At the latest Paris Auto Show Audi revealed one of the most exciting concept vehicles to hit the auto show room floors in recent years, the Audi E-Tron. The e-tron, a high-performance sports car with a purely electric drive system. Four motors – two each at the front and rear axles – drive the wheels, making the concept car a true quattro. Producing 313 hp and 3,319 lb-ft of torque, the two-seater accelerates from 0 – 62 mph in 4.8 seconds, and from 37 – 75 mph in 4.1 seconds. The lithium-ion battery provides a truly useable energy content of 42.4 kilowatt hours to enable a range of approximately 154 miles. This vehicle is also quite unique du to it’s electric drive system.
Electric drive systems are still very much outsiders. The first vehicles of this type took to the roads around 1900, yet in 2009 no volume car manufacturer has a car powered exclusively by batteries in its lineup. Fewer than 1,500 electric vehicles are currently registered in Germany, corresponding to only 0.035 percent of all registered vehicles.
Yet electric driving potentially offers numerous advantages. Electric cars reduce the dependence of transportation and the economy on the raw material gasoline. They produce no direct exhaust emissions and thus ease the local burden on the environment. Electric drive systems are also significantly more efficient than combustion engines, consequently making them easier on the customers’ wallets. Other strengths include sportiness and the fun they bring to driving. All of the torque is essentially available the moment the driver steps on the accelerator, allowing for breathtaking acceleration.
Phoenix Valley auto enthusiasts can view and test drive any current production model Audi at any Phoenix Valley Audi dealer. Phoenix Valley auto enthusiasts should plan on attending the Phoenix Arizona International Auto Show to learn about the most recent concepts and innovations in the auto industry, including all of the latest technologies and ideas in the way of electric drive train technology emerging from Audi and the rest of the auto industry, taking place at the Phoenix Arizona Convention center over Thanksgiving weekend.
