Everything You Need to Know About Audi Electric Cars

Audi’s e-tron battery electrifies four deeply customizable models of the 2022 lineup, with more on the way.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Audi has four electric cars on the market in 2022—the Q4 e-tron, the
e-tron
, the e-tron S, and the e-tron GT. Multiple trim options are available in each model, and the signature e-tron battery means that you won’t be trading power or speed for the sake of going green. 
As a premium luxury brand, Audi has long been at top of the list for comfort, style, sophistication, and sticker price. When it comes to electric cars, the automaker maintains its MO of insane levels of performance and opulence and adds on the quick charging capabilities of its e-tron battery, which can take an Audi EV from 5 to 80 percent charged in under 30 minutes at a public DC quick charging station. 
So let’s get started! Read on for a guide to the world of Audi electric cars brought to you by
Jerry
, the fully-licensed insurance broker and all-around
super app
. We’ll take a look at Audi’s current electric offerings, see how they compare to the competition, and touch on how you can get a great rate on car insurance for your posh new Audi EV!
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Does Audi have electric cars?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes! As of 2022, Audi has four all-electric models for sale, with more on the way. Audi’s signature e-tron battery has brought the luxury automaker into the realm of electric cars in a big way. Let’s take a look!

2022 Audi Q4 e-tron 

Starting price: $49,900
Powertrain: Single electric motor with 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, or dual electric motor with up to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft torque
Driving range: Up to 241 miles
Charging time: 38 minutes at a public DC fast charger
Audi’s entry-level offering is the Q4 e-tron, a luxury compact SUV. This sharply designed vehicle can seat five in comfort and aims to compete with Tesla’s Model Y and Ford’s Mustang Mach-E. Audi pulled out all the stops with the tech on its EV models—
Car and Driver
referred to the interior as “a technological showcase for Audi’s latest and greatest gadgets.”   
This is the first Audi model to feature an available augmented-reality heads up display. That’s right—this virtual display will give you real-time information on anything in your line of sight. Audi offers three different regenerative braking levels that you can select via paddles on the steering wheel, which gives you another level of control and comfort in your ride. 
You know what else is fun? Audi EVs have rear light strips that give an animated light show when you’re departing or arriving home
All-wheel-drive is standard, and the Q4 has the capability of going 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds, so this is an electric SUV that can get you where you need to go. Drivers who want a little more under the hood will want to opt for a Sportback trim level, which boosts horsepower and torque and also gives a swoopier profile.  Although it’s priced a little higher than its competitors, multiple trim levels and no end of customization options mean that you can build a Q4 that’s just as you like it.

2022 Audi e-tron 

Starting price: $65,900
Powertrain: Dual electric motor with up to 402 hp and 490 lb-ft torque
Driving range: 218 to 222 miles
Charging time: Nine hours at a 240-volt outlet, under one hour at a public DC fast charger
The next limb up the Audi electric vehicle family tree is the Audi e-tron, another luxury SUV crossover that ups the ante in terms of performance and comfort. Car and Driver gave the e-tron an 8.5/10 and praised its serene ride, hushed cabin, and reliable fast-charging capabilities. If you like a curvier coupe-look to your crossover, you can opt for a Sportback trim level. 
The range limits are shorter than its competitors, but one could argue that it’s balanced out by the impressive fast charging capabilities, which definitely increase the flexibility of the e-tron. There are six trim levels available—three Sportback, three not. A host of eye-catching option packages mean that you can style your e-tron to attract as much attention as you like with choices like a black optics package, orange brake calipers, and wood-trimmed interior.
This model also comes complete with a slew of Audi’s signature technology, and two electric motors (one at each axle) provide all-wheel drive for a comfortable and controlled ride. An available Sport mode gives you the potential of up to 402 horsepower for those moments when you really gotta move. 

2022 Audi e-tronS

Starting price: $84,800
Powertrain: Three electric motors with 496 horsepower and 717 lb-ft of torque
Driving range: 208 to 212 miles
Charging time: Under one hour at a public DC fast charger
Here’s where things start to get even more interesting. Audi claims that the “S” stands for sublime, and markets the e-tron S as both practical and potent. The Audi e-tron S has three (yes, three) electric motors, so there’s your potent bit.  This is an electric vehicle for the performance crowd, with the capability to go what our friends overseas at
Top Gear
called “swear-out-loud fast.” 
The handling is responsive and crisp, all-wheel drive is standard, and with the ability to do 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds, you’ll be able to have your racecar and electrify it, too. Leather seats, a Bang and Olufsen 3D sound system, and a dizzying supply of infotainment and driver assistance tech make the interior feel less like a cabin and more like a cockpit—a comfy, plush cockpit.
So there’s the portent part. Where’s the practicality? Aside from the sheer fact that it’s an electric vehicle, practicality is where the e-tron S can arguably lose some points. The range is definitely less than other EVs, but if you don’t drive long distances, it won’t come into play. 
And at a starting MSRP of $84,800, it’s hardly practical from a budget perspective. But if you want a showy Audi EV that you can drive like a demon, then this could be the one for you. 

