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Today, Audi is unveiling the Q6 e-tron, a next-gen electric vehicle based on the new PPE platform co-developed by Audi and Porsche.

It is going to compete in the highly popular midsize SUV segment, and when it comes to specs and design, I think the German brand has a winner. But pricing is not available yet.

Disclosure: Audi paid for my flights to and from Munich, and my hotel stay so that I could get a “sneak preview” of the Q6 e-tron. The company had no say in our reporting, nor did it ask to.

Last week, Audi brought a bunch of auto journalists and myself to Munich to get briefed on the PPE platform, a new EV platform co-developed by Audi in Porsche, and get a first look at the German brand’s first vehicle built on it: the Q6 etron.

Electrek already checked out the Porsche Macan EV, the other PPE-based vehicle coming to market this year, but we are excited to see Audi’s own take on it.

While several legacy automakers are pulling back on their electrification plans, I made sure to poke around last week and gauge the German company’s own level of commitment to its electrification effort. I was pleased to hear that Audi is still committed to stopping launching new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2027 and going all-electric by 2033.

The launch of the Q6 e-tron makes this much more realistic as it not only comes based on a next-gen EV platform bringing a lot of improvements compared to Audi’s other EV platforms, but it also completes its SUV EV lineup with the Q4 e-tron and Q8 e-tron.

Audi Q6 e-tron’s new PPE platform tech

My main complaint about Audi’s electric vehicles was their efficiency. There were a few reasons for that. The automaker was, and still is to a lesser degree, fairly conservative with a big buffer on its battery packs.

Of course, Audi also makes premium SUVs packed with features, which makes it quite a challenge to achieve a high level of efficiency.

But with the PPE, Audi is benefiting from a much more efficient electric powertrain that helps make the Q6 e-tron much more efficient than previous generations.

At the battery level, PPE includes improvements at every stage, from the cells to the pack:

Audi is now using much more energy-dense CATL NMC cells in a prismatic form factor. It also increased the size of its modules with 15 cells per module and 12 modules per pack.

At the pack level, Audi’s PPE pack is more efficient in design with a new thermal management system.

For the Q6, the battery pack has a total capacity of 100 kWh and a useful capacity of 94.9 kWh:

The European market will get a version with the two middle modules removed for a total capacity of 83 kWh, but like with its other electric SUVs, Audi doesn’t believe that it’s worth bringing vehicles with shorter ranges to market in the US.

At the drive unit level, Audi has also made some major improvements with the PPE platform both on the power and torque density and with efficiency:

This was achieved through a bunch of improvements to advanced cooling and lubrification systems, amongst other things.

With the Q6, Audi is using an asynchronous motor on the front axel and a permanent magnet motor on the rear.

Audi has also improved battery preconditioning,w which now has an even greater impact on charge time:

The automaker already had a great charging curve, but it now says that the new battery pre-conditioning can shave off 18 minutes of charging in cold temperatures.

Speaking of cold temperatures, the Q6 is equipped with a new heat pump integrated with the powertrain thermal management system:

Heat pumps are a great way to minimize the impact of climate control on range. They are generally seen as particularly useful in colder climates, but Audi has shared some interesting data about their impact.

The automaker claims that the new heat pump in the Q6 e-tron can increase the range by 30 km (~19 miles) between -10°C to 20°C (14°F to 68°F):

Beyond all these efficiency and performance improvements, the PPE also brings scalability and cost improvements.

Audi Q6 e-tron Design

The Q6 is a midsize SUV coming to complete the electrification of Audi’s SUV lineup. It sits between the smaller Q4 and bigger Q8, while being the electric counterpart to the popular Q5.

The brand is doing something where the even numbers are electric and odd numbers ICE.

The Audi Q6 e‑tron has a length of 4,771 millimeters (15.6 ft), a width of 1,993 millimeters (6.5 ft) and a height of 1,648 millimeters (5.4 ft) – making it just a smidge bigger than the popular Tesla Model Y.

