The Audi e-Tron Quattro 2019 makes its world debut in San Francisco

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Tesla won. It is not in the sense that the Silicon Valley electric vehicle manufacturer has taken over the industry because they probably do not do it. But in the sense that the ultimate goal of the founders was to push the industry to electrification. Regardless of whether the Tesla share price is $ 4,000 or zero, virtually every major automaker is selling or will soon sell attractive zero-emission vehicles. Audi joins the party this week with its new e-Tron quattro that was unveiled today in San Francisco.

We saw for the first time the e-Tron quattro as a concept presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2015 and, even though the details have changed, the basic form has been fairly faithful. The bright light bars in the grid are now vertical rather than horizontal and now have real door handles. The platinum gray trim of the grille is an element that Audi will use to distinguish between electric models and internal combustion vehicles.

The e-Tron will be the first volume production car to avoid exterior mirrors in favor of a camera-based system called virtual mirrors. However, unlike the concept of getting the cameras out of the front fenders, the production model mounted them at the base of the A pillars, where the mirrors are usually equipped with monitors mounted on the front edge of the interior door panel near where the drivers would normally watch.

The removal of large exterior mirrors reduces aerodynamic drag from 0.28 on the US commercial version to 0.27. This reduction in drag adds about one kilometer of range per charge while reducing wind noise and ensuring the driver gets a consistent view no matter where it is. The camera view will be displayed on a pair of OLED screens. Since each pixel generates light from an OLED, when there is nothing behind the vehicle at night, the display is dark, which avoids distracting light from the light. driver. Unfortunately, virtual mirrors are currently not legal in the United States, but Audi lends an e-Tron to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for evaluation in hopes of seeing current regulations regarding modified mirrors.

In terms of size, the five-seater e-Tron lies between the existing Q5 and Q7, but closer to the end of the Q7. The overall profile is closer to the new Q8 with its rear window tilted forward, as opposed to the more vertical position of the Q7. The e-Tron is based on a further development of the Audi MLB-evo platform architecture used by the Q7 and shares some structural, suspension and electrical architecture systems .

It's all about "e"

Of course, a design that fits perfectly with the rest of the Audi range is not really important for e-Tron. This is the propulsion system. While Audi had already promised to build electric versions of the R8, it was never produced in series. This vehicle is the first mass-produced electric vehicle and uses state-of-the-art technology for the second half of 2018.

Like most other dedicated electric vehicles, Audi has developed a skateboard architecture with a large flat battery pack filling the space between the axles. The 13.4-inch-thick bag weighs 1543 pounds and measures 90 inches long by 63.6 inches wide. Inside, 36 modules each containing a dozen lithium-ion pocket cells.

Initially, Audi does not offer a capacity of 95 kWh and the European homologation is not yet complete. On the World Light Service Test Protocol (WLTP), currently used in Europe, the e-Tron is expected to have a range of about 400 km (249 miles). The WLTP is now much closer to the EPA driving cycles than the old European test. While Audi does not talk about the autonomy of the US market, it will probably be between 230 and 240 miles.

When Audi introduced the original concept three years ago, the company announced its intention to source from LG Chem and Samsung SDI. Both companies produce smaller cylindrical cells, such as those used by Tesla, but also produce large-format cells like those used by Audi and most other automakers outside of China. However, since Samsung currently produces only large box-type prism cells, the pocket cells of the first e-Trons probably come from LG Chem. Jaguar also uses LG Chem cells in the i-Pace battery pack.

Dr. Ulrich Widmann, Director of Operations, Head of Technical Development, explained that Audi has worked closely with its cell suppliers to optimize safety chemistry and fast charge capability.

Ensuring consistent battery performance and durability requires careful thermal management inside the pack. This is one of the areas where it is generally thought that these large flat cells have an advantage over cylindrical cells. Coolant passages can be more easily installed between cells and modules to maintain a uniform temperature gradient across the cell. The e-Tron package and the electric system run at 396 volts, half of what the next year's Taycan will do.

Each sealed module is enclosed in aluminum and separated by a partition to isolate it and minimize any risk of thermal propagation. The cooling circuits lie beneath the module layer. If the battery needs to be repaired, it has been designed to allow a complete repair. The general package has been designed to work with modules containing different types of cells and different chemical compositions.

