Audi A1 e-Tron begins testing

Audi has teamed up with E.ON, Stadtwerke München and the Technical University of Munich to begin testing a fleet of twenty A1 e-Trons starting next year.

As part of the agreement, E.ON and Stadtwerke München (both utility companies) will install 100 electric filling stations across Munich.  The Technical University of Munich will be "...responsible for comprehensive data collection and evaluation of mobility behavior." To do this, they have developed a mobile phone app that will document the behavior of all participants in the program.

According to Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management at Audi, "Electromobility means more to us than just electrifying conventional cars. Instead we are dedicated to a holistic approach to all aspects of the topic. We hope that this fleet trial will enable us to gain broad insights into the behavior but also the expectations of our customers regarding their dealings with electric cars."

As you may recall, the A1 e-Tron is a range extended plug-in hybrid like the Chevrolet Volt. It features a 75 kW (102 PS / 101 hp) electric motor which enables to the car to travel up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) on electricity alone. When the lithium-ion batteries are depleted, a compact internal combustion engine recharges them. This allows the car to travel an additional 200 kilometers (124 miles). While official efficiency data hasn't been determined, Audi expects a fuel consumption rating of 1.9 l/100 km (123.80 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 45 g/km (72 g/mile).

Check out the press release for additional information