The vehicle has an extremely long wheelbase with short overhands and a high front-end – giving it an aggressive-looking stance despite some mostly soft lines on the sides.

It has a well-executed fake grille.

From the back, you can see the more classic Audi look:

You have 10 different wheel design options for the Q6 from 19″ to 21″.

The back also features the new second-generation digital Audi OLED lights. There are some really cool things Audi can do with those, but unfortunately, some of the functionalities, specifically everything with motion, won’t be available in the US due to regulations.

You will still be able to configure some static ‘light signatures’, which is pretty cool.

The front trunk or frunk is nothing huge, but it’s big enough to hold a small piece of luggage or your mobile charger.

It holds 64 liters (2.2 cu ft) of storage space.

The trunk is much more spacious at 526 liters (18.5 cu ft) of storage space with the backseat up. If you fold them down, the storage space increases to up to 1,529 liters (53.9 cu ft).

Moving to the interior, you will find a variety of interesting materials. I was particularly impressed by the version that I saw at the sneak preview, which had some cool cloth and mesh materials, but we were unfortunately told that some wouldn’t make it to the North American version of the car.

Nonetheless, the interior is solid with a large back seat that can comfortably seat people much taller than 6 ft.

You have a center console that folds in the middle and two USB C plugs underneath the rear climate controls.

But the cockpit is where the fun is at. The star of the show is a new curve display that actually consists of two screens: an instrument cluster in front of the driver and a touchscreen at the center of the dash:

There’s also an optional passenger display that has a privacy mode limiting the field of view so that the content is not visible to the driver. It enables the passenger to safely play videos on the screen while the car is moving.

As if that’s not enough, there’s also an optional heads-up display for the driver. It’s one of the best I’ve seen so far. It’s bright and covers a very large area that interacts with its environment, like integrating navigation.

Now, all of these screens are powered by new software built on the Android Automotive operating system. It’s smoother, allows easier and more in-depth software updates, and allows better and faster integration of third-party apps.

This should be a big step up in user experience inside the vehicle.

Audi Q6 e-tron Specs

During the sneak preview, we mainly saw the European versions of the Q6 and their specs, but Audi America has released some official specs and estimates.

For example, the North American market is actually getting more powerful motors on the Q6 e-tron.

Here’s what Audi is releasing so far in terms of specs for the US market:


Q6 e-tron quattro
SQ6 e-tron
Horsepower 315 kW (422 hp) nominal- 340 kW (456 hp) launch control 360 kW (483 hp) nominal – 380 kW (510 hp) launch control
0-60 mph Acceleration Est. 5.0 secs. with launch control Est. 4.2 secs. with launch control
Top Speed 210 km/h (130 mph) 230 km/h (143 mph)
Range The standard Q6 60 e-tron quattro achieves over 300 miles of range on the EPA test cycle based on preliminary manufacturer estimates. To be announced later this year.
Charging DC Fast Charging: 270 kW HPC @ 800 volts, capable of 10-80% SOC in 21 mins.AC Charging: 9.6kW (240V/40A) DC Fast Charging: 270 kW HPC @ 800 volts, capable of 10-80% SOC in 21 mins.AC Charging: 9.6kW (240V/40A)
Lighting Due to U.S. regulations, certain lighting functionalities are not available. More information will follow later this year. Due to U.S. regulations, certain lighting functionalities are not available. More information will follow later this year.

When it comes to the range, Audi is only confirming “over 300 miles) on the EPA test cycle, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets much more than that as it is getting 625 km (388 miles) on the WLTP standard.

Audi has always had a strong charging curve in its electric vehicles, and the Q6 e-tron with the PPE platform is no exception.

It’s capable of charging at 270 kW on a 800-volt system and 135 kW on bank charging on 400-volt.

