Last week, Audi confirmed that the market should expect an e-tron model line-up across the range by 2020.
Now, Audi has revealed its latest e-tron; the Audi A3 e-tron prototype. It goes without saying that any fully-electric vehicle must possess some fringe technological innovation in order to attain a reasonable driving range that's suitable for normal, day-to-day operation. However, the Audi A3 e-tron boasts something even more innovative than anything found in its drivetrain.
Since the Audi A3 e-tron is based on a conventional internal combustion engine A3 hatchback, one will still find many components carried over from the standard model. One such part are the flappy paddles, two stalks behind the steering wheel used for gear selection. While internal combustion engines rely heavily on the transmission to select the proper gearing in order for the vehicle to run briskly and efficiently, electric vehicles only use a single-speed transmission, rendering transmissions as unnecessary.
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Rather than omit the paddle shifters, the Audi engineers have found a way to reinvent them as new controls that modulate the intensiveness of regenerative braking. Available in four different modes, the Audi A3 will adjust the amount of resistance encountered when the driver takes his or her foot off the throttle. For instance, if a driver is cruising along the freeway at a higher rate of speed, regenerative braking can be minimized accordingly to allow the A3 e-tron to coast when the driver removes his foot front he gas. Then, in city stop-and-go traffic, a throttle release will trigger a stronger brake engagement to harness energy.
Finally, there are three driving modes that allow the driver efficient, normal or sporty driving dynamics. Power wise, Audi claims its batteries hold 26.5 kWh of energy and its motors are capable of producing an equivalent of 134-hp and 199 lb.-ft. of torque. 0-to-60 mph takes a mediocre 10 seconds but given the current A3 e-tron is still in its prototype phase, we can expect the level of performance in the e-tron improve as testing and development continues.
While the Audi A3 e-tron does away with an internal combustion engine and transmission, the electric vehicle is required to take on an enormous battery array. According to Audi, the new electric powertrain adds about 400 lbs. of mass over the standard A3 hatchback for a total curb weight of 3,800 lbs. To counter the heft, Audi has upgraded its suspension.
Expect the new Audi A3 e-tron to arrive in markets no sooner than 2014 when Audi is expected to introduce the new A3 into the United States. Additional A3 variants include both gasoline and diesel powerplant options and even the automaker's first A3 plug-in hybrid.
Audi is expected to release its halo R8 e-tron all-electric sports car by 2014 as well.
Check out Audi's A3 e-tron pilot program in the short video below featuring a team of Audi e-pilots:
