Audi has made a few new updates to the upcoming 2021 Audi e-tron electric SUV before its release. The German automaker is now offering a new optional 22 kW onboard charger as well as a new steering wheel.
The Audi e-tron is currently equipped with level 2 charging capacity using its 11 kW onboard charger. Now, Audi will offer a dual charger option that will increase the capacity of the electric SUV.
According to the company, the second on-board charger will increase the SUV’s charging capacity up to 22 kW: “Fast charging with direct current (DC) has always been a major strength of the e-tron models. Now Audi is also enabling faster charging with alternating current (AC). Effective immediately, e-tron 55 and e-tron Sportback 55 customers can order a second on-board charger that doubles the power from 11 kW to as much as 22 kW at appropriate charging terminals.”
In addition to this new option, the 2021 e-tron will also have new intelligent charging features: “In conjunction with a compatible home energy management system from SMA Solar Technology or the Hager Group, the e-tron charging system connect offers additional, intelligent functions. For example, the Audi e-tron can take account of the needs of other consumers in the household and charge with the remaining power available in order to avoid overloading the home electrical system. The charging system also allows customers to define individual priorities, such as charging when electricity is less expensive under a variable electricity rate. If the home is equipped with a photovoltaic system, the car can be charged preferentially using the electricity generated by the system. Charging planning then considers forecast periods of sunshine. Additional features of the e-tron charging system connect include PIN protection against unauthorized use and the recording of charging energy.”
The steering wheel in both the upcoming e-tron and e-tron Sportsback were also updated with more sensitive sensors allowing it to the detect hands more accurately, thus improving its driver-assist system: “The updated steering wheels make driving even more convenient. The driver only has to lightly touch the touch-sensitive rim once per minute with his or her hand to ensure that the lateral guidance of the adaptive cruise assist remains active. The driver remains fully responsible for steering the vehicle, however. The high-end system, which uses data from the central driver assistance controller (zFAS), can keep the Audi e-tron centered in the lane. It also manages longitudinal guidance across the entire speed range. It supports the driver with accelerating, braking, maintaining speed, keeping distance and in traffic jam situations.”
Lastly, the German automaker is now offering 22-inch wheels for the Audi e-tron S:“The Audi e-tron S and the Audi e-tron S Sportback come standard with 20-inch wheels, with 21-inch wheels available as an option. Audi Sport GmbH has now upped the ante – with 10.5Jx22 wheels and 285/35 series tires. The titanium gray wheels have a five-spoke structure and a gloss turned finish.”
The new 2021 Audi e-tron comes with starting MSRP of $65,900 and its battery-powered, all-wheel-drive powertrain delivers up to 222 miles of EPA estimated driving range.