But the really impressive thing is how the powertrain is able to keep the high charge rate at a high state of charge. Here’s the full charge curve:

The Q6 e-tron also has a strong 220 kW regenerative braking, and to our enjoyment, Audi is bringing a true one-pedal driving experience to the Q6 e-tron. You can choose between 4 different levels of regen braking with the top one allowing for one-pedal driving and a complete stop.

The electric SUV also comes with adaptive cruise control powered by a front camera, radar, and ultrasonic radars.

Exact pricing and availability have not been released just yet, but it is coming to Europe in the next few months and in North America toward the end of the year.

As for pricing, Audi has limited its communication to “between the Q4 and Q8,” which starts at $50,995 and $73,700, respectively.

No NACS for the Audi Q6 e-tron

This is a real bummer, but it’s not too bad, considering it might be the only real objective downside to this new entry from the German brand. Everything else is either great or subjective.

You also can’t really blame Audi, as it is more of a timing issue than anything. The automaker has announced plans to adopt NACS in North America, but the Q6 is coming a bit too soon for integration, which will come to new vehicles coming in 2025.

Owners are going to have to use an adapter to access the Supercharger network.

On the bright side, the Q6 e-tron has a great charging curve and also two charge ports. The DC-capable driver-side charge port is well located for the Supercharger network, and the passenger charge port is great for street charging.

Electrek’s Take

If you can’t tell yet, I really like this SUV. I only drove it for a few minutes, and it was a nice fully-loaded SQ6 with air suspension, so my driving impressions aren’t worth that much, but I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Audi is selling about 75,000 Q5 SUVs a year in the US now, and it expects the Q6 to take over that market as it transitions entirely to EVs over the next 10 years.

That’s a big and scary transition for a legacy automaker, but I think the Q6 e-tron should give them confidence going into it. Based on everything I’ve seen so far, it is highly competitive on the higher end of this segment. Emphasis on higher end. This is very much a premium and highly customizable vehicle.

The PPE platform looks like a solid base on which Audi built an interesting design packed with high-tech features, from the lighting to the HUD to the Android-based OS.

Obviously, Model Y comparisons are going to come since it’s now the world’s best-selling vehicle, and it also competes in the midsize SUV segment. During its own sneak preview in Germany last week, Audi itself identified the Model Y as a competitor.

That said, I don’t expect it to compete price-wise, especially in the US, since Audi doesn’t have access to the tax credit as it doesn’t have a US factory. If it does compete with the Model Y, it will mainly shave some demand off the top from customers looking for a more premium experience.

The Q6 e-tron will likely start at closer to ~$60,000, and you will be able to add options probably close to $80,000.

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Save $300 on new Anker eufy E15 & E18 robot mowers, NIU KQi 200F e-scooter at $699 in pre-sale, EGO pressure washer, more

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Save 0 on new Anker eufy E15 & E18 robot mowers, NIU KQi 200F e-scooter at 9 in pre-sale, EGO pressure washer, more

We’re closing out this week’s Green Deals with two new arrivals onto the market, leading with the $300 discounts on Anker’s new, advanced eufy E15 and E18 Robot Lawn Mowers that require no boundary wires or RTK stations and are starting from $1,300. Right behind is NIU’s pre-sale offer on its latest KQi 200F Electric Scooter for $699 and also coming with some free gear ahead of its future shipping date. We also spotted the popular EGO Power+ 56V 3,200 PSI Cordless Pressure Washer alongside two 6.0Ah batteries hitting a new $699 low, as well as Amazon undercutting Anker’s Easter Sale pricing on the SOLIX C200 60,000mAh Power Station to $110, along with its 90,000mAh counterparts. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Rad Power Earth Day e-bike Sale kickoff, the exclusive refurbished Anker SOLIX F3800 power station deal, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Take $300 off Anker’s new eufy E15 and E18 robot lawn mowers that require no wires or RTK station from $1,300

Anker’s official sub-brand, eufy is now offering the best savings yet on its new E15 Robot Lawn Mower for $1,299.99 shipped, as well as its counterpart E18 Robot Lawn Mower at $1,699.99 shippedafter using the promo code RTLM200 for either at checkout. These models just recently hit the market a few days ago for $1,600 and $2,000, respectively, with some places like Amazon currently offering $200 off the price, but you can score an additional $100 here direct from the brand by replacing the on-page coupon with the code. This knocks a total of $300 off the going rate, giving you one of the most advanced autonomous mowing solutions at the best current prices we can find.

