EV Frequently Asked Questions | Audi New Zealand
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EV FAQs

Electric FAQs

If you want to know more about our electric range, wonder what owning an electric car is like, or run a business and are curious to find out if your fleet can run on electric, you’ve come to the right place. Find answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about electric cars.

Product

What is the cost of running an Audi e-tron model?  
You can expect the ownership costs for an e-tron model to be lower than a comparable combustion engine vehicle. Electric technology is less maintenance-intensive, which can mean lower servicing costs. Home charging is relatively low-cost, while some public stations may offer free charging. 

Use our cost-saving calculator to determine how much you can save by driving an e-tron. 
What is the range of the Audi e-tron models?
WLTP (real world driving test) sets the Audi e-tron 55 quattro range at up to 441km, Audi e-tron Sportback range at up to 452km, and the Audi e-tron S Sportback has an estimated range of up to 378km. The e-tron GT has a range of up to 487km and the RS e-tron GT has a range of up to 472km.

The official fuel consumption, emissions, and EV range figures determined by the WLTP test should be used as a guide only, or for vehicle to vehicle comparison. Actual results may vary due to factors such as driving or environmental conditions.

This is variable based on driving conditions, style, situation and terrain. The average New Zealander drives approx. 40km per day, meaning not only is the e-tron practical for everyday use, but the long-range capability on offer also makes long distance trips possible on a single charge.
Does the Audi e-tron range regenerate energy?
Audi e-tron models offer an innovative recuperation system, meaning they can recover energy in two ways allowing the potential of further range: by means of coasting recuperation when the driver releases the accelerator, or by means of braking recuperation when the brake pedal is depressed. In both cases, the electric motors function as a generator and convert the kinetic energy of an Audi e-tron model into electric energy so you can raise your charge level when driving.
Am I compromising on performance when buying an Audi e-tron model?
When it comes to performance, these 100% fully electric vehicles compromise on nothing. Whatever you thought you knew about electric cars – forget it. Audi has merged its electric mobility technology with more than a century of expertise in building premium performance vehicles.

All Audi e-tron vehicles come standard with our quattro® all-wheel drive system, which provides optimal traction and handling in all driving situations. The quattro® drive can be switched on as required – the results are a situation-specific torque distribution, flexible control of the axle moments and fun to drive on any terrain.

In addition, the batteries in the latest generation of electric vehicles are integrated into the car floor, giving it a shallow centre of gravity with optimum weight distribution. As a result, the dynamics of electric cars are breathtaking. You’ll never want to go back.
What performance do the Audi e-tron models deliver?
Our current e-tron range is: e-tron 55 quattro, e-tron Sportback 55 S Line, e-tron S Sportback, e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT.

The Audi e-tron 55 quattro and e-tron 55 quattro Advanced have a system output of up to 300 kW (in boost mode) and 664 Nm of torque. These SUVs accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with top speed electronically governed at 200 km/h.

The Audi e-tron Sportback has up to 370 kW of power (in boost mode) and 970 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. Our top of the range Audi RS e-tron GT has up to 475 kW of power (in boost mode) and 830 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds.
How safe are the Audi e-tron models? 
With all Audi models, safety is one of our top concerns, and the e-tron models are no exception. The e-tron range is equipped with state-of-the-art Audi driver assistance features that help ensure you and your passengers are as safe as possible. These driver assistance features—along with our high-strength construction, materials, airbag and safety constraint systems—can give drivers peace of mind when driving these vehicles.
Electric cars are quiet. Do they pose a traffic hazard if you can't hear them on the road? 
All our electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles have an exterior e-sound as standard, which emits an external electronic sound to pedestrians up to 29 kilometres an hour at a decibel level, the same amount as a petrol or diesel engine.  
What kind of accessories are available for the Audi e-tron range?
We have a wide range of Audi e-tron accessories available from your local authorised Audi Dealer to suit your needs and lifestyle including roof rails and attachments to mount roof boxes.

Charging

How far can I go on a single charge?
The range of an electric vehicle, like that of a combustion engine, relies on several variables, such as driving behaviour, terrain, temperature, and charging frequency. Most Audi e-tron models come equipped with the Audi connect e-tron route planner which can calculate the charging stops that may be required to allow the driver to reach their destination as quickly as possible.

