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
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 Q3 Sportback TFSIe PHEV
The Audi Q3 is a compact premium crossover SUV. The Q3 has been manufactured since 2011. The SUV is now in its second generation and uses the Volkswagen Group MQB platform. The Audi Q3 is available as a standard SUV or Sportback body style. The Q3 Sportback is available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Its compact, stylish, high quality and can save you money while driving on e-mode. The front-wheel drive Audi Q3 PHEV is a good entry-level option to consider in the higher-priced upmarket segment. For those seeking a sportier looking, but environmentally-friendly premium-badged compact EV, the Q3 plug-in hybrid should be on the list.
For company-car drivers there is the added benefit of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-11%) tax rate from driving the plug-in electric car due to the lower tailpipe emissions. The Audi Q3 Sportback TFSIe Plug-In Hybrid has claimed emissions up to 45g (CO2/km).
The Audi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle has a 13 kWh onboard EV battery, with a quoted WLTP pure electric range up to 28 miles. Though the emission-free electric range is not as impressive as some alternative PHEVs, for shorter distances, in particular, in towns and cities, an emission-free electric range over 25 miles is more than sufficient. In fact, 2/3rds of motorist drive only 30 miles per day.
Despite the quoted manufacturers electric range, expect the real world range to be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: the way the electric vehicle (EV) is driven, the conditions of the road, the passenger load, the regenerative braking profile in use, weather condition, wheel size, etc. A real-world range will be closer to 23 miles.
We at e-zoomed recommend (when appropriate), to always choose the maximum available regen braking profile in the EV. This will help recuperate more energy and increase the overall fuel-economy of the electric car. Audi claims a fuel economy up to 141.2 mpg. The real-world fuel economy will vary based on the amount the EV is driven on electric mode.
We also suggest to keep the EV battery ‘topped up’, as the more the EV can be driven on electric mode, the more improved the efficiency of the vehicle and higher the financial savings. Keep in mind that driving an EV per mile is less than 10 pence i.e. much cheaper than driving on petrol or diesel.
The Q3 EV has a 7.2 kW onboard charger, sufficient for charging the 13 kWh EV battery relatively quickly at home or at public AC charging. The EV can be fully charged in 3 hours and 45 minutes. Though an EV can be charged using a 3-PIN domestic socket, we would encourage EV drivers to charge using a dedicated residential EV charger like Easee: faster and safer in charging operation, compared to a domestic 3-PIN plug! The EV does not offer DC charging compatibility.
The Audi Q3 PHEV pairs the electric motor, with the 1.4-litre petrol internal combustion engine (ICE), offering a combined system power of 245 PS and 400 Nm torque. The PHEV can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.3 seconds. Of course, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle will be a little heavier than the internal combustion engine variant, given the additional weight of the onboard EV battery. However, a PHEV does gain from the availability of instant torque.
In terms of practicality, the rear seats are impacted by the sloping roofline i.e. lower headroom for rear seat passengers. However, the front seats have ample headroom and legroom. Also impacted by the roofline, is the rear visibility. Despite the boot reduced in size due to the placement of the EV battery, the EV still offers 380 L.
As for interior quality, the Audi plug-in hybrid does not disappoint. The interior is completed to a high finish and is technology-filled, to include: hill descent control, pre-Sense front with pedestrian and cyclist detection, camera-based traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, Audi virtual cockpit, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch display, Audi Smartphone Interface and a lot more.
The EV does not qualify for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG). Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
High quality interior and standard specifications | Limited electric range (28 miles) |
Attractive exterior styling | All-wheel drive (AWD) not available |
Practical for small families | High tailpipe emissions (45g) compare to more recent PHEVs |
The Audi Q3 Sportback TFSIe PHEV (credit: Audi)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
Body Type: | SUV |
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
Engine: | Petrol-Electric |
Available In UK: | Yes |
Variants (2 Options) |
---|
Audi Q3 S line 45 TFSIe S tronic (from £44,560) |
Audi Q3 Black Edition 45 TFSIe S tronic (from £45,910) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 13.0 kWh |
Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 3 hrs and 45 mins) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 45 – 43g (CO2/km) |
EV Battery 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): | 1567 |
Width (mm): | 2022 |
Length (mm): | 4500 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2680 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.8 |
Boot capacity (L): | 380 |
45 TFSIe S tronic | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 13.0 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 28 miles |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 17.1 – 17.3 |
Fuel Consumption (MPG): | 141.2 |
Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 3 hrs and 45 mins) |
Top Speed: | 130 mph |
0-62 mph: | 7.3 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | N/A |
Max Power (PS): | 245 |
Torque (Nm): | 400 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight (kg): | 1,740 |
Colours: | 10 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
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