Audi has showcased the all-electric e-tron Sportback Concept at the Shanghai motor show.
The car, which is set to go into production in 2019, can cover a range of 310 miles on a single charge and accelerate to 60MPH in just 4.5 seconds.
It represents an important milepost for Audi along the road to electric mobility.
Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board of management of Audi, said: “Our Audi e‑tron will be starting out in 2018 – the first electric car in its competitive field that is fit for everyday use. With a range of over 310 miles and the special electric driving experience, we will make this sporty SUV the must-have product of the next decade. Following close on its heels, in 2019, comes the production version of the Audi e‑tron Sportback – an emotional coupé version that is thrillingly identifiable as an electric car at the very first glance.”
The e‑tron Sportback uses a configuration that will also be adopted in future production Audi models with all-electric drive: One electric motor on the front axle and two on the rear power all four wheels.
As previously on the e‑tron quattro concept, the technology study’s liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is positioned between the axles below the passenger compartment. This installation position provides for a low centre of gravity and a balanced axle load distribution of 52:48 (front/rear), giving enhanced driving dynamics and driving safety.
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Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
Glyn Holloway - 19/04/2017 10:41
As a teenager in the 60's I raced slot cars, electric motored, and knew then then that the potential for road vehicles was enormous. We used to rewind the motors for torque or higher revving and fit more powerful magnets. As much as I love a petrol engine electric is the future. Graphene and it's derivatives will replace lithium ion and will be rechargable in, maybe seconds? I wish I was young enough to enjoy the future or wealthy enough to experience the present. I do have an E300 hybrid Merc though!