2022 Audi e-tron GT

Starting price: $102,400
Powertrain: Two electric motors with 522 to 637 horsepower and 464 to 612 lb-ft of torque, depending on trim level
Driving range: 232 to 238 miles
Charging time: Can go from 5 to 80 percent charged in 23 minutes at a public DC fast charger
Faster, you say? Sportier, you say? Pricier, you say? Check out the Audi e-tron GT. This aggressively powerful four-door sports car is intended to compete with the likes of the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S. Delivering both luxurious creature comforts and wild acceleration, this is Audi’s top-of-the-line EV. 
The e-tron GT can go from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds, but if that’s not enough for you, you can opt for a peak trim RS version, which
Car and Driver
pushed to 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds with what they deemed “spine-mashing acceleration.” 
The interior is a beautiful mix of technology that delivers peak infotainment, connectivity, and driver assistance features—all in a sleek and visually stunning package. While it’s insanely fast and cushy, the e-tron GT gets dinged by critics for its reduced range when compared to its competitors, especially when you take into account the six-figure price tag. 
If you have to have a super premium EV and it has to be an Audi, then this is it. But if it’s just a premium EV you want, you might be happier with the increased range of a Tesla S.

How do Audi’s electric cars compare to competitors?

Audi brings a lot to the table when it comes to the world of luxury electric vehicles, but the brand is certainly not alone in the marketplace. So let’s back up and take a big-picture view, and ask: are Audi’s electric cars as good as its competitors? 
This is a loaded and contentious question, as a lot of it will come down to brand loyalty, personal taste, and priorities. If you’re a die-hard Audi fan, you won’t care that the range is a little less and the sticker price is a little higher when stacked with comparable models.
When it comes to the specs, though, it’s clear that while Audi may fall a little short in some categories, the brand makes up for it in other areas to yield some very competitive offerings overall. And if you’re an Audi enthusiast, you won’t care. While the price tag on these babies is pretty high, for some folks it’ll be well worth it. 
Let’s dig in further on three key factors for electric cars and see how Audi stacks up against the competition. Read on to see how each of Audi’s models rank in range and charging time, performance, and cost of ownership. 

Driving range and charging time

Driving range measures how far a vehicle can travel on a full charge, and it’s one of the most important estimates of any electric car’s success. Also important is charging time, which has a large bearing on how practical the vehicle is for day-to-day life. 
As far as driving range goes, this is where Audi EVs are a bit lackluster. Figures hover in the 200 to 240-mile range, which is decidedly less than its competition, especially when compared to the likes of a Tesla S or even a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Audi loyalists are quick to point out that most commutes are under 100 miles so it doesn’t really matter, but that’s a point of personal preference and priorities. 
On the other hand, charge time is one of the areas where Audi’s e-tron battery can really shine. Audi EVs can go from 5 to 80 percent charged in around 30 minutes at a public DC fast-charging station, which gives it an edge in that category and definitely means greater flexibility when you're on the go. At a 240-volt charger, most Audi EVs will be fully recharged in eight to nine hours
It’s worth mentioning here that fast charging, while super handy, is not recommended for frequent use as it can result in a shortened battery life. So while the fast charge numbers are impressive, they shouldn’t be assumed for day-to-day use. 
Enough with the words—just want to see some numbers? Here’s a full breakdown of Audi’s EV lineup versus its competition when it comes to charging and range times.
Model
Driving range
Charging time at 240v
Charging time with DC fast charger
2022 Audi Q4 e-tron
241 miles
9 hrs
5-80% in 38 min
2022 Audi e-tron
218-222 miles
9 hrs
5-80% in 30 min
2022 Audi e-tron S
208-212 miles
9 hrs
5-80% in 30 min
2022 Audi e-tron GT
232-238 miles
9 hrs
5-80% in 23 min
2022 Kia EV6
310 miles
7 hrs
10-80% in 18 mins
2022 Kia Niro EV
239 miles
9 hrs
10-80% in 1 hr
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
220-303 miles
6 hrs
10-80% in 18 min
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
258 miles
10 hrs
10-80% in 75 min
2022 Volkswagen ID.4
280 miles
7.5 hrs
0-80% in 38 min
2022 Tesla Model Y
303-330 miles
10 hrs
10-80% in 22 min
2022 Tesla Model X
335-351 miles
6.5-10 hrs
10-80% in under 30 min

