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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British Columbia got its first 400 kW DC fast charger last week at Canadian C-store chain On The Run, but that’s not the good part. As part of a limited time offer, these chargers are FREE!
The Canadian convenience store chain just took the wraps off its new, ABB-developed, 400 kW chargers earlier this month, but they’re already planning to bring the ultra-fast 400 kW dispensers to at least four more locations in BC this spring, and have them online just in time for the summer road trip season – something On The Run hopes its customers will appreciate.
“The A400 charger delivers an enhanced customer experience, with reliability and performance from a 32-inch screen to higher power charging sessions and power sharing,” reads the company’s official announcement, via LinkedIn. “Download the Journie Rewards app to start the charge – free for a limited time.”
On The Run’s new 400 kW ABB DC fast chargers are compatible with CCS and CHAdeMO plugs, and can accommodate Tesla and other NACS-equipped vehicles with an adapter. That said, the company seems to imply that Tesla drivers in particular will have a maximum charging speed of “just” 50 kW, which feel hilarious (given the current state of affairs between Tesla and the Canadian government), but probably isn’t.
In addition to the ABB A400 400 kW units shown here, On The Run locations also employ the ABB Terra 184 dispensers rated at 180 kW. On The Run plans similar deployments at the four BC locations mentioned above, as well as two more each in Quebec and Ontario slated to go live towards the end of this year.
Electrek’s Take
Tesla’s controversial CEO Elon Musk once mocked 350 kW charging speed as being “for a child’s toy,” despite the fact that, nearly nine years later, his own cars and Superchargers can barely make it to 325 kW while others have sailed right on past. I made fun of that fact on the Quick Charge episode shown, above – and, while I do think it’s funny and relevant, the much more relevant piece of news here is that companies like BP Pulse, Revel, and Wallbox are actively deploying 400 kW solutions, today (while others hit the same mark as far back as 2017).
It’s just a fact: Tesla has fallen way behind.
SOURCE | IMAGES: On The Run, via Electric Autonomy.
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Terawatt Infrastructure‘s first medium- and heavy-duty electric charging truck stop in California is now online, in Rancho Dominguez.
Located 12 miles north of the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, the private Rancho Dominguez site, which is shared among multiple fleets, will support electric trucking fleet operations in and out of the largest container ports in the US.
First customers include Dreaded Trucking, Hight Logistics, PepsiCo, Quick Container Drayage, Southern Counties Express, Tradelink Transport, and WestCoast Trucking & Warehousing.
Terawatt’s electric charging truck stop features 20 pull-through and bobtail DC fast charging stalls with a capacity of 7 megawatts (MW), enabling charging for up to 125 trucks per day using a simple reservations system. Terawatt’s site features a proprietary charge management system, in-house technicians, 24/7 customer service, and onsite parts management.
“This launch underscores growing collaboration between enterprises, shippers, carriers, and charging infrastructure providers to advance sustainable technologies across logistics and transportation operations, especially in the medium and heavy-duty sectors,” said Neha Palmer, CEO and cofounder of Terawatt. Palmer added that the company will bring another charging site online in Rialto, California, in June.
Terawatt joined some of the world’s largest shippers and carriers in September 2024 to launch the I-10 Consortium heavy-duty EV operations pilot, the “first-ever US over-the-road electrified corridor.” Terawatt is providing charging infrastructure, including software, operations, and maintenance support at six of its owned charging hubs along the I-10 corridor.
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In its most aggressive attack against offshore wind yet, the Trump administration halted the $5 billion Empire Wind 1, already under construction off New York’s coast.
Norwegian developer Equinor announced yesterday that it received notice from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) ordering Empire Wind 1 to halt all activities on the outer continental shelf until BOEM has completed its review. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum posted this tweet yesterday:
Burgum gave no indication of what insufficiencies there were in the approval process for the fully permitted offshore wind project, despite Trump’s recent declaration of a national energy emergency that speeds up permitting processes.
The commercial lease for the 810-megawatt (MW) Empire Wind 1’s federal offshore wind area was signed in March 2017 during the first Trump administration. It was approved by the Biden administration in November 2023 and began construction in 2024.
The project is being developed under contract with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Empire Wind 1, which was due to come online in 2027, has the potential to power 500,000 New York homes.
“Halting construction of fully permitted energy projects is the literal opposite of an energy abundance agenda,” said American Clean Power Association CEO Jason Grumet in a statement. “We encourage the administration to quickly address perceived inadequacies in the prior permit approvals so that this project can complete construction and bring much-needed power to the grid.”
As Electrek reported, Equinor secured $3 billion to finance Empire Wind 1 in January. The total amount drawn under the project finance term loan facility as of March 31 was around $1.5 billion.
As of March 31, Empire Wind has a gross book value of around $2.5 billion, including South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (pictured above), which was expected to become the US’s largest dedicated port facility for offshore wind.
In response to BOEM’s stop work order, New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued the following statement:
Every single day, I’m working to make energy more affordable, reliable and abundant in New York and the federal government should be supporting those efforts rather than undermining them. Empire Wind 1 is already employing hundreds of New Yorkers, including 1,000 good-paying union jobs as part of a growing sector that has already spurred significant economic development and private investment throughout the state and beyond.
As Governor, I will not allow this federal overreach to stand. I will fight this every step of the way to protect union jobs, affordable energy and New York’s economic future.
Equinor says it’s considering appealing BOEM’s order.
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