FAQ > Electric & Hybrid > Audi New Zealand

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<p>The official  EV range figures  are determined by the WLTP test. The test uses a standardised cycle and conditions to provide more accurate and comparable results between different vehicles, and is more reliable than the previous test (NEDC). However, it's important to note that the WLTP does not precisely replicate real-world driving conditions. It 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.<br>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.<br></p>

<p>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.<br></p>

<p>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.</p><p>  <br>All Audi e-tron vehicles offer the 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.</p><p><br>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.    <br></p>

<p>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.<br></p>

<p>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.  <br></p>

<p>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.<br></p>

 

Charging

<p>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.<br></p>

<p>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. <br></p>

Consider, on average, how much you drive daily to best estimate how much range you'll realistically need. <br> <br>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.&nbsp; <br> <br>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. <p> <br></p>

<p>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. Find a charging station in New Zealand.</p><p>Audi offers e-tron customers special access to a rapidly growing network of over 100 fast charging stations, thanks to a partnership with ChargeNet. <br></p>

<p>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. <br> <br>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.<br></p>

<p>Actually, it's simple—all you need is a charging cable and an electric connection. Over 90 percent 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.<br>To assist with this, Audi New Zealand has partnered with JET Charge to offer our customers complimentary home charging assessments.<br></p>

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

 

Battery

<p>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.<br></p>

<p>The battery has an in-built battery management system and is maintenance free.<br></p>

<p>Engineered for durability, safety, and driving dynamics, the Audi e-tron battery is covered by an 8-year/160,000km warranty – whichever comes first. <br></p>

<p>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.</p><p>&nbsp; <br>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 .<br></p>

<p>At Audi, we offer an 8-year / 160,000 km battery warranty on all our electric and plug-in hybrid models.&nbsp; This guarantee ensures you can charge the battery thousands of times without hesitation.<br></p>

 

Servicing

<p>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.<br></p>

<p>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.<br></p>

<p>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.<br></p>

 

e-Glossary

<p>e-tron is the product name for Audi’s fully electric vehicles. It means enjoyment while driving and unlimited suitability for everyday use thanks to the electric drive.<br></p>

<p>TFSI e is the product name for Audi’s Plug-in hybrid vehicles. Electric, hybrid or combustion – Audi TFSI e models combine the functionalities of a combustion engine with a powerful electric motor.<br></p>

<p>A vehicle with an electric motor that is powered by a battery, which is charged by an external source of electricity. There are two main types of EV's - Battery electric vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).<br></p>

<p>BEV equals ‘Battery Electric Vehicle’. A BEV is a car powered by electricity instead of fuel, using an electric motor as its only source of power. <br></p>

<p>An HEV has a combination of at least two engines, an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. Unlike most electric vehicles, there is no charging involved. Hybrid vehicles charge their batteries using the petrol energy and via regenerative braking.<br></p>

<p>A PHEV is an upgraded HEV with a larger battery and more powerful electric motor. The rechargeable battery can be charged from a power socket and the combustion engine kicks in during longer drives. Plug-in hybrids can drive using just their electric motor for short range trips of approximately 45 - 60km, which makes them great for city dwellers who occasionally take longer trips. <br></p>

<p>The Premium Platform Electric (PPE) is Audi’s new technology platform for electric vehicles. With it, the brand with the four rings’ is taking the next step in its transformation to a provider of connected, sustainable premium electric mobility. Electric vehicles based on the PPE offer a unique overall experience. One characterized by emotional design, typical Audi driving dynamics, ranges suitable for everyday driving, and fast charging times. The latest technologies from the fields of connectivity and digitalization complete the offering. As the first production model based on the new Premium Platform Electric, the Audi Q6 e-tron is taking electric mobility at Audi to a new level.<br></p>

<p>This term refers to a vehicle that does not emit harmful exhaust gases when driven. A zero-emissions vehicle must also receive its energy from renewable resources to fully qualify. <br></p>

<p>The WLTP is a global standard for measuring new car fuel economy, electric driving range and emissions.<br></p>

<p>CO2 is the main cause of greenhouse gases and a big contributor to global warming. It’s a colourless and odourless gas that is produced during the combustion process of running a conventional car.<br></p>

