Not only is Milton Keynes a home base for Audi UK but it has also been selected by the UK Government to spearhead vehicle emissions reductions initiatives as part of its Go Ultra Low Cities programme. The new five-seat e-tron features two powerful electric motors delivering 0-62 mph acceleration and a range of at least 248 miles. The vehicle is being launched from the Electric Vehicle Experience Centre (EVEC) in Milton Keynes, which has been supported by a £9 million government investment.
The EVEC is the UK’s first brand-neutral centre for electric and plug-in vehicles. It showcases the latest models from a range of car manufacturers, offers impartial, no-obligation advice on making the switch to hybrid or full EV vehicles and also offers the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the technology via short test drives, with the option to request longer-term test loans of up to seven days. The Audi e-tron will occupy a front-of-house position in the EVEC from Friday 19th of October through to Sunday the 21st of October. EV experts will be on hand to answer questions about the vehicle.
The technology behind the brand’s first ever zero local emissions model is centred around a high-voltage 36-cell battery mounted beneath the passenger compartment which feeds the electric motors positioned on each axle. The 95kWh battery is chargeable at fast charging stations with direct current (DC) at up to 150 kW – a first for a series-production car - meaning that it can be replenished to 80 percent of capacity in as little as 30 minutes. Recharging at home with alternating current (AC) is of course also possible, and is particularly efficient when a home wall box is installed.
The electric motors not only facilitate a driving range of at least 248 miles, but by being positioned on each axle also ensure that their strong output of up to 300kW is delivered by operating as an electric all-wheel drive system. This works in favour of the smooth transition of the 664Nm of torque to the wheels, making a 0-62mph sprint time of just 5.7 seconds easily achievable.
The more immediately evident technology on board the new Audi e-tron primarily consists of two large MMI touch response displays with haptic feedback and voice control familiar from the latest A6, A7 Sportback, A8 and Q8 models, complemented by the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit, MMI navigation plus and internet-based Audi connect infotainment services.
The Electric Vehicle Experience Centre is just one of the products of the Government’s Go Ultra Low Cities investment in Milton Keynes. The local council is channelling the resource into making the new town a leading location for the usage and further development of electric vehicles. As well as taking care of basic infrastructure upgrades such as the adaptation of signage to make EV facilities easier to access and use, it plans to install up to 300 additional charge points, including two fast charging stations, which will be underpinned by a wide range of attractive grants and incentives for individuals and businesses.
Supported by the funding the town is also already operating as a vital test bed for new developments such as wireless and on-street charging, helping experts to gather the knowledge necessary to continue pushing back the boundaries of the technology.
The Audi e-tron is set to open for order in the UK in early 2019 with an RRP of £70,805. UK customers are able to secure priority access to the car through the payment of a £1,000 deposit to their local Audi Centre or via the Audi e-tron website.
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