These advanced eufy robot lawn mowers require no boundary wires or RTK station to stay on track, instead utilizing pure vision FSD tech with high-precision cameras and advanced AI to guide itself around your yard, with the E15 model covering up to 0.2 acres on a charge and the E18 model bumping that up to 0.3 acres. The brand promises a quick “5-minute setup” right out of the box, all done through its companion app, where you’ll also have a wide array of smart controls to monitor its progress, adjust settings, and manage multi-zone areas with the 3D maps that it creates as it works.

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The 3D perception system on eufy’s robot lawn mowers detect and avoid collisions with everyday obstacles that it may come across, even in complex garden environments, while the smart coverage detection “guarantees no area is left uncut.” Those with pets or regular wildlife running around can also rest assured, as its systems will ensure their safety while in operation. You’ll be able to set its cutting height between 25mm to 75mm, with it operating at a quieter 56dB level and able to handle up to 40% inclines without concern. Beyond the controls you’ll have through your smartphone, the robot can also detect rainfall and/or when the sun sets, activating its automatic station return function. On top of that, there’s even the security system that activates an alarm when removed from its set work area while providing you with GPS tracking to hunt it down.

NIU KQi 200F electric scooter

Commute around town for up to 34 miles on NIU’s latest KQi 200F electric scooter at $699 with free gear while in pre-sale

NIU is currently taking up to 41% off a collection of its e-scooters led by a pre-sale deal on its latest KQi 200F Electric Scooter for $699 shipped with some additional free gear. This new model is slated to begin shipping on April 25 carrying a $799 price tag, but you can score the first cash savings here today while this deal lasts. Not only are you getting $100 shaved off the tag, but you’ll also be getting a free phone holder and Halo drawstring bag (valued at $52) on top of that. Head below to learn more about what this new commuting solution offers while also checking out the other models benefitting from price cuts.

A solid choice for commuters who want the option to go further than their usual cruising grounds, the NIU KQi 200F electric scooter has been given a 350W motor that peaks to 700W in order to tackle up to 20% inclines at speeds up to 20 MPH, as well as a 365Wh battery that provides you with up to 33.6 miles of travel on a full charge. There are four riding modes to choose from – e-save, sport, custom, and pedestrian – plus, the scooter comes with an IPX5 rating to protect against splashes, light rain, and even low-pressure water from any direction.

There are some solid features added in too that only further heighten the riding experience, especially the dual braking system that has a 75mm integrated drum brake in the front and a regenerative brake in the rear to recycle kinetic energy upon slowing or braking to extend travel times. There’s also the brand’s BMS system with 14 types of protection, front suspension, 10-inch tubeless pneumatic tires, wider handlebars that can fold while also offering turn signal functionality, a Halo headlight, an integrated taillight with brake lighting, a 265-pound rider payload, swappable griptape, a mechanical bell, and a LED display. What’s more, there are some app-supported smart controls, including customizable performance settings, charging limitations, and the option to lock your scooter for added security, among others.

NIU’s full lineup of KQi e-scooter deals:

EGO Power+ 56V 3,200 PSI cordless electric pressure washer

Connect a hose or siphon with EGO’s 56V 3,200 PSI cordless pressure washer kit (two 6.0Ah batteries) at new $699 low

Amazon is now offering the EGO Power+ 56V 3,200 PSI Cordless Pressure Washer with two 6.0Ah batteries at $699 shipped. Back during July we saw this model fall from its original $899 MSRP to its new $800 rate, where it stayed put except for a short-lived $50 discount in mid-December and a drop to $700 during Amazon’s previous Big Spring Sale last month. The deal that’s coming in today takes things $1 under our previous mention, giving you $101 in savings at a new all-time low price. If you already have a stockpile of EGO batteries, you can score the pressure washer alone for $499 instead.

