The Audi Q3 TFSIe Plug-In Hybrid SUV: The Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The Audi Q3 TFSIe PHEV SUV

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Audi AG, a Bavaria (Germany) based luxury automotive manufacturer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group. Volkswagen AG is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry.

Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years.

With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position is to become the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles.  Audi also offers plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), to include:

• A3 Sportback TFSIe
• A6 TFSIe
• A6 Avant TFSIe
• A7 Sportback TFSIe
• A8 TFSIe
• A8 L TFSIe
• Q3 TFSIe
• Q3 Sportback TFSIe
• Q5 TFSIe
• Q5 Sportback TFSIe
• Q7 TFSIe
• Q8 TFSIe

The Audi Q3 is a compact premium crossover SUV. The Q3 has been manufactured since 2011. The SUV is now in its second generation and uses the Volkswagen Group MQB platform. The Audi Q3 is available as a standard SUV or Sportback body style. The Q3 is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

Its compact, stylish, high quality and can save you money while driving on e-mode. The front-wheel drive Audi Q3 PHEV is a good entry-level option to consider in the higher-priced premium car segment. For those seeking a premium-badge environmentally-friendly compact EV, the Q3 plug-in hybrid should be on the list.

The Audi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle has a 13 kWh onboard EV battery, with a quoted WLTP pure electric range up to 50 km. Though the emission-free electric range is not as impressive as some alternative PHEVs, for shorter distances, in particular, in towns and cities, an electric range over 40 km is more than sufficient.

Despite the quoted manufacturers electric range, expect the real-world EV range to be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: the way the electric vehicle (EV) is driven, the conditions of the road, the passenger load, the regenerative braking profile in use, weather conditions, wheel size, etc. The real-world zero-emission electric range will be closer to 40 km.

We at e-zoomed recommend (when appropriate), to always choose the maximum available regen braking profile in the EV. This will help recuperate more energy and increase the overall fuel-economy of the electric car. Audi claims a fuel economy up to 2.0 l/100km. The real-world fuel economy will vary based on the amount the EV is driven on electric mode.

Moreover, we also suggest to keep the EV battery ‘topped up’, as the more the EV can be driven on electric mode, the higher the financial savings. The Q3 EV has a 7.2 kW AC onboard charger, sufficient for charging the small 13 kWh EV battery relatively quickly at home or at public AC charging. The EV can be fully charged in 3 hours and 45 minutes. The PHEV does not offer DC charging compatibility.

Though an EV can be charged using a 3-PIN domestic socket, we would encourage EV drivers to charge using a dedicated residential EV charger like Easee: faster and safer in charging operation, compared to a domestic 3-PIN plug!

The Audi Q3 PHEV pairs the electric motor, with the 1.4-litre petrol internal combustion engine (ICE), offering a combined system power of 245 PS and 400 Nm torque. The PHEV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.

Of course, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle will be a little heavier than the internal combustion engine variant, given the additional weight of the onboard EV battery. However, a PHEV does gain from the availability of instant torque.

In terms of practicality, the PHEV offers ample headroom for passengers seated in the rear, given the traditional roof styling of the PHEV. Its compact size, makes it relatively easy to drive and park in congested urban centres. Despite the boot reduced in size due to the placement of the EV battery, the EV still offers 380 L.

As for interior quality, the Audi plug-in hybrid does not disappoint. The interior is completed to a high finish and is technology-filled, to include: hill descent control, pre-Sense front with pedestrian and cyclist detection, camera-based traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, Audi virtual cockpit, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch display, Audi Smartphone Interface and a lot more.

The EV has claimed tailpipe emissions up to 46g CO2/km. Again, substantially lower than the emissions of the conventional combustion engine variant. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Audi electric car is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
High quality interior and standard specifications	Not available as an all-wheel drive
Good space for passengers and a practical e-SUV	Additional options on the Q3 PHEV are not cheap
Decent driving performance	Limited EV range and DC charging not available

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The Audi Q3 TFSIe PHEV SUV (credit: Audi)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:	SUV
Engine:	Petrol-Electric
Available In India:	No

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Variants (1 Option)
Audi Q3 TFSIe PHEV (from ₹ N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 13.0 kWh
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 3 hrs and 45 mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	46 – 36g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1616
Width (mm):	2024
Length (mm):	4484
Wheelbase (mm):	2680
Turning Circle (m):	11.8
Boot capacity (L):	380

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45 TFSIe S tronic
EV Battery Capacity:	13.0 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	50 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	16.0 – 17.5
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	1.7 – 2.0
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 3 hrs and 45 mins)
Top Speed:	210 km/h
0-100 km/h:	7.3 seconds
Drive:	Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	N/A
Max Power (PS):	245
Torque (Nm):	400
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	1,740
Colours:	9
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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Top Reasons To Buy An Electric Vehicle (EV)

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The past few years, in particular, 2020 and 2021, have witnessed a phenomenal increase in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Major global economies, to include, the United States and the European Union, have documented a surge in the sales of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

In many of these countries, lower emission to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) now account for up to 15% of annual new vehicle registrations, and in some countries like Norway, even greater than 50%.

This is not a short-term trend. Instead, it is the emergence of a long-term shift towards cleaner forms of travel. Though there are many reasons to own an electric vehicle (EV), we list below some of the key reasons fuelling consumer demand for EVs.

1). Vast choice of electric vehicles

It is true, that in India, the choice of electric vehicles is still restricted, compared to international markets. In India, we have access to only up to 15 electric vehicle models to include the MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona, Jaguar I-PACE and the Tata Nexon EV. However, in many of the matured international markets, the choice of pure electric cars and plug-in hybrid electric cars are up to 200 models. We expect this to only increase! However, we do hope India will see an increase in the variety and supply of EVs on sale, giving consumers a greater choice.

2). Increased zero-emission range

The emission-free driving range of electric cars have improved significantly in recent years, and the latest models of EVs can achieve well over 200 miles (WLTP), if not over 300 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. In general, EV battery size and efficiency have improved. As an example, the all-electric Kia e-Niro compact SUV has a range of 282 miles. The best-selling pure electric Nissan Leaf has an electric range of 239 miles on a single charge. Of course, the likes of Tesla electric cars have a range well over 300 miles on a single charge!

3). Increased public charging infrastructure

Yes, it is true that the public charging infrastructure in India is at a nascent stage, but in a number of international markets, AC fast charging and DC rapid charging stations are now widespread. As an example, in the UK, there are as many public charging stations as there are petrol pumps!

This increase in charging accessibility has driven confidence in consumers who were hesitant to migrate to zero-tailpipe emission electric cars i.e. no more range anxiety! Of course, many homes in the UK also have a dedicated EV charger. For EVs to succeed in India, the deployment of public and home EV charging infrastructure is mandatory.

4). Lower running and maintenance costs

Electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts compared to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The lower number of moving parts has reduced the maintenance burden of EVs, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Electric cars are also cheap to drive. At an average one can expect a cost per km of Rs 1 for a zero-emission EV, while for an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle, the cost per km could be up to Rs 7 per km. The annual cost savings achieved by switching to electric driving is significant!

5). Lower air pollution

However, in our view the greatest benefit of driving electric vehicles, in particular, pure electric vehicles, is the absence of tailpipe emissions. Electric cars do not even have a tailpipe! Zero-emission electric driving has a real and immediate impact on local air quality i.e. reducing air pollution. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have reduced tailpipe pollution compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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