Audi A3 Sportback e-tron

German carmakers seem to be preparing an offensive in plug-in hybrid segment these days.

Audi just introduced its first plug-in model, Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron, which now is available to order for customers in Europe through 410 dealers.

Wayne Griffiths, Head of Sales Germany at AUDI AG stated:

“For Audi, the A3 Sportback e-tron marks another important step toward sustainable individual mobility. Our dealers have had an entirely positive response to the A3 Sportback e-tron, which shows that the combination of efficient drive technology and a sustainable energy source is really what the market is looking for.”

First deliveries of this model are expected this Winter.

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron

In Germany, the basic price starts from 37,900/ almost $51,000 (or 319 a month leasing rate for 36 months).

"The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron brings together a 1.4 TFSI gasoline engine and an electric motor, giving the compact automobile a system output of 150 kW (204 hp). The A3 Sportback e-tron’s fuel consumption in accordance with the NEDC standard for plug-in hybrid vehicles is just 1.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (156.8 US mpg), with CO2 emissions of 35 grams per kilometer (56.3 g/mi). Under electric power alone it has a range of 50 kilometers (31.1 mi), and over 900 kilometers (559.2 mi) in combined mode."

According to Audi, range is 50 km or 31 miles.  However, at just  8.8 kWh, this must be on the optimistic NEDC cycle. Without energy in battery pack, fuel consumption using just the combustion engine shouldn't exceed 4.5 l/100km (again probably NEDC).

As an option there is also available a charging station:

"To mark the start of the A3 Sportback e-tron, Audi has additionally put together the attractive “e-tron plus” package. In Germany it includes the charging dock, a cable for public charging points, MMI navigation plus, Audi connect and phone box."

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
Audi A3 Sportback e-tron

Introducing this plug-in model forces Audi to build some charging points at dealerships:

"In future, every e-tron dealer will also have at least one charging station that e-tron customers can use, even after their purchase. The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron can be charged quickly via a charging point at the dealership, within the public charging infrastructure or at the customer’s home. For the latter option, Audi offers – in Germany – an individual installation service whereby a technician checks the electrics in the customer’s home, makes any adjustments that may be required and installs the charging dock, which is designed for safe, convenient charging."

"To ensure that sustainability is not compromised during the at-home charging process, customers in Germany can switch to environmentally friendly electricity, known as Audi energy. With Audi energy, the A3 Sportback e-tron is totally emission-free when operated electrically. All electricity all comes from hydroelectric power stations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland."

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
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