Audi to bring faster charging to e-tron and e-tron Sportback

When the Audi e-tron was first launched, one of its key features was its charging capability. It was one of the first EVs to have 150 kW charging capabilities, which gave it an advantage over most of its competitors. However, 150 kW charging was only possible via a DC fast charger capable of such speed. At home, the e-tron was only capable of 11 kW charging. Now, though, the e-tron gets an upgrade to 22 kW home charging.

Starting now, the Audi e-tron 55 and e-tron 55 Sportback will have the option to get a second on-board charger, which doubles the AC charging speed. By mid-2021, the lesser e-tron 50 models will get the same option.

To use this 22 kW charging option, customers must also buy Audi’s new charge connect system, which is suitable for home garage use. The charging system connect requires a three-phase 400-volt outlet to work properly and provide the 22 kW charging but that can be installed by a licensed electrician. While that might sound like a lot of trouble to go through, it could be worth it. With 22 kW charging from home, you can charge the e-tron from flat to full in under five hours.

The charging unit itself features a five-inch touchscreen and WiFi capability. So you can control it via either the touchscreen or the MyAudi mobile app. It can also be programmed to charge during off hours, when energy is cheapest, or even to use energy stored from solar panels.

Audi has also updated the steering wheel, to make semi-autonomous driving easier. With Audi’s current system, you have to actually apply some steering input to the wheel, while letting the car drive itself, every thirty seconds or so, to let the car know you’re still paying attention. With the updated steering wheel and system, the driver only has to lightly touch the wheel once a minute to keep the system engaged.

Additionally, new titanium gray five-spoke 22-inch wheels will also be available on the Audi e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback.