Audi A2 e-tron is brand's smallest EV; gets up to 646km range

Audi has taken the wraps off the A2 e-tron hatchback, its smallest EV yet, with a range of up to 646km (according to WLTP cycle). The original, combustion-run Audi A2, sold from 1999 to 2005, was also built to deliver excellent fuel economy, and its EV successor clearly follows the same efficiency-first approach. The A2 is built on the same MEB modular platform as other Volkswagen Group EVs, including the Volkswagen ID 3, Skoda Elroq and Audi Q4 e-tron.

Audi A2 e-tron: Battery and motor specs

Audi A2 e-tron technical specs
Gross battery capacity (kWh)	52	61	84	84
WLTP-rated range (km)	423	515	646	630
Motor power (hp)	168	188	228	322
Motor torque (Nm)	350	350	350	545
0-100kph (sec)	8.8	7.9	7	5.7
Top speed (kph)	160	160	160	200
Drive layout	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD
Maximum DC charging speed (kW)	100	105	183	183
10-80 percent DC charging time (mins)	24	26	29	29

There are four electric motor options on offer, and their outputs range from 168hp to 322hp, and 350Nm to 545Nm. Three battery pack options are available with the EV: 52, 61 and 84kWh; the bigger battery employs nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistry, while the smaller batteries use lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry. The A2 e-tron with a 228hp motor powered by an 84kWh battery pack has a range of 646km, the highest in the line-up. The carmaker also claims that the A2 e-tron is the most efficient Audi of all time, with an energy consumption of 12.8 kWh/100km (140kW trim with the optional efficiency package).

The 84kWh battery supports DC fast charging speeds of up to 183kW, with a 10 to 80 percent charge taking a claimed time of 29 minutes. Whereas, the 52kWh battery pack reaches the same state of charge (SoC) in 24 minutes at up to 100kW and the 61kWh battery takes 25 minutes at a charging speed of up to 105kW.

Audi A2 e-tron: Exterior design

The Audi A2 e-tron has been designed to prioritise aerodynamic efficiency, and it has a distinctive rounded silhouette similar to the original A2; the carmaker claims a slippery drag coefficient of 0.24. It gets short overhangs, and the sensors for the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and the main headlights are neatly integrated into the closed-off front section. The slim daytime running lights (DRLs) are positioned above them.

The underside is almost entirely closed off, while the wheel arches get gap reducers that minimise the space between the wheels and bodywork. In profile, the newly designed wheels have an ‘aero’ design, while the door handles are shaped to cut through the air with a wing-like design. Towards the rear, the roofline slopes gently before merging with the spoiler. The tail-lights have a horizontal design, and they flank the brand’s four ringed logo.

Audi A2 e-tron: Interior and features

Audi has used recycled fabric liberally in the A2’s cabin, and it gets a much simpler dashboard design compared to the brand’s other models currently on sale. The steering wheel gets a mix of rollers and touch-sensitive controls, and the door handles feature haptic touch sensors instead of buttons.

A new panel behind the steering wheel houses functions that would otherwise be placed on the centre console, including the electric parking brake. Also, the A2 is also the latest Audi model to adopt the new stalk that made its debut on the Q3. Many of the car controls are integrated into the 12.8-inch touchscreen, which sits alongside the 11.9-inch driver’s display. Audio duties are handled by a set of seven speakers, available as standard; a 14-speaker Sonos premium sound system will be offered as an optional extra. Audi will also offer an optional head-up display that shows the speed, navigation instructions and audio player information.

The A2 e-tron is built at Audi’s Ingolstadt plant in Germany. Audi has tailored its entry-level EV specifically to the needs of European customers. Prices for the Audi EV start at 38,200 euros (or Rs 41.92 lakh at the time of writing).