The e-Tron will have the ability to charge up to 150 kW using the standard SAE J1772 connectors and the combined charging system (CCS). This means that it can be billed at any of the approximately 19,000 public charging stations using these standards already in effect in North America. At 150 kW, the e-Tron can be loaded at 80% in 30 minutes. At home, with a standard 240 VAC charger on a 40 A circuit, the e-Tron supports a 9.6 kW load, more than most current electric vehicles of 6.6 or 7.2 kW. European buyers with higher power circuits than America will receive 11kW chargers with an option for a dual charger configuration up to 22kW

For new electric vehicle buyers who do not yet have a charger, Audi has developed a program with Amazon's Home Services division to facilitate installations. Customers will be able to place orders online and an electrician will come to his home and take care of the entire installation process.

As with all modern electric vehicles and more and more all new vehicles of all types, the e-Tron is connected via a cellular telematics system. A smartphone app allows the owner to monitor and manage charging, lock or unlock the car, and all the other features we're used to in new vehicles. The LTE connection also enables multimedia streaming and speech recognition in natural language, as well as an onboard WiFi access point that can connect up to six devices.

Assisted operation

Last year, while Audi was the first manufacturer to announce a Level 3 conditional automation system on the new A8, Traffic Jam Pilot (TJP) is not offered as such on the e-Tron, at least in North America. The TJP allows the road to run at speeds up to 37 mph, but so far, it has not been approved for sale yet, and Audi is still refining the system.

The e-Tron is equipped with the same hardware suite consisting of five radars, six cameras, twelve ultrasonic sensors and a lidar sensor facing the front. The Audi zFAS controller is designed to offer the same type of functionality as the latest high-end Mercedes-Benz models. In addition to track centering, the cameras are used to read traffic signals and automatically adjust adaptive cruise control speed to local limits, which can be particularly useful when approaching construction areas. Sensor and navigation data is also used to manage speed for maximum efficiency, as well as to automatically slow turns and roundabouts.

No performance model, yet

Initially, there is no special high performance variant of the e-Tron quattro and buyers who were hoping to race against their driving friends Tesla might be disappointed. Both standard electric motors should launch the e-Tron at 60 km / h in about 5.5 seconds, quickly, but far from being ridiculous. On the other hand, the engine thermal management system is designed to prevent them from overheating in order to provide consistent performance.

At some point, we will almost certainly see variants S and RS of the e-Tron Quattro that can speed up the Tesla style, although Audi initially leaves this task to Porsche as it prepares itself to launch the Taycan early 2019.

Audi has been testing e-Tron for a long time in hot and cold environments. Braking is a priority for regeneration, with all decelerations up to 0.3 g being processed by energy recovery through the engines. Unless you spend your days driving exclusively on the track, this will cover about 90% of your braking. The steering wheel paddles allow the driver to select the amount of regeneration he wants when he lowers the pedal down to single-pedal operation.

For Audi, the Quattro all-wheel drive has been part of the brand's DNA for more than three decades. From the original Quattro coupe, Audi has implemented a variety of technical solutions on production and race vehicles up to the winning Le Mans R18, which combined an electric steering wheel-powered front axle and a diesel engine to the back. For the e-Tron, the rear axle motor is the main drive while the front is driven automatically depending on the need for acceleration or when the rear wheels start to slide.

The same predictive control based on sensors and navigation, used to help manage speed, is also used to manage the torque distribution from front to back, as well as vectorization of torque on the # 39; rear axle.

A pneumatic suspension system with adaptive dampers is standard on the e-Tron and can be used to adjust the height and attitude of the vehicle up to three inches. This allows for greater ground clearance when needed, for example in case of heavy snow or improved aerodynamics at high speeds.

Another specification where the e-Tron falls a little away from the X model is towing with the Audi having a capacity of 4,000 pounds to the 5,000 pounds of Tesla. On the other hand, Audi's conventional doors allow owners to use conventional luggage racks, bicycles and ski racks.

Order books are open

US-based customers can start pre-ordering for a $ 1,000 refundable deposit. For the US market, Audi will offer three trim levels, plus premium at $ 74,800, prestige at $ 81,800 and the first edition, of which only 999 will be offered at $ 86,700. The Volkswagen group is far from reaching the 200,000 sales cap, so buyers will be able to get the full $ 7,500 federal tax credit plus other local and state incentives available. European customers will receive the first e-Trons that have come off the line in the last two weeks, while North American deliveries will begin in the second quarter of next year.

This delivery time should coincide with the availability of some free DC chargers. Electrify America, VW's subsidiary set up to build a $ 2 billion charging infrastructure, is expected to have about 500 sites at or near this date. Unlike most DC fast charging stations that are not owned by Tesla, EA follows a model closer to the Tesla network.

