who are considering one. However, according to Audi employees, it should not always be about the distance that a battery-electric vehicle can travel between charging processes. How quickly you can be juiced is also important.

Compared to other electric vehicles, the four-ring brand is E-Tron Crossover does not offer the greatest range. In America is both the standard version and the rougher one Sportback Siblings have a lithium-ion battery with a gross capacity of 95 kilowatt hours. This offers an EPA-estimated range of 204 miles in the regular E-Tron and 14 more in the Sportback. These numbers are certainly usable, but they are far behind the 316 miles you will reach in the long run Tesla Model Y. or even a Jaguar I-Pace that can travel an estimated 234 miles between charges.

In Europe, this version of the vehicle is called E-Tron 55, but E-Tron 50 models are also offered. The 50 has a smaller battery, which has a shorter range, lower performance and a correspondingly lower price. There are currently no plans to offer E-Tron 50 variants in the U.S., Audi told Roadshow in a web conference this week.

These Audis differ from other electric vehicles in how quickly their range can be replenished. When connected to a high-performance charging terminal with 150 kW direct current, the E-Tron 55 models can switch from a charge level of 5% to full in about 45 minutes. After only 10 minutes of charging time, they can achieve a range of around 110 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. Exit the freeway for a cup of coffee and you can be ready to get back on the road before your double espresso shot has cooled enough to take a sip. Cheaper E-Tron 50 variants can only be charged with an output of up to 120 kW. However, the charging curve is very similar to that of the 55 models, which means that the total charging times are very similar due to the smaller battery.

Audi engineers have managed to expand the charging curve of E-Tron models. This enables them to charge at their peak rate over longer periods of time, which shortens the total charging times. In comparison, competing electric vehicles only reach their peak charge rate for a short time before throttling back. If the temperatures are not too extreme, the Audi models can keep this rate between a charge level of 5% and about 70%.

Compared to the E-Tron, Jaguars I-Pace Commercial vehicles can be charged from empty to 80% within 40 minutes by connecting them to a DC fast charger. The Chevrolet Bolt can reach 100 miles in 30 minutes if connected to the same type of charger.

What is the secret of Audi? In short, careful heat management. The liquid-cooled battery of the E-Tron can be held between 77 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal charging. To accomplish this, approximately 5.8 gallons of coolant is circulated through approximately 131 feet of cooling lines. This helps to keep the battery in its happy place even after a hard workout or in extreme temperatures.

A special heat-conducting adhesive gel ensures that excess heat is transferred from the battery cells to the coolant, and attaches the discrete cooling unit to the battery housing. The separation of these main components offers an additional advantage: more safety in the event of an accident.

Fast charging is not very important in normal use because an electric vehicle can be connected all day at home or at work and can slowly absorb energy there all day. However, fast charging is crucial on long-distance journeys where you don’t want to wait for hours while your electric car is “filling up”.

They may not offer the greatest range, but there are still many reasons to consider an E-Tron crossover, from their beautiful looks to the advanced technology they offer. Another reason is the protection that Audi offers. The battery of the E-Tron is guaranteed for 8 years / 100,000 miles, which guarantees that at least 70% of its charging capacity is retained.