Sunday 3 May 2015

Audi: 300 mile electric car in 2018 or 2018

CleanTechnica.com: Audi Electric SUV With 300 Miles of Range Slated For 2018 or 2019

The oft-rumored Audi electric SUV coupe — presumed to be the “Q6″ — just became a lot more concrete, following comments made by Audi CEO Rupert Stadler.

The Audi head noted that the electric SUV coupe would be arriving sometime in 2018/2019, that it would feature a range of at least 500 kilometers per charge (~310 miles), and that it would be “sexy and sporty” — during an interview with the UK’s Auto Express. (Presumably, it’ll only be sexy and sporty, not scary, or posh, or baby.)

Worth noting is that the above-stated range likely has something to it, and isn’t just talk, as Stadler commented that a substantial range such as that was a “must.”

No argument there — without a range in that ballpark, how would it compete with the Model X or any of the other electric SUVs due by then?

Of course, it should be remembered here that the European testing cycle isn’t as stringent as the one used in the US, so “300” may very well mean something more like “250.” Still, a good number, and probably more than enough for most people’s uses/driving habits.

Still, I can’t help but feel that 2018/2019 is a bit late for such a range. According to Stadler, though, the timing is perfect — because that’s when DC fast-charging infrastructure is expected to be fairly built out.

While I’d generally consider this good news, I still can’t help but feel like Audi isn’t putting much into its pursuit of the EV market — if it isn’t careful, it could very well get left completely behind. Interesting times for the auto industry, really — I wouldn’t be surprised to see a lot of major players lose substantial market share in the relatively near future.