Audi A3 E-Tron Concept

A fully electric Audi A3 doesn’t generate much excitement, but such a car, the A3 e-tron concept seen here, can provide valuable insight into the status of EV technology within the VW Group. Based on the current Audi A3, the A3 e-tron is powered by a water-cooled electric motor that puts out 81 hp (up to 134 hp in short bursts) and maximum torque of 199 lb-ft. Audi is proud to point out that the electric motor weighs only 143 pounds. The lithium-ion batteries, however, tip the scales at a whopping 661 pounds. The batteries are located in three places: in the center tunnel where a Quattro driveshaft would normally reside, under the rear seat, and under the cargo area. The latter raises the cargo floor by about three inches compared to that of the conventional A3 Quattro. The batteries store 26.5 kWh—enough, Audi says, for about 87 miles of range. It takes nine hours to recharge via a German-standard 230-volt socket; no word on charge times using 120- and 240-volt U.S. standards.