Overview
Audi AG, a Bavaria (Germany) based luxury automotive manufacturer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group. Volkswagen AG is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry. Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years.
With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position to become the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles. Audi also offers plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), to include:
- A3 Sportback TFSIe
- A6 TFSIe
- A6 Avant TFSIe
- A7 Sportback TFSIe
- A8 TFSIe
- A8 L TFSIe
- Q3 TFSIe
- Q3 Sportback TFSIe
- Q5 TFSIe
- Q5 Sportback TFSIe
- Q7 TFSIe
- Q8 TFSIe
To learn about the Audi portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) follow this link.
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The Audi A8 L TFSIe Saloon PHEV
The Audi A8 is a full-size executive premium saloon vehicle. The car has been manufactured since 1994. The Audi A8 is now in its fourth generation and utilises the Audi quattro technology. The A8 L luxury saloon is a long wheelbase version of the A8 standard variant, hence the ‘L’.
When it comes to high-end chauffeur driven luxurious executive saloons, there are very options for either a pure electric or plug-in hybrid variant. The likes of the Audi A8 L premium-badge plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) compete with a handful of premium alternatives, to include, Mercedes-Benz and BMW PHEVs.
The Audi A8 stretched long-wheelbase ‘L’ saloon PHEV does not come cheap and nor does it qualify for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG). However, driving the A8 plug-in EV can still save money. For company-car drivers, the reduced tailpipe emissions from the A8 PHEV (48g CO2/km) compared to the conventional Audi A8 diesel or petrol variant (189g CO2/km), is reflected in the much lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax charge for the A8 PHEV.
Moreover the marriage of the internal combustion engine (3.0-litre petrol TFSI V6 engine) with an electric motor, increases the fuel efficiency of the electric vehicle i.e. lower petrol/ diesel costs! Audi claims up to 148.7 mpg fuel economy, but of course, in the real-world it will be lower. Nevertheless, taking advantage of the electric mode will result in higher fuel efficiency. To further increase the efficiency of the electric vehicle, we also encourage using the maximum regenerative braking profile, as often as possible. It does take some getting used to regen braking, but, it is not a significant challenge!
The Audi electric vehicle has a 17.9 kWh onboard EV battery with a claimed emission-free EV range up to 36 miles (WLTP). Like the real-world fuel economy, expect the real-world electric range to be lower. A 30 mile EV range will be more realistic. But leveraging the hybrid technology by driving on e-mode, will help reduce running costs for the vehicle.
Of course, to leverage the EV range, keeping the EV battery charged on a regular basis is key. Given the size of the EV battery, charging at home via a dedicated residential EV charger, like Easee, should get the battery 100% charged in just over 2.5 hours. The PHEV has a 7.2 kW AC onboard charger and does not offer DC charging. Audi offers a 8 years or 100,000 miles warranty.
In terms of performance, the Audi A8 does not disappoint. Despite the additional weight of the onboard EV battery, the all-wheel drive A8 L TFSI e is quick (0-62 mph: 4.9 seconds). The EV has a maximum output of 340 PS and 700 Nm torque, with top speed up to 155 mph. Do keep in mind that the EV also benefits from the availability of instant torque. Yes, as you can expect for the price tag, the A8 L offers a refined drive and on e-mode it benefits from a smoother and silent drive.
The exterior styling of the A8 PHEV is a good balance between traditional and new design. The EV is good looking without looking futuristic, so well suited for those keen on embracing new technology without feeling overwhelmed. The inside cabin is certainly luxurious and technology-filled, akin to a luxurious lounge. The drivers cockpit is well laid out and modern.
The EV includes: Audi virtual cockpit, Audi connect navigation and infotainment, Audi smartphone interface, head up display, camera-based traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise assist with emergency assist and more. In terms of practicality, the EV can comfortably seat adults in the front and rear seats. The boot space has been impacted by the onboard EV battery and the need to also carry an EV charging cable. Nevertheless the premium saloon offers 390 L cargo volume.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| A refined limo with a high quality interior and specifications | DC charging not available |
| Excellent space for rear seat passengers | Limited to 7.2 kW onboard charger |
| Impressive driving performance | Infotainment system can be improved |
Gallery
The Audi A8 L TFSIe PHEV (credit: Audi)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
| Body Type: | Saloon |
| Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
| Engine: | Petrol-Electric |
| Available In UK: | Yes |
| Variants (3 Options) |
|---|
| Sport (from £90,690) |
| S line (from £95,690) |
| Vorsprung (from £114,190) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 17.9 kWh |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 30 mins) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 48 – 41g (CO2/km) |
| Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh | £1.27 |
| Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh | £1.67 |
| Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh | £1.73 |
| Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh | £1.89 |
| Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh | £2.03 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1485 |
| Width (mm): | 2130 |
| Length (mm): | 5302 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 3128 |
| Turning Circle (m): | N/A |
| Boot capacity (L): | 390 |
| Sport quattro tiptronic | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 17.9 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 36 miles |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 22.5 |
| Fuel Consumption (MPG): | 148.7 |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 30 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 155 mph |
| 0-62 mph: | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | N/A |
| Max Power (PS): | 340 |
| Torque (Nm): | 700 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,405 |
| Colours: | 10 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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