<p>Every battery has a lifespan that is determined by the number of charges it can undergo before it starts to lose its capacity. Audi uses lithium rechargeable batteries which are great at retaining their capacity for charging; even when used daily.<br></p><p>Audi e-tron models include a limited warranty* on the battery for 8 years/160,000km (whichever occurs first). Audi has designed a battery with independent cells that can be replaced by an Audi certified EV technician, which may prevent the need to replace the entire battery if any repairs are needed.</p><p>*8 year/160,000km (whichever occurs first) high-voltage battery limited warranty coverage on MY21 and newer Audi e-tron vehicles. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. Warranty coverage may not return battery capacity to an “as new” condition with 100% net capacity. See owner’s literature or dealer for limited warranty details.<br></p>

<p>Regenerative braking is designed to save energy created by braking and use it to recharge the vehicle's batteries. It harnesses the kinetic energy expended to slow down, and converts it into electricity, tapping into the ability of an electric motor to turn into a generator.<br></p>

<p>A system that helps our cars save on fuel by stopping the engine when we’re stuck in traffic or coasting down a hill. The engine starts up again as soon as we press the accelerator or lift our foot off the brake. This is great for urban areas where cars often waste fuel when stuck in traffic.<br></p>

<p>An electric vehicle that generates energy from hydrogen. The only emission is water vapour, making it a contender for the future of driving.<br></p>

<p>Electricity that’s been generated from renewable energy sources, such as the wind, sun and sea. This is the kindest type of energy generation for the planet as it doesn’t use our fossil fuels.<br></p>

<p>The more a vehicle weighs, the more fuel is needed to get it moving. Many manufacturers use a lightweight construction technique to save on weight, save fuel and reduce emissions.<br></p>

<p>A rechargeable battery that’s considered to be one of the best at retaining its charge capacity over hundreds of thousands of charges.  The Audi e-tron features the latest in lithium-ion multicell battery technology, designed to help optimise performance in varying conditions and hold its strength.<br></p>

<p>The term used for the charge capacity that’s lost over time with certain types of rechargeable batteries. It’s thought that batteries begin to learn your average energy demand and only provide that volume of energy instead of the full volume that it can reach.<br></p>

<p>Electric motors are the most efficient way to drive, however to get the most out of your motor, you need a powertrain that can optimise the energy recovery. We call this powertrain electrification, and the ultimate objective is to create one that is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).<br></p>

<p>AC (or alternating current) is the current supplied to our homes and work by the National Grid. It is most often supplied via a 3-pin socket. Because this current is easily accessible, it is the most common current used for electric vehicle charging infrastructure at home and on the public network. Your electric Audi uses a Type 2 plug to charge using this current, the most common plug type for electric vehicles. You can use the Type 2 (mode 3) AC charging cable that comes as standard with the car to charge with your home wall box or AC public charger (if untethered).<br></p>

<p>DC (or direct current) enables faster charging because it has a higher voltage. Only fully electric vehicles, like our Audi e-tron models, can charge using DC, and this electricity is only accessible via specialised DC chargers. All DC chargers will have specialist tethered cables attached to their units. To charge using this current, your electric Audi uses a CCS plug.<br></p>

<p>Standard charging requires an alternating current using a basic cable or a wall box, however quick-charging uses a direct current and can only be used at specially designed Combined Charging System (CCS) stations. In 20-30 minutes a battery can be charged to around 80%.<br></p>

<p>A modern, more intelligent electrical grid that allows us to use pieces of technology that provide information and communication, like smart meters and smart appliances. It enables renewable energy sources to be integrated into the system; such as plug-in electric vehicle charging. Eventually, the smart grid will replace our current electrical grid so we can rely on more sustainable sources of energy.<br></p>

<p>This is the total environmental impact of a fuel throughout its life span; all the way from its production to its final use. With crude oil, this starts at the drill hole at the refinery and goes on to include the network of filling stations and vehicle tanks – we call this stage the “well-to-tank” path. The final stage of the fuel being used in a vehicle and the emissions generated as that vehicle burns the fuel is called the “well-to-wheel” path.<br></p>