A second version of the Audi e-tron, charged with opening the benefits of the first fully electric Audi to a wider audience has been confirmed for series production and will launch in the U.K. in 2020. The new Audi e-tron 50 quattro will complement the existing e-tron 55 quattro model, with its 71kWh battery and two electric motors providing for a range of up to 299km according to the WLTP test cycle and its 120kW charging capability facilitating recharging to 80% capacity in around 30 minutes at fast-charging stations.

A product of the carbon-neutral Audi Brussels plant, the e-tron 50 quattro combines a high level of efficiency with strong and instantly accessible performance.

Like the versions which came before it, the entry-level model also features 'e-quattro' all-wheel drive delivered by an electric motor mounted on each axle - in this application these generate a combined total of 230kW (304bhp) and 540Nm of torque, and are capable of propelling the electric SUV from zero to 100km/h in 7.0 seconds on the way to an electronically governed top speed of 190km/h.

A lower gross weight reduces running resistance and contributes to greater efficiency, as does the advanced thermal management system. This system regulates the temperature of the interior as well as the battery, electric motors, powered electronics and the charger, ensuring that the high-voltage components enjoy a long service life and enabling fast-charging with direct current.

The battery can also be supplied with alternating current via a home wallbox. For charging at home, the Audi e-tron 50 quattro is equipped with a compact charging system as standard. It supports a charging capacity of up to 2.3kW with a 230V domestic outlet and up to 11kW when connected to a 400V industrial charge point.

Like the more powerful version of the electric SUV, the Audi e-tron 50 quattro also recuperates energy during more than 90% of all deceleration actions. This means that the energy from practically all normal braking manoeuvres is recovered and fed back into the battery.

The standard efficiency assistant also helps the driver to adopt an economical driving style through automatic recuperation and predictive information in the Audi virtual cockpit. The system uses radar sensors, camera images, navigation data, and Car‑to‑X information to detect the traffic environment and understand the route. In combination with the adaptive cruise assist, the efficiency assistant can also brake and accelerate the electric SUV predictively for efficient use of battery charge when driving.