Use our online calculator to compare the range of different Audi models, plus to help estimate the range for your everyday journeys. Planning ahead is key and adopting an economical driving style will have the most influence on range.
How long does charging take?
Charging times will vary depending on what model you have and whether you are charging at home or on the road. At home, with a 7kW wall connection, you can fully charge your electric car overnight. With a public 50kW rapid charger, you can usually expect to add about a 100 km range in 15 – 30 minutes. 
How often should I charge an electric vehicle? 
Consider, on average, how much you drive daily to best estimate how much range you'll realistically need. 

Keep in mind that you can charge at home every night, so your Audi e-tron vehicle can be fully charged and ready to drive every day. Most people will charge their electric vehicle just like a mobile phone - overnight on a trickle charge and at the lowest rate provided by the energy supplier.  

And with Audi connect, you can check the charge level of your e-tron in the myAudi or Audi connect plug and play app anytime, anywhere. 
Where can I charge my e-tron vehicle when I’m not at home?
The network of charging stations in NZ is growing rapidly. There are already more electric charging points than fuel stations, and the number is constantly increasing.

Audi offers e-tron customers special access to a rapidly growing network of over 100 fast charging stations, thanks to a partnership with ChargeNet. 
Is charging an electric car dangerous? 
Charging your electric car is very safe, even in damp and rainy conditions. As long as your charging station/connection meets strict legal standards, no electricity will flow until a secure contact has been established with your electric vehicle. 

You can also safely take your car through a car wash and open the bonnet in the rain. And your electric vehicle is as safe as any other when there is lightning.
Is home charging complicated? 
Actually, it's simple—all you need is a charging cable and an electric connection. Over 90 per cent of electric and plug-in hybrid charging takes place at home. With safe parking and overnight off-peak electricity rates available, it's no wonder. After an 8-hour charge, one may anticipate up to 240 km further range, depending on each home's infrastructure and the connection's capacity.

What if I do not have a private parking space for charging? 

You can use one of many public charging points. You can find a list of available charging stations here.  Employers and retailers are also increasingly offering chargers, so you can potentially look to plug in your vehicle while you work or shop. 

Battery

What is the Audi e-tron battery?
The Audi e-tron features the latest in lithium-ion multicell battery technology. The advanced battery is built within a protective honeycomb structure and has integrated thermal management, designed to help optimise performance in varying conditions.
What maintenance does the Audi e-tron battery require?
The battery has an in-built battery management system and is maintenance free.
How long does the battery last?
Engineered for durability, safety, and driving dynamics, the Audi e-tron battery is covered by an 8-year/160,000km warranty – whichever comes first.
What happens if I end up with an empty battery? 
Like a petrol or diesel car, your electric vehicle will warn you when it's running low. It will also switch automatically to energy-saving mode. Some electric vehicles have an integrated Car Net navigation system which will guide you to the nearest convenient charging station. 

Should something go wrong, as a driver of an electric vehicle, you can use our 24/7 Audi breakdown service by calling 0800 866 886 .
A mobile phone can lose value because the battery ages rapidly. Do owners of electric cars have to worry about this? 
At Audi, we offer an 8-year / 160,000 km battery warranty on all our electric and plug-in hybrid models.  This guarantee ensures you can charge the battery thousands of times without hesitation.

Servicing

How often do I need to service my Audi e-tron?
An annual Dealership visit is recommended to ensure all aspects of your vehicle meet Audi specifications. Like all new Audi vehicles, the Audi e-tron receives a 5-year Audi factory warranty and 3-year Audi motoring plan all included in the purchase price.
Does the Audi e-tron range come with Roadside Assist?
Any new Audi e-tron model comes with a standard, 24/7 Roadside Assistance package for 5 years / 150,000 km (whichever comes first), backed up with our nationwide Dealer network.
Do electric vehicles require special insurance?
This will be at the discretion of your insurance company, however our belief is that there is no difference regarding the insurance of an Audi e-tron vehicle versus any other equivalent-priced vehicle.