Performance

Another concern with electric cars is the all-important issue of performance. Electric cars of years past were definitely a trade-off in that department, but does that still hold true?
Here’s where some of that luxury Audi engineering and the e-tron battery pay off again—especially with the higher-end models, you most definitely won’t be sacrificing power and performance for the sake of being eco-friendly.
Model
Maximum horsepower
Maximum torque
0 to 60 time
2022 Audi Q4 e-tron
295 hp
339 lb-ft
5.8 seconds
2022 Audi e-tron
402 hp
490 lb-ft
5.5 seconds
2022 Audi e-tron S
496 hp
717 lb-ft
4.3 seconds
2022 Audi e-tron GT
637 hp
612 lb-ft
2.9 seconds
2022 Kia EV6
576 hp
446 lb-ft
4.5 seconds
2022 Kia Niro EV
201 hp
291 lb-ft
6.2 seconds
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
320 hp
446 lb-ft
4.5 seconds
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
201 hp
290 lb-ft
6.4 seconds
2022 Volkswagen ID.4
295 hp
339 lb-ft
5.4 seconds
2022 Tesla Model Y
est. 480 hp
375 lb-ft
3.6 seconds
2022 Tesla Model X
1,020 hp
713 lb-ft
3.3 seconds
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Cost of ownership

If you’re contemplating purchasing an Audi EV, the sticker price is probably pretty high on your list of concerns—Audi’s MSRPs do tend to be on the high side in general, and in particular for its electric models. For instance, the 2022 Q3 starts at just $36,400 in comparison to the Q4 e-tron, which starts at $49,900
But there’s more to take into account than just the upfront costs, and this is particularly true when it comes to electric cars, which typically offer lower fuel and maintenance costs than their gasoline-driven counterparts. And for many electric cars, you can get a
federal tax credit
of up to $7,500, which will definitely help offset that sticker price.
Let’s take a look at Edmunds’ five-year ownership costs of a 2022 Audi e-tron: 
  • Insurance: $6,827
  • Maintenance: $6,051
  • Repairs: $2,006
  • Taxes and fees: $359
  • Financing: $6,495
  • Depreciation: $33.760
  • Fuel: $3,914
  • Tax credit: -$7,500
That brings the overall cost of ownership to a total of $51,912, well below the starting MSRP of $65,900! 
But again, if you just want a premium electric vehicle, then there are likely other options out there that might be a better fit, like one of the EVs offered by Tesla or a Porsche. But if you love some Audi action, then you already know the answer to the question “is an electric Audi worth it?”
MORE:Are there hidden costs of owning an electric vehicle?

How to decide if going electric is right for you

Audi is really pushing the envelope as far as what electric cars can do, but even the best electric car won’t be right for everyone. If you’ve been considering getting an electric Audi but aren’t sure if it’s the right decision, here are a few things to think about:  
  • Do you have access to public charging stations? A home charging station is the best option for regular charging, but you want to make sure that you have other options if needed, especially if you drive a lot.
  • How many miles do you drive each day? Driving range is a big concern for drivers contemplating the switch to electric, but if your daily driving range is well under the maximum of the model you’re looking at, an EV could be a good fit. 
  • How often do you go on trips over 200-300 miles? For daily trips around town, an EV’s maximum range is typically more than enough. But if you frequently take longer range trips, charging could be a challenge.
  • Do you have a garage at home? If you buy an electric car, you’ll definitely want to install a home charging station. But if you park on the street, that might not be a possibility. 
  • Do you need a vehicle with towing capacity? This is often a vital question for truck and SUV drivers. Audi’s e-tron technology allows for towing of up to 4,000 pounds, but it comes at the cost of a serious drain on the battery. Take into account how much you tow, and how often you need towing ability.
The pros of buying an electric Audi include a
$7,500 federal tax credit
, along with the potential for extra rebates and incentives from local and state governments and power companies. In addition to that, you get lower operating costs and quiet driving—and you’re helping keep the planet healthy! On the other hand, EVs (especially luxury ones like Audi) tend to come with higher upfront costs and increased cost of maintenance, not to mention needing to figure out charging logistics. 
If you’re not quite ready to make the leap to all-electric, consider a hybrid Audi. This lets you have the best of both worlds, and Audi currently makes two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles—the crossover Q5 TFSI e, and the sedan A7 TFSI e

Audi’s electric future

Gazing into our crystal ball, we can absolutely expect to see more electric offerings in the future from Audi, starting with the Audi Q6 e-tron, which is slated for release in 2023. 
There’s not a lot of info out yet, but spy cam surveillance reports that Audi’s next EV offering is another crossover SUV, and looks to be aligned to compete with the electric
Porsche Macan
. It’s anticipated to have a dual-motor powertrain with around 470 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, with a range in the 300-mile zone. Like the GT, this model is expected to have a sportier RS trim level available, so get ready to roll out expeditiously. 
No pricing information or charging time details are available yet but stay tuned!

Plan for the future with Audi car insurance

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