Audi introduces Q8 e-tron EVs as its top-of-the-line electric SUV
German luxury automaker Audi continues to grow its all-electric family of e-tron vehicles by announcing two new models, complete with multiple variations. Today, Audi launches its Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron as a representation of the automaker’s new badge and its top-tier model across its electric SUV and crossover offerings. Learn more below.
Audi’s e-tron lineup of electric vehicles currently sits as one of the most diverse offerings in the industry that has continued to expand since it first debuted in 2018 with the flagship vehicle by the same name. We have since seen an e-tron GT, e-tron S, and Q4 e-tron, to name a few. There are plenty more additional e-tron models in the works as well.
Despite easy confusion distinguishing between Audi’s model naming system, its e-tron family of vehicles are quite different when you see them side by side. While Audi strives to deliver luxury and performance in each and every one of its EVs, they are not always created equal.
With the launch of the Q8 e-tron models, Audi looks to capitalize off a model name already associated with top quality and segue its reputation into an all-electric era as its top-of-the-line SUV offering. Here are some of the new Q8 e-tron variations that will soon be available.
Audi Q8 e-tron garners 600km range in Sportback version
The German automaker outlined details of its latest e-tron models in a cohesive press release today, introducing the Audi Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback. Both versions will also feature an “S line” package with unique features.
With the debut of the Q8 e-tron, Audi looks to kick off a new era of branding that includes a two-dimensional “four rings” badge on the exterior. It will also be the first model to feature new brand lettering on its B-pillar. Audi board member for technical development Oliver Hoffmann spoke to changes in EV performance within the Q8 e-tron:
“In the new Q8 e-tron, we were able to significantly increase both battery capacity and charging performance. This allowed us to achieve an optimal balance between energy density and charging capacity, as well as to increase efficiency,” Hoffmann said. “On top of that, we improved the motors, progressive steering, and chassis control systems – and thus the dynamic driving characteristics that are typical of Audi in all versions of the Q8 e-tron.”
These new EVs are a bit tough to differentiate from by name, so here’s a breakdown of how they vary spec-wise:
| Model | Powertrain | Battery capacity (net) |
Power (in boost mode) |
Torque | Range (WLTP) |
| Q8 50 e-tron | Dual motor | 89 kWh | 250 kW | 664 Nm | 491 km (305 mi) |
| Q8 Sportback 50 e-tron | Dual motor | 89 kWh | 250 kW | 664 Nm | 505 km (314 mi) |
| Q8 55 e-tron | Dual motor | 106 kWh | 300 kW | 664 Nm | 582 km (362 mi) |
| Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron | Dual motor | 106 kWh | 300 kW | 664 Nm | 600 km (373 mi) |
| SQ8 e-tron | Tri motor | 106 kWh | 370 kW | 973 Nm | 494 km (307 mi) |
| SQ8 Sportback e-tron | Tri motor | 106 kWh | 370 kW | 973 Nm | 513 km (319 mi) |
According to Audi, the Q8 50 e-trons can reach a max charging rating of 150 kW on a DC fast charger, while the more powerful versions can reach 170 kW. The latter equates to charge speeds from 10-80% in 31 minutes. Other features include Plug & Charge capabilities, 40 driver assistance systems, and a luxurious interior made from sustainable materials like recycled PET bottles.
The Audi Q8 e-tron and Sportback e-tron will be available to order later this month and will arrive in February 2023, beginning in Germany and “the most important European markets.” In the US, the Q8 e-trons are expected to arrive at the end of April.
Audi shared that the base price for its new electric SUV will start at 74,400 euros in Germany. That’s virtually the same price in USD right now. You can learn more about the all-electric Q8 models below:
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Hyundai is about to launch a new electric SUV in China. With its big debut coming up, Hyundai just dropped a sneak peek, and it looks like it could be the IONIQ 4. Check it out for yourself in the video below.
Is Hyundai teasing the IONIQ 4?
We caught our first glimpse of the new EV model last month after Beijing Hyundai released a few official “spy” photos.
Despite the camouflage, you can see a few design elements, like a light bar across the front, slim LED headlights, and a closed-off grille. At first, it almost looks like a smaller version of the IONIQ 9, Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV, but with a much sportier, shaped profile.
Beijing Hyundai released a new teaser for the upcoming electric SUV this week. The video shows “a wave of high-end operations” as the vehicle dances across the snow.
The video highlights features like real-time torque control, high-speed cornering, and the SUV’s impressive body control while driving around cones.
Hyundai’s new electric SUV is being called “OE” internally, according to The Korean Car Blog, suggesting it could be an IONIQ model.
All other Hyundai IONIQ EV models were also codenamed with an “E” internally, which is raising speculation that this could be the IONIQ 4.
Like most global OEMs, Hyundai is fighting to compete in an intense Chinese EV market, which is dominated by domestic automakers like BYD.
Hyundai opened its first overseas R&D center last year in China to spearhead its comeback. It will work with local suppliers and tech companies to develop EVs designed for Chinese buyers. The new electric SUV is expected to launch in China later this year, followed by three new energy vehicles, including EVs and EREVs.
Beijing Hyundai will release more information on April 16, with the electric SUV set to “challenge the limit of driving performance.”
What do you think of Hyundai’s new electric SUV? Is this the IONIQ 4? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Charge point provider char.gy has secured a £130 million contract to install 6,000 curbside EV chargers for Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC) – the UK’s largest installation of its kind.
London-based char.gy has also been awarded a 15-year contract to operate and maintain the charging network.
Installing Level 2 chargers curbside, where most drivers in the UK park, will enable more people to take advantage of cheaper charging rates while juicing up their EVs overnight. (charg.gy’s pay as you go night tariff, between midnight and 7 am, is £0.39/kWh, compared to its £0.59/kWh day tariff.)
John Lewis, chief executive of char.gy, said the project is “a huge moment for the UK and its EV ambitions. This partnership alone will empower thousands of residents to confidently make the switch to electric vehicles, knowing they have easy access to chargers.”
Brighton and Hove City Council is among the first to tap into the government’s Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, designed to help English local authorities roll out charging solutions for residents without off-street parking. Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said making EV charging as accessible as possible is “crucial to making the switch to electric a success.”
The UK now has over 75,000 public EV chargers, according to the Department for Transport—and it looks like the country’s on pace to hit its 2030 target. Back in December, the National Audit Office said the rollout is “on track” to meet the DfT’s estimate that at least 300,000 chargers will be needed by the end of the decade.
Read more: Meet the UK’s largest solar + storage EV charging ‘Superhub’
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