Audi will launch a range of plug-in hybrid models at the Geneva Motor Show next week, with the A8, A7 Sportback, A6, and Q5 all set to get electrified powertrains under the new ‘TFSI e’ badge.
All feature a 14.1 kWh battery, which allows for an electric-only range of more than 25 miles for each model. Precise details as to range and motor power have not been revealed for each model yet.
Audi had removed its previous plug-in hybrid models – the A3 Sportback and Q7 – from sale to free up the ‘e-tron’ badge for Audi’s pure-electric cars. The plug-in ranges will now see the pure-electric ‘e-tron’ range supported by the ‘TFSI e’ models.
The TFSI e models benefit from Audi’s work on the pure-electric e-tron SUV, as the German manufacturer will include its brake energy recuperation system on the PHEVs. On the e-tron, Audi reckons this system is one of the most efficient on the market, and it will recover up to 80 kW of energy when braking on the PHEVs.
Charging will almost certainly be carried out via a Type 2 inlet – though not specifically confirmed as yet – with a 7.2 kW on-board charger allowing recharging times to be kept down to around two hours for a full top-up. Connected services via the myAudi app include pre-conditioning, remote battery and range check, charging start/stop, timer, and energy consumption features.
Driving modes include EV, Auto, and Hold, allowing the driver to force the car into electric running until the battery is complete for the former, or maintain the battery’s level of charge in the latter. In Auto, the car will judge the most efficient mix of engine, electric motor, or both.
Audi’s e-tron Charging Service is also available to customers, allowing one-card/one-contract access to a large number of charge points across Europe.