This time, it feels different. We long-suffering EV journalists have been snookered time and again – automakers have launched new EVs, and we’ve covered them with enthusiasm and optimism, only to be disappointed when the companies failed to market them, and turned them into low-volume compliance cars. Ford, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Kia, Audi and others have… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "Audi"
Audi Hungaria begins mass production of electric motors for e-tron quattro lanuch
One of Audi’s key manufacturing plants, Audi Hungaria, has officially begun series production of electric motors. Audi’s first all-electric vehicle, the e-tron, will rely heavily on the plant’s electric motor production capacity. The new dedicated 8,500-square-meter floor space uses a modular intelligent-assembly system in order to roll out 400 electric-axle motors per day. Though this number… Read more »
EV audible noise rules may be cancelled in Washington’s “deregulation” drive
in November 2016, after six years of procrastination, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released rules requiring electrified vehicles to emit sounds to help protect pedestrians. The “quiet car” standard fulfills a law that Congress approved in 2010. Much of the impetus for the rules came from the National Federation for the Blind. Now,… Read more »
Audi to launch 3 new electric models, says plug-ins will be a third of sales by 2025
Audi Chairman of the Board Rupert Stadler said at the company’s recent annual meeting that Audi plans to launch three new electric models by 2020, after which the brand will gradually electrify models in each of its core series. The first to go into production will be the e-tron quattro SUV, due next year. Audi… Read more »
Audi plans 5 more e-tron models for China
Audi and its Chinese partner the FAW Group have crafted a new strategic growth plan that calls for expanding the line-up of models produced in China, including electrified vehicles. In the next five years, Audi and FAW plan to produce five additional e-tron models for the Chinese market, including pure EVs with ranges of more… Read more »
Electric motors as shock absorbers: New Audi system saves fuel and improves comfort
Regenerative braking is a familiar way to recover kinetic energy that would otherwise be wasted. A vehicle’s suspension offers a similar opportunity. Audi is working on a system called eROT, which replaces the typical hydraulic dampers with electromechanical rotary dampers to save energy and give a more comfortable ride. “Every pothole, every bump, every curve… Read more »
Tesla offers to buy SolarCity (updated: conference call audio)
Elon Musk made a move to consolidate his business empire as Tesla announced an offer to buy SolarCity for around $2.8 billion. Musk is the Chairman of SolarCity, CEO of Tesla, and the largest shareholder of both companies. Musk and Antonio Gracias, who is also on the board of directors at both companies, recused themselves from voting on this proposal…. Read more »
Tesla Motors hires Audi manufacturing exec
Following the departure of two top manufacturing executives, Tesla Motors has hired Peter Hochholdinger, a 22-year veteran of Audi who oversaw the production of the company’s A4, A5 and Q5 models. Mr. Hochholdinger was also involved in bringing Audi’s new Mexican production facility online. Hochholdinger will be Tesla’s new VP of Vehicle Production, replacing Greg… Read more »
2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron delivers performance and practicality
The selection of plug-in vehicles available to US buyers continues to grow steadily – it now stands at 27 models, with several more expected this year. The latest entrant to the market is the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, the German luxury brand’s first plug-in model available in the US. Every time a new plug-in… Read more »
Audi to launch wireless charging in 2017
Audi’s e-tron quattro SUV, due out in 2018, is one of several planned EVs that will offer American car buyers more space and more range. Longer ranges mean bigger batteries, and that means either longer charge times or higher charging power levels, and there’s no question which of those consumers will prefer. “Progress in charging… Read more »