Audi A3 e-Tron News
We are tracking the latest news about the Audi e-tron. This is the spot to follow the progress of Audi's electric vehicle programs.
The Prolonged Wait for Volkswagen Electric Vehicles
The UK’s Autocar website reported this week that Volkswagen could introduce an all-electric four-door version of its iconic Beetle. The model, if given the green light, would use Volkswagen’s MEB electric-vehicle architecture, the underpinning of an entire line of VW EVs going into production as soon as next year. VW design boss Klaus Bischoff said the company will focus first on electric cars with the highest potential for sales in the next year or two—before deciding on an electric Beetle. Volkswagen continues to garner headlines for concept and one-off electric vehicles while remaining a marginal player in the current EV market.
Honda Clarity Electric Goes On Sale in California and Oregon
The all-electric version of the 2017 Honda Clarity started arriving in dealerships in the past few weeks. The full-size sedan, which is only available in California and Oregon, leases for $269 a month for 36 months with $1,999 due at signing. The all-electric Clarity can travel 89 miles on a single charge. That puts Honda in the unfortunate position of introducing an EV with a driving range significantly lower than the new generation of electric cars.
Why Audi A3 E-Tron Is a More Significant Car Than You Think
We recently took the Audi A3 E-tron for a spin from San Francisco to and around Palo Alto, Calif. It’s a great car, but its appeal is a lot less about battery-power—and a lot more about style and road manners. Frankly, there are a lot more drivers who care about those things than about the battle between electrons and hydrocarbons.
The Remedy for Volkswagen’s Diesel Scandal: Deliver on EV Promises
How can Volkswagen reform its reputation as a green carmaker? Maybe the events at Frankfurt last provide clues. Executives told reporters that VW plans to release 20 different EV and plug-in hybrid models by 2020. For Volkswagen, plug-ins could be a lifeline.
Audi Sets $37,900 Price for A3 Compact Luxury Plug-in
Audi this week announced that pricing for the all-new 2016 A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid will begin at $37,900, before incentives. The model is Audi’s first plug-in model sold in the United States. It will be in dealerships nationwide starting in October.
Audi A3 e-tron Coming in October, With Questions about EV Range
Years after Audi’s announcement about offering a plug-in A3, we can finally say with some certainty when the first units will become available in the United States: October 2015. According to multiple sources, the Audi A3 e-tron—which went on sale in Germany in August 2014—has faced problems with cold weather. These concerns primarily result in decreased all-electric range when the temperature dips.
Audi Promises First Plug-in Diesel for United States
Audi will introduce a new more powerful, lighter and more fuel-efficient version of its Q7 sports utility vehicle at the 2015 Detroit auto show in January. Here’s the big news for plug-in fans: the new Q7 will be offered with a powerful one-two combination of plug-in capability and a 3-liter V-6 diesel engine.
Multi-Speed Gearboxes Are Coming to EVs
Gasoline cars currently have something electrics don't: a gearbox. This may be about to change though, as the advantage of having a choice of gears is simply too great for electric carmakers to ignore.
First Drive: Audi A3 Plug-in Hybrid Shows VW’s Commitment to Plug-In Cars
It’s been nearly a year since Dr. Rudolph Krebs, Volkswagen’s chief of electrification, told me that VW wants to be the industry leader in EVs and perhaps even more so on plug-in hybrids. Last week, at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, he reiterated that commitment. “We decided on the most comprehensive strategy for the e-market,” he said. “We spent a lot of money on developing completely new powertrains.”
The Last Audi A3 Plug-in Hybrid Concept Before Production Starts
Electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid prototypes are not exactly new at Volkswagen. There have been so many of them over the years—at motor shows, demonstrations, and media events in many different countries. But the only place where nobody has seen a plug-in Volkswagen is at a VW dealership. That's about to change.