The Audi e-tron - Charging Ahead With a New Way to Drive

How to charge your e-tron.

AC, or alternating current, is the standard for UK plugs, which means it’s accessible at home, work and at various public charging stations; it’s probably the method you’ll use most often.
However, there is a faster way. DC, or direct current, is a higher voltage and can be found on motorways, at large retailers and even some work places.

Every e-tron comes with the Charging System Compact, capable of charging up to 11kW. The system consists of a control unit,
there is a 4.5m Type 2 and two Mode 2 charging cables one with a 3 pin domestic plug and the other an industrial plug.
As well as AC and DC charging points on the driver’s door, there’s also an additional AC charging point on the passenger side. Charging can be monitored via the green flashing light on the charging access point or through the myAudi app.

What is home charging?

Like with your mobile phone, putting your e-tron on charge will become second nature. Experts forecast that 60% of charging will take place at home, meaning those who travel short distances may never need to use a public charging station, 30% at work and the remaining 10% at the aforementioned public charging station.

Also like a mobile phone, charging is quickest up to 20%. Once it passes 80% it slows to protect the battery’s longevity.

If an EV is going to be charged at home every night it’s best to install a wall box with its own separate circuit which will enable a full night of uninterrupted current.

Charging overnight also means you could benefit from cheaper night-time electricity rates.

The average overnight electricity rate in the UK is 14p per kWh, which you can travel for around 2-3p per mile*, compared to 15p per mile on an average diesel car.

Though, in extreme conditions, charge time may be affected due to adverse high or low temperatures.

If you don’t have a wall box installed, and, after consulting an electrician, it may also be possible for your to charge using a 230-volt 3-pin household socket and the e-tron Charging system compact. (It’s important that you consult an electrician before plugging into a domestic socket for the first time). However, charging time will be very slow and not as efficient as having a home wall box.

*The range of the vehicle, and therefore the cost per mile will not only depend on the efficient use of the energy from the battery by the vehicle itself, but also on driver behaviour and other non-technical factors such as driving and environmental conditions.