Sporting EGO’s peak power tech that utilizes two batteries at once for longer performance, this cordless electric pressure washer will run for up to 60 minutes with the two included 6.0Ah models here, which can easily be swapped out for any of the brand’s other ARC batteries. It delivers some powerful pressure at up to 3,200 PSI with a flow rate ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 GPM and three operating modes: Eco, High, and Turbo.

Its versatile design sports three connection points – one for your garden hose to attach, one for the wand, and then a third that can be utilized by an included siphon hose that you can drop into any fresh water source if you’re not around any spigots. You’ll also be getting five varying nozzles, a 25-foot high-pressure hose, a foam cannon, and a filter – plus, there’s an integrated display on the wand so you can keep track of battery levels as you work.

We recently spotted EGO’s advanced 56V 22-inch Select Cut Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower coming with a 10.0Ah and 5.0Ah battery at a new $1,000 low, which saves you $998 from purchasing the combination separately.

Anker SOLIX C200 60,000mAh power station

Amazon undercuts Anker’s Easter Sale on the SOLIX C200 60,000mAh power station at $110

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Anker is undercutting its own Easter Sale pricing on the SOLIX C200 60,000mAh Power Station at $109.99 shipped. Normally going for $170 at full price since it released back at the tail-end of August, we’ve mainly been seeing it fall to either $110 or the $100 low at Amazon since Black Friday, with the brand’s ongoing direct Easter Sale currently offering it at $10 higher. With the deal here, you’re getting a solid $60 slashed from the going rate, giving you the second-lowest price we have tracked. Be sure to head below to check out more on this model, as well as the deals on the larger 90,000mAh counterparts.

Anker’s newer SOLIX C200 DC power station comes in a more compact form factor built upon the success of the C300 DC and AC models, with a 60,000mAh/192Wh LiFePO4 capacity. The unit provides up to 300W of power output to connected devices through its five ports – two USB-As, one 140W USB-C, one 15W USB-C, and a car port – which covers your personal devices while out and on the go. The power station’s battery can be recharged by three different means, with either the 100W maximum solar input or the car port providing you with an 80% battery in 1.6 hours and its 140W USB-C port reaching the same amount a little faster at 1.3 hours.

Of course, if you want to go bigger you can currently find the SOLIX C300 DC and SOLIX C300 AC power stations down at $170 and $219, respectively, with the former matching Anker’s direct sale while the latter comes in $1 under that sale’s pricing. They both provide 90,000mAh LiFePO4 capacities to cover device charging needs, with up to 300W outputs and some port differences and variations of built-in lighting while your out camping in the wilds. The DC model sports seven ports (two 140W USB-Cs, one 100W USB-C, one 15W USB-C, two 12W USB-As, and one 120W car port) while the AC model has eight ports (three 300W ACs, two 140W USB-Cs, one 15W USB-A, one 12W USB-A, and one 120W car port).

Be sure to check out the full, massive lineup of deals from Anker’s SOLIX Easter Sale that is running through April 20, with up to 54% off in initial discounts and some free gear going along with select model purchases. We also just secured an exclusive $680 in savings on the brand’s refurbished SOLIX F3800 power station at $1,999 while it lasts.

Best New Year EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Want to trade in your Tesla? Here are 4 good conquest rebates

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Want to trade in your Tesla? Here are 4 good conquest rebates

Thinking about trading in your Tesla (or any other EV) for something new? This month, automakers are handing out up to $5,000 in conquest rebates to lure you over to their side. Even better: these offers usually stack with other discounts. Here are four of the best deals worth checking out.