Most existing DC fees are concentrated on both coasts with a limited number of people in the central part of the country. The first group of EA stations is deployed in 40 states, with a network that will allow driving over long distances. Each station will have four to ten charging points and all locations along the highways will support a load of 350 kW. Urban stations must have a range of 50 to 100 kW. E-Tron customers will receive 1,000 kWh of free charge at EA stations during the first four years of their acquisition.

Like the Jaguar i-Pace, the e-Tron quattro seems to be a very promising entry into the emerging segment of high-end vehicles. This comes from a company that knows how to mass-produce vehicles with high levels of adaptation and finishing and that actually delivers them to customers and provides them with after-sales service. Unlike the entries we've seen from startups like Lucid and Faraday Future, it's a real product that is currently in production on a truly functional assembly line.

According to Audi's spokesman Mark Dahnke, they do not view Tesla's current products as direct competitors of e-Tron. The S and X models are significantly more expensive and the X is a three-row crossover. Audi does not really target customers interested in a Tesla. Instead, the e-Tron quattro addresses customers who like the attributes of an Audi, style, functionality and technology, but with an electric propulsion system.

Initially, Audi has a capacity of about 1,000 e-trons a week in Brussels and has received 10,000 pre-orders from customers. The United States should be the largest market, followed by China and then Europe. Initial supplies from China will come from Brussels, but Audi is working with partners in this market to locate production.

The e-Tron is a vehicle that probably would not exist today without the efforts of Tesla and EV advocates, as well as regulators around the world who have insisted so much on switching from fossil fuels to electric propulsion. . For this, everyone from Chelsea Sexton to Martin Eberhard, Marc Tarpenning and Elon Musk deserve praise. Finally, Audi would probably not promote this vehicle so aggressively and launch it in San Francisco if they and their colleagues in the Volkswagen Group were not dismantled three years ago for cheating on diesel emissions.

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Tesla won. It is not in the sense that the Silicon Valley electric vehicle manufacturer has taken over the industry because they probably do not do it. But in the sense that the ultimate goal of the founders was to push the industry to electrification. Regardless of whether the Tesla share price is $ 4,000 or zero, virtually every major automaker is selling or will soon sell attractive zero-emission vehicles. Audi joins the party this week with its new e-Tron quattro that was unveiled today in San Francisco.

We saw for the first time the e-Tron quattro as a concept presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2015 and, even though the details have changed, the basic form has been fairly faithful. The bright light bars in the grid are now vertical rather than horizontal and now have real door handles. The platinum gray trim of the grille is an element that Audi will use to distinguish between electric models and internal combustion vehicles.

The e-Tron will be the first volume production car to avoid exterior mirrors in favor of a camera-based system called virtual mirrors. However, unlike the concept of getting the cameras out of the front fenders, the production model mounted them at the base of the A pillars, where the mirrors are usually equipped with monitors mounted on the front edge of the interior door panel near where the drivers would normally watch.

The removal of large exterior mirrors reduces aerodynamic drag from 0.28 on the US commercial version to 0.27. This reduction in drag adds about one kilometer of range per charge while reducing wind noise and ensuring the driver gets a consistent view no matter where it is. The camera view will be displayed on a pair of OLED screens. Since each pixel generates light from an OLED, when there is nothing behind the vehicle at night, the display is dark, which avoids distracting light from the light. driver. Unfortunately, virtual mirrors are currently not legal in the United States, but Audi lends an e-Tron to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for evaluation in hopes of seeing current regulations regarding modified mirrors.

In terms of size, the five-seater e-Tron lies between the existing Q5 and Q7, but closer to the end of the Q7. The overall profile is closer to the new Q8 with its rear window tilted forward, as opposed to the more vertical position of the Q7. The e-Tron is based on a further development of the Audi MLB-evo platform architecture used by the Q7 and shares some structural, suspension and electrical architecture systems .

It's all about "e"

Of course, a design that fits perfectly with the rest of the Audi range is not really important for e-Tron. This is the propulsion system. While Audi had already promised to build electric versions of the R8, it was never produced in series. This vehicle is the first mass-produced electric vehicle and uses state-of-the-art technology for the second half of 2018.

Like most other dedicated electric vehicles, Audi has developed a skateboard architecture with a large flat battery pack filling the space between the axles. The 13.4-inch-thick bag weighs 1543 pounds and measures 90 inches long by 63.6 inches wide. Inside, 36 modules each containing a dozen lithium-ion pocket cells.

Initially, Audi does not offer a capacity of 95 kWh and the European homologation is not yet complete. On the World Light Service Test Protocol (WLTP), currently used in Europe, the e-Tron is expected to have a range of about 400 km (249 miles). The WLTP is now much closer to the EPA driving cycles than the old European test. While Audi does not talk about the autonomy of the US market, it will probably be between 230 and 240 miles.

