The German luxury brand debuted two e-tron electric-car concepts, the Audi Aicon and Audi Elaine.
Both are battery-electric vehicles, though they differ in self-driving technology. The Aicon is a fully-autonomous level 5 vehicle, while the Elaine resides at level 4 on the self-driving car scale.
The scale measures to a maximum of 5, which means the Aicon is a true hands-off driverless car where occupants need not be involved with driving at all and can do anything, including sleeping.
Audi Aicon Concept
Audi Aicon Concept
Audi Aicon Concept
There are no pedals, no steering wheel, or other familiar driver controls in the Audi Aicon, which the brand says "shows the world of tomorrow."
Without the need for a driver, the cockpit follows a design motif seen in other self-driving cars: a lounge-like cabin with two single-person seats (or chairs) and a bench seat (or couch?).
The front seats rotate to allow passengers to converse with those behind them.
As for the electric powertrain, Audi claims the Aicon boasts
348 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque from four electric motors.
The maximum range is given as 500 miles on a single charge, and the battery pack of undisclosed capacity can be recharged to 80 percent in 30 minutes via an 800-volt charging system.
While the Aicon looks further into the future, the Audi Elaine concept is more "here and now."
The Elaine is clearly using an adaptation of the Audi e-tron Sportback's production body, which the brand has confirmed for a 2019 production date.
The brand also provided much more context for the Elaine concept, including its level 4 self-driving capabilities.
Audi Elaine Concept
Audi Elaine Concept
Audi Elaine Concept
Audi Elaine Concept
The onboard Highway Pilot system is capable of taking control of all human-driver functions between speeds of
37 and 80 mph, which makes it an expansion of Audi's current Traffic Jam Assistant in the 2019 A8.
The level 4 system is capable of passing other vehicles, changing lanes, and all other normal functions needed to drive safely at higher speeds.
The driver may also retake control at any time during Highway Pilot operation—but will still have to be in driving position, at the wheel, and ready to retake control if required.
Elaine's electric powertrain features three electric motors, a setup Audi believes will become common moving forward.
One electric motor sits on the front axle, and two sit at each corner of the Elaine's rear.
The electric powertrain provides up to 496 hp in a boost mode but produces 420 hp otherwise.
Power comes from a 95
-kilowatt-hour battery, which gives the Elaine 311 miles of range, and the concept car can be charged wirelessly or via a 150-kilowatt fast charging system that the company will launch next year on its first e-tron Quattro electric SUV.
Audi Elaine Concept
Audi Elaine Concept
Audi Elaine Concept
Additional futuristic tech includes an "AI Zone" that drivers can navigate to, after which the Elaine can drive itself to get a car wash or recharge its battery while the owner goes about other tasks.
An intelligent personal assistant program is also onboard that continues to learn the driver's preferences throughout the period of ownership.
Information the system may gather include the driver's favorite morning radio stations and preferred climate temperatures inside the cabin.
Hyundai wraps in free chargers with its new EVs. Look for various improvements for Audi’s Q4 E-Tron. New projections are more bullish about global EV adoption. And what’s Toyota calling its electrified models? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Those who purchase or lease a new Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, or Kona Electric through October 31 can get a free home charger—plus up to $600 to cover installation. It’s offered through the company’s Hyundai Home service, which aggregates charging-station possibilities and helps frame solar and energy storage options...
The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) analysis suggests explosive EV sales growth partly because of acceleration of EV sales in "late-adopting" countries with robust new car sales.
The latest stretch for Toyota marketing sees hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles all becoming different types of EVs. Which is which?
Based on updates given to the European-market version, the 2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron is likely to charge quicker and offer more range, while new steering and suspension tuning may give it a sportier edge.
Those who purchase or lease one of three Hyundai EV models can get a ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 EV charger for free, as well as an installation credit of up to $600.
Jaguar jumps on with Tesla’s charge port and Supercharger access. Automakers are irked by Britain’s backtracking on EV policy. And don’t expect Tesla’s NACS to spread to China anytime soon. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed that future...
Jaguar vehicles will have access to Tesla Supercharger stations, and next-generation EVs set to launch in 2025 will have the NACS port, with no need to use an adapter, for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Climate effects aside, automakers are now also reportedly concerned that a delay of the EV mandate will upset future plans, and the rebound of auto manufacturing in the U.K. post-Brexit.
Hyundai is rushing plans to get its Georgia EV “Metaplant” up and running. Maserati is charging up dealerships for pending EV arrivals. And the Tesla Model 3 is the most-leased EV. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. The Inflation Reduction Act and Biden EV policy—and...