Acura ZDX conquest rebate deal

If you drive a competing EV, Acura’s ready to tempt you with $4,000 off the all-electric 2024 ZDX. Some buyers are reportedly snagging discounts of up to 40% off the MSRP of $64,500 in certain parts of the US. The national conquest deal runs through the end of April.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Acura ZDX in stock. –trusted affiliate link

BMW i5, i7, iX conquest rebate deal

BMW-i5-Touring

If you’re driving an EV or plug-in hybrid from a rival brand like Tesla, Rivian, or Mercedes, you can score a $1,000 conquest bonus from BMW when you switch to an all-electric i5, i7, or iX. The deal is available US-wide through April 30.

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Click here to find a local dealer that may have the BMW i5 in stock. –trusted affiliate link

Hyundai IONIQ 5 competitive owner coupon

Hyundai-$20-billion-EVs-US

If you own or lease a non-Hyundai vehicle, you can cash in on a special Competitive Owner Coupon when you lease or buy a 2025 IONIQ 5, and this deal stacks. This conquest cash incentive ranges from $500 to $2,500 depending on the model you purchase or lease, and whether you purchase or lease. The offer’s live now on both coasts and runs through April 30.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Hyundai IONIQ 5 in stock. –trusted affiliate link

Polestar 3 Tesla conquest bonus

Polestar-3-delivered

If you’re ready to jump ship from your Tesla, Polestar’s got a seriously tempting offer: Switch to a 2025 Polestar 3 and pocket $5,000. Lease it, and things get even sweeter – you can stack that with Polestar’s $15,000 lease cash for a wild $20,000 off. The deal’s good nationwide through April 30.

Thanks to CarsDirect


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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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BYD is about to launch another low-cost EV: Here’s our first look at the e7 electric sedan

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BYD is about to launch another low-cost EV: Here's our first look at the e7 electric sedan

Another day, another BYD EV? The world’s largest EV maker is on a roll, seemingly launching a new model every day. After unveiling its new midsize electric sedan, the e7, BYD gave us our first official look at yet another stylish EV.

BYD reveals new e7 electric sedan

BYD is on an EV launch spree. After taking the global auto market by storm last year, the company has even bigger plans for 2025.

In the past month, BYD launched a new electric car across a few key segments as it looks to extend its lead. Two midsize BYD models, the Qin L EV sedan and the Sealion 05 SUV, hit the market. Both are equipped with BYD’s “God’s Eye” smart driving system and start under $17,000 in China.

BYD also launched its first ultra-luxury electric sedan, the Yangwang U7, last month, with prices starting under $90,000.

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Earlier this week, the company launched its first EV models, the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, based on its new ultra-fast charging Super e-platform. The new models can add nearly 250 miles of driving range in 5 minutes, and both can be bought for under $30,000 in China.

BYD-e7-affordable-EV
BYD e7 midsize electric sedan (Source: BYD)

Now, BYD is preparing to launch another midsize pure electric sedan. This week, BYD revealed the first official images of the e7, which is expected to be another affordable EV option.

The e7’s wheelbase is 2,820 mm, which is about the same as that of a Tesla Model 3, which is 2,875 mm. Although no other details were shared, other than the company saying it can’t wait to unlock “a new driving experience for everyone,” a few design clues give us an idea of what to expect when it launches.

Unlike many of its new models with flush door handles, the e7 is shown with traditional ones. It also has split head and rear taillights rather than the popular full-length light bar that appears on other BYD EVs.

According to CarNewsChina, BYD’s e-series models are affordable cars, many of which are used for taxi services.

However, it’s now part of its Ocean lineup, which includes a few EVs you may be familiar with, like the Dolphin, Seal, and Seal-U. Although no date has been set, the e7 will join the lineup soon.

Official data released in China revealed the e7 is 4,780 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,515 mm tall, or about the same size as the Tesla Model 3 (4,720 mm long, 1,933 mm wide, and 1,441 mm tall). We’ll have to wait for an official driving range, but we do know it will use a lower-cost LFP battery.

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