When Audi introduced the original concept three years ago, the company announced its intention to source from LG Chem and Samsung SDI. Both companies produce smaller cylindrical cells, such as those used by Tesla, but also produce large-format cells like those used by Audi and most other automakers outside of China. However, since Samsung currently produces only large box-type prism cells, the pocket cells of the first e-Trons probably come from LG Chem. Jaguar also uses LG Chem cells in the i-Pace battery pack.

Dr. Ulrich Widmann, Director of Operations, Head of Technical Development, explained that Audi has worked closely with its cell suppliers to optimize safety chemistry and fast charge capability.

Ensuring consistent battery performance and durability requires careful thermal management inside the pack. This is one of the areas where it is generally thought that these large flat cells have an advantage over cylindrical cells. Coolant passages can be more easily installed between cells and modules to maintain a uniform temperature gradient across the cell. The e-Tron package and the electric system run at 396 volts, half of what the next year's Taycan will do.

Each sealed module is enclosed in aluminum and separated by a partition to isolate it and minimize any risk of thermal propagation. The cooling circuits lie beneath the module layer. If the battery needs to be repaired, it has been designed to allow a complete repair. The general package has been designed to work with modules containing different types of cells and different chemical compositions.

The e-Tron will have the ability to charge up to 150 kW using the standard SAE J1772 connectors and the combined charging system (CCS). This means that it can be billed at any of the approximately 19,000 public charging stations using these standards already in effect in North America. At 150 kW, the e-Tron can be loaded at 80% in 30 minutes. At home, with a standard 240 VAC charger on a 40 A circuit, the e-Tron supports a 9.6 kW load, more than most current electric vehicles of 6.6 or 7.2 kW. European buyers with higher power circuits than America will receive 11kW chargers with an option for a dual charger configuration up to 22kW

For new electric vehicle buyers who do not yet have a charger, Audi has developed a program with Amazon's Home Services division to facilitate installations. Customers will be able to place orders online and an electrician will come to his home and take care of the entire installation process.

As with all modern electric vehicles and more and more all new vehicles of all types, the e-Tron is connected via a cellular telematics system. A smartphone app allows the owner to monitor and manage charging, lock or unlock the car, and all the other features we're used to in new vehicles. The LTE connection also enables multimedia streaming and speech recognition in natural language, as well as an onboard WiFi access point that can connect up to six devices.

Assisted operation

Last year, while Audi was the first manufacturer to announce a Level 3 conditional automation system on the new A8, Traffic Jam Pilot (TJP) is not offered as such on the e-Tron, at least in North America. The TJP allows the road to run at speeds up to 37 mph, but so far, it has not been approved for sale yet, and Audi is still refining the system.

The e-Tron is equipped with the same hardware suite consisting of five radars, six cameras, twelve ultrasonic sensors and a lidar sensor facing the front. The Audi zFAS controller is designed to offer the same type of functionality as the latest high-end Mercedes-Benz models. In addition to track centering, the cameras are used to read traffic signals and automatically adjust adaptive cruise control speed to local limits, which can be particularly useful when approaching construction areas. Sensor and navigation data is also used to manage speed for maximum efficiency, as well as to automatically slow turns and roundabouts.

No performance model, yet

Initially, there is no special high performance variant of the e-Tron quattro and buyers who were hoping to race against their driving friends Tesla might be disappointed. Both standard electric motors should launch the e-Tron at 60 km / h in about 5.5 seconds, quickly, but far from being ridiculous. On the other hand, the engine thermal management system is designed to prevent them from overheating in order to provide consistent performance.

At some point, we will almost certainly see variants S and RS of the e-Tron Quattro that can speed up the Tesla style, although Audi initially leaves this task to Porsche as it prepares itself to launch the Taycan early 2019.

Audi has been testing e-Tron for a long time in hot and cold environments. Braking is a priority for regeneration, with all decelerations up to 0.3 g being processed by energy recovery through the engines. Unless you spend your days driving exclusively on the track, this will cover about 90% of your braking. The steering wheel paddles allow the driver to select the amount of regeneration he wants when he lowers the pedal down to single-pedal operation.

For Audi, the Quattro all-wheel drive has been part of the brand's DNA for more than three decades. From the original Quattro coupe, Audi has implemented a variety of technical solutions on production and race vehicles up to the winning Le Mans R18, which combined an electric steering wheel-powered front axle and a diesel engine to the back. For the e-Tron, the rear axle motor is the main drive while the front is driven automatically depending on the need for acceleration or when the rear wheels start to slide.

