With 240 volts, the e-tron battery can be recharged in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Audi today announced U.S. prices for the all-new 2016 A3 Sportback e-tron at $38,825 to $47,725, including destination. The small hatchback A3 may qualify for state and federal incentives and tax credits, of course, but it’s time to rethink this taxpayer giveaway. The plug-hybrid will be the first electrified Audi sold here when it goes on sale in October. EPA figures will be announced when available from U.S. regulators.
The Sportback e-tron has a 1.4-liter engine with a six-speed transmission. Combined with a liquid-cooled, permanent magnet-driven electric motor, the A3 e-tron produces 204 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. A relatively small 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides electrical energy storage and is under the rear seat, allowing for a 13 cubic-foot trunk. The battery pack is less than half the size of the one used on the Gen2 Chevy Volt, which means its pure electric range will likely be limited to under 20 miles, maybe way under.
The hybrid comes standard with 240-volt mobile electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) which can also be used in a common 120-volt outlet. With 240 volts, the small battery can be recharged in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Recharging through a 120-volt outlet takes approximately 8 hours – nothing new here.
The e-tron has four driving choices, including full battery propulsion and a battery recharge mode:
• In EV mode, the vehicle is powered only by the electric motor for a smooth and quiet ride featuring quick acceleration
• Hybrid mode allows the car to select the most efficient power source – either EV, Hybrid or gasoline
• Hold Battery mode allows hybrid driving while preserving EV range for later use
• Charge Battery mode uses the gasoline engine to recharge the battery while driving at highway speed
• The electric engine can also supplement the gas engine to provide an extra boost of power when desired.
Standard equipment includes:
• Xenon plus high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights
• LED taillights with rear fog lights
• LED interior lighting package
• Power central locking system with radio-operated key fob remote control for doors, tailgate and fuel door with selective unlocking
• Automatic dual-zone climate control
• Three-spoke multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Audi advanced key – keyless start, stop and entry
• Audi drive select
• Rear view camera, with front and rear parking sensors
