Audi revealed its all-electric SUV, the e-Tron recently in India and the model has already received a new entry-level variant which is deemed to be a lighter and a more affordable version of the electric SUV.
Dubbed as the Audi e-Tron 50 Quattro, the new version uses a smaller battery, compared to the one used on the range-topping e-Tron 55 variant, which helps weight savings of around 120 kg over the latter’s 2565 kg kerb weight. The 71 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that limits the range to 300 km on a single charge in the WLTP test cycle.
The new battery comprises 324 prismatic cells combined into 27 modules in the Audi e-Tron 50 Quattro. The smaller battery paired with the same electric motor that is seen on the higher-spec model, while the maximum charging power is limited to 120 kW, which is lower than in the more powerful model that is compatible with 150 kW chargers. In comparison, the e-Tron 55 uses a 95 kWh battery and promises a 100 km longer range than that on the e-Tron 50.
Nevertheless, the lower spec version will still be able to charge up to 80% in half an hour via a rapid charging network.
Audi says that the powertrain has been reapplied to increase efficiency, while the high voltage system has also seen changes. The lower weight also reduces driving resistance that further aids to improving efficiency on the electric SUV. On the e-Tron 55, the 95 kWh battery alone weighs 700 kg. The automaker has not revealed the weight on the new battery.
With respect to the powertrain, the Audi e-Tron 50 Quattro reduces less power too with the twin-motors churning out 308 bhp and 5 40 Nm of peak torque. Power is down by 94 bhp, while torque too takes hit from the 664 Nm on the e-Tron 55. It can sprint a 0-100 kmph in 7 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 190 kmph.
As is evident by the name, power is sent to all four wheels via the automaker’s All-Wheel Drive system. The e-Tron 50 also comes with regenerative braking and also gets a host of connectivity features from the higher version.
The Audi e-Tron is the automaker’s first-ever electric car and will be produced at the company’s facility in Brussels, Belgium. The car is slated to be launched in India later this year, but it is unclear as to which variant will make it here.