The Audi e-tron becomes more efficient with an increase in its range

Electric vehicles are already a reality on the market, but certain drawbacks compared with combustion models raise significant doubts among their potential customers. Audi is determined to put an end to all scepticism with these improvements to the e-tron, its first 100% electric model. The engineers at the house of the four rings have made every effort to give the SUV greater range, an essential feature in a vehicle that relies on electricity as its main source of life.

The Audi e-tron has become an ideal model for covering long distances, offering astonishing comfort and a cost per kilometre that is negligible compared with a combustion car. But the limited charging network and the higher consumption on motorways – the main terrain of the electric SUV – have led Audi to further refine the formula used to conceive this sought-after vehicle.

The engineers at the German brand focused on four areas to achieve this improvement: brakes, transmission, thermal management and energy recovery. These factors are key in a fully electric vehicle which, despite having fewer mechanical components than a combustion car, requires proper tuning to deliver convincing handling and performance.

Thanks to a new braking system, the engineers at Audi have achieved greater reductions in residual brake drag torque, which is related to the energy losses that occur as a result of the brake calipers’ proximity to the discs. Furthermore, the e-tron is able to almost completely decouple the front motor, which makes operation without power losses or drag losses more effective.

The e-tron has also been improved in its cooling system, which can now manage the temperature of the high-voltage components more efficiently. The coolant flow volumes have been reduced, meaning the pump uses less energy and, under normal driving conditions, this can amount to a 10% energy saving.

Last but not least, the engineers have also reviewed the energy recovery system, which comes into action when braking or through the retardation generated when the driver lifts off the accelerator. With this in mind, the Audi e-tron is now able to claim a range of 436 kilometres, 25 more than the first version of this model.