The same predictive control based on sensors and navigation, used to help manage speed, is also used to manage the torque distribution from front to back, as well as vectorization of torque on the # 39; rear axle.

A pneumatic suspension system with adaptive dampers is standard on the e-Tron and can be used to adjust the height and attitude of the vehicle up to three inches. This allows for greater ground clearance when needed, for example in case of heavy snow or improved aerodynamics at high speeds.

Another specification where the e-Tron falls a little away from the X model is towing with the Audi having a capacity of 4,000 pounds to the 5,000 pounds of Tesla. On the other hand, conventional Audi doors allow owners to use conventional luggage racks, bicycles and ski racks.

Order books are open

US-based customers can start pre-ordering for a $ 1,000 refundable deposit. Pour le marché américain, Audi offrira trois niveaux de finition, premium plus à 74 800 dollars, prestige à 81 800 dollars et la première édition, dont seulement 999 seront offerts à 86 700 dollars. Le groupe Volkswagen est loin d&#39;atteindre le plafond de 200 000 ventes, de sorte que les acheteurs pourront obtenir le plein crédit d&#39;impôt fédéral de 7 500 $, plus les autres mesures incitatives locales et étatiques disponibles. Les clients européens recevront les premiers e-Trons qui sont sortis de la ligne ces deux dernières semaines, tandis que les livraisons nord-américaines commenceront au deuxième trimestre de l&#39;année prochaine.

Ce délai de livraison devrait coïncider avec la disponibilité de certains chargeurs DC gratuits. Electrify America, la filiale de VW créée pour mettre en place une infrastructure de recharge valant 2 milliards de dollars, devrait disposer d’environ 500 sites à cette date ou presque. Contrairement à la plupart des stations de recharge rapide DC qui ne sont pas la propriété de Tesla, EA suit un modèle plus proche du réseau de Tesla.

La plupart des redevances de DC existantes sont concentrées sur les deux côtes avec un nombre limité de personnes dans la partie centrale du pays. Le premier groupe de stations EA est déployé dans 40 États, avec un réseau qui permettra de conduire sur de longues distances. Chacune des stations aura quatre à dix ports de recharge et tous les emplacements le long des autoroutes prendront en charge une charge de 350 kW. Les stations urbaines doivent avoir une autonomie de 50 à 100 kW. Les clients d&#39;E-Tron recevront 1 000 kWh de charge gratuite dans les stations d&#39;EA au cours des quatre premières années de leur acquisition.

Comme la Jaguar i-Pace, l&#39;e-Tron quattro semble être une entrée très prometteuse dans le segment émergent des véhicules haut de gamme. Cela vient d’une entreprise qui sait comment produire en série des véhicules avec des niveaux d’adaptation et de finition élevés et qui les livre effectivement aux clients et leur fournit un service après-vente. Contrairement aux entrées que nous avons vues des startups comme Lucid et Faraday Future, c’est un produit réel qui est actuellement en production sur une véritable chaîne d’assemblage entièrement fonctionnelle.

Selon le porte-parole d&#39;Audi of America, Mark Dahnke, ils ne considèrent pas les produits actuels de Tesla comme des concurrents directs du e-Tron. Les modèles S et X sont nettement plus chers et le X est un crossover à trois rangs. Audi ne cible pas vraiment les clients intéressés par une Tesla. Au lieu de cela, l&#39;e-Tron quattro s&#39;adresse aux clients qui aiment les attributs d&#39;une Audi, le style, la fonctionnalité et la technologie, mais avec un système de propulsion électrique.

Au départ, Audi a une capacité d&#39;environ 1 000 e-trons par semaine à Bruxelles et a reçu 10 000 pré-commandes de clients. Les États-Unis devraient être le plus grand marché, suivis par la Chine puis l’Europe. Les approvisionnements initiaux en provenance de Chine proviendront de Bruxelles, mais Audi travaille avec des partenaires sur ce marché pour localiser la production.

L’e-Tron est un véhicule qui n’existerait probablement pas encore aujourd’hui sans les efforts des défenseurs de Tesla et d’EV, ainsi que des régulateurs du monde entier qui ont tant insisté pour passer des combustibles fossiles à la propulsion électrique. Pour cela, tous, de Chelsea Sexton à Martin Eberhard, Marc Tarpenning et Elon Musk, méritent des éloges. Enfin, Audi ne ferait probablement pas la promotion de ce véhicule de manière aussi agressive et la lancera à San Francisco si eux et leurs collègues du groupe Volkswagen n’ont pas été démantelés il ya trois ans pour avoir triché sur les émissions diesel.