VW and Audi near Future Sustainability Initiatives Ramping Up

Sustainability program will add to both the e-Golf and e-tron experience.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Aug 5, 2014



2015 Audi A3 e-tron PHEV-20 – An expected starting price of as little as $34,995 USD (see below as to why its price could be this attractive) incl. D&H while offering an expected 20 + mile all-electric range (AER).



From our earlier write-up (From the Floor of the 2014 NYAIS: Audi’s 2015 A3 TDI Sportback Confirmed for U.S.) and the deep dive (The 2015 Audi A3 e-tron PHEV_Pre-Sales Begin in Germany), here are a few light details on the upcoming PHEV from the Brand of Four Rings.



2015 Audi A3 e-tron PHEV-20 U.S. Pricing guesstimates



The 2015 Audi A3 e-tron is priced in Germany at $51,517 to start while the base 2015 A3 sedan with the 2.0L TFSI I4, 6-speed S-tronic, and quattro AWD is priced to start at $48,338. A similar equipped 2015 A3 sedan with the 2.0L TFSI I4, 6-speed S-tronic, and quattro AWD here in the U.S. starts at $32,900 so interpolating, the e-tron may arrive for as little as $35,078 to start. With a 20-mile PHEV range, it would qualify for a $3,750 Federal tax credit and HOV lane access in both California and New York.



2015 Audi A3 e-tron PHEV-20 Basic Overview – Read the “Deep Dive” linked above for all the details.



The Audi A3 e-tron PHEV-20 is rated at 31.1 miles AER on the NEDC so approximately 20-miles on the EPA. The five-door compact hatch will arrive with a 150 hp 1.4L TFSI engine. think of the Jetta Hybrids engine but instead of being mated to a 27 hp engine and 7-speed DSG, it is mated to a much larger 100 hp electric motor integrated into a newly developed S-tronic six-speed AT.



The liquid cooled Li-Ion battery has a capacity of 8.8 kWh and can be charged in approximately two hours from a Level2 charging station. Precooling/heating is also included in the package.



With the drivetrain combination producing 204 total system hp and 258.1 lb-ft torque, the Audi A3 e-tron is delving into “Hot Hatch” territory while offering the greenest credentials available when on the plug. The “hot” part arises from its ability to reach 60 in under 7.5 seconds and offering a 138 mph top speed. Both will/should never be used of course.



In electric mode, top speed is limited to 81 mph which is just above the EPA US06 high-speed test threshold. Imagine that. ;)



Thanks to the lightweight design, the five-door hatch has a curb weight of 3,395 lb, just 220 pounds more than the A3 1.8L sedan while offering space for five and some luggage.

2015 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron



AS shown above, Germany presales have already begun with the first cars expected to reach owners this winter.



The most important markets for the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron are the United States, Germany, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Customers in these countries have a strong interest in sustainable products. They also appreciate the classic strengths of the Audi brand: high-end technology, uncompromising workmanship, sportiness and elegant design.

Volkswagen/Audi Transportation Sustainability



Both Volkswagen and Audi of America announced all-new sustainability programs enhancing the e-Golf and A3 e-Tron GHG reduction capabilities beyond their all-electric transportation capabilities.



Volkswagen



With the launch of the zero-tailpipe emissions 2015 e-Golf in November of this year, Volkswagen will invest in carbon reduction projects to offset emissions created from each e-Golf produced, its distribution and up to approximately 36,000 miles of driving.



Volkswagen named SunPower as an official solar energy partner power provider to reduce transportation lifecycle carbon emissions even further.



Through these innovative collaborations, Volkswagen will be one of the first high-volume manufacturers to deliver a fully sustainable approach to ultra-low-carbon mobility.



To help choose carbon offset projects, Volkswagen has teamed with 3Degrees, a certified B Corporation and leading carbon offset and Renewable Energy Credit (REC) provider based in San Francisco. The company has several U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency awards as Green Power Supplier of the Year. The partnership brings new meaning to the idea of an ultra-low carbon car. Volkswagen of America chose to include carbon reduction efforts in California and in Texas with projects geared towards forestry conservation and landfill gas capture.



Audi



The Brand of Four Rings introduced Audi energy, a comprehensive program designed to help improve the electric vehicle ownership experience and reduce the carbon footprint that comes with vehicle production, distribution and driving.



Audi energy will be available with the introduction of the first PHEV offered by the brand – the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, which is scheduled to debut in the U.S. during the second half of 2015. Through the Audi energy program, Audi will offer three unique opportunities to help improve sustainability and reduce carbon emissions:

• At-home Audi-designed Level2 charger developed in conjunction with Bosch for qualified owners of the A3 e-tron
  
  
  


• Audi will purchase carbon offset certificates in California and Africa to offset certain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with A3 Sportback e-tron vehicles
  
  
  


• SunPower will provide an optional home solar power system for Audi owners, especially A3 Sportback e-tron customers, including a newly developed home energy storage solution to capture additional solar energy

Audi GM of Product Strategy and Launch Wayne Killen:

Quote:

“Audi energy takes this to the next level with solutions that allow for sustainable driving and a lower carbon footprint with one of the most comprehensive offering in the industry today.”

The Audi-designed Level2 charger will come standard with the purchase of an all-new Audi A3 Sportback e-tron. Installation costs however will be extra.



Like VW, Audi energy follows a similar path but goes even further. Audi Energy also partnered with 3Degrees to invest in two types of carbon reduction programs, one in the U.S. and the other in Africa (in a United Nations REDD+ zone). Audi will offset most of the greenhouse gas emissions that result from the A3 Sportback e-tron vehicle’s final assembly, including battery production, shipping the vehicle to the Audi dealer, and 50,000 miles of driving.



Residential solar production and storage



Audi has partnered with San Jose, Calif.-based SunPower to offer optional home solar power system to Audi owners in all 50 states. With the highest efficiency solar panels available in the industry today – including the 21% efficient X-Series Solar Panel which produces 75 percent more energy over 25 years than a conventional panel - SunPower rooftop solar systems can help customers enhance the energy efficiency of their A3 e-tron and home while lowering their electric utility costs.



More on the SunPower X Series



Additionally, Audi customers will be the first among SunPower’s automotive partners to receive premier access to its energy storage solution which currently is in final testing and expected to be available in early 2015. The SunPower storage system is designed to provide homeowners security that comes with knowing that during a power outage, their solar system will continue producing energy, and customers will have access to stored energy for powering their homes and their A3 e-tron.

VW and Audi near Future Sustainability Initiatives Ramping Up