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2024 Audi Q8 e-tron quattro: Sophisticated, Seamless Electrification

by Randi
written by Randi

It was a glorious holiday weekend with both the weather and my means of dignified transportation represented by the 2024 Q8 e-tron, Audi’s all-new, all-electric luxury SUV. The German EV features increased range, higher-powered charging, and improved driving dynamics to ascertain that your daily commutes are not only pleasurable but simultaneously exhilarating.

Introducing the e-tron Brand

First introduced in 2018 in the form of the Audi e-tron, newer and more advanced e-tron variants are popping up across the lineup from the sporty e-tron GT to the utility-focused Q4 e-tron. Audi also offers the Q4 and Q8 as Sportback e-trons. The proliferation of the electric brand will become a staple since every new Audi model introduced in 2026 and after will be fully electric. In fact, 30% of Audi’s US sales stem from plug-in hybrids and EVs.

Q8 and Q8 e-tron Differentiations

Based on the flagship Q8 gasoline model in name and body type, which Automotive Rhythms has in its fleet for long-term testing, the Q8 e-tron receives aero cues up front and in the rear, squats lower, is a bit shorter, and highlighted by an array of aerodynamic rim styles and sizes including my Q8 e-tron’s optional 21” 5-arm aero structure design wheels with a bi-color finish. For traction, they pair with Hankook all-season tires. The Singleframe grille remains but with a new lighting signature. Additionally, the electric SUV inherits Audi’s first laser-etched badging on the B-pillar.

From a driving perspective, a new sliding gear shifter replaces the Q8’s traditional hand shifter and opens up the center console for additional storage space which the Q8 lacks. More direct steering input results from enriched hardware upgrades and dynamic handling manifests from the adaptive air suspension’s software updates, all of which provide quicker and sharper responses to traffic patterns. At the same time, acceleration from the dual battery is swift and engaging.

e-tron Electric Performance

The 402-horsepower Q8 e-tron is engineered with a dual electric motor setup (front and rear), a 114-kilowatt-hour battery (kWh), optional dual charging ports at the front of the vehicle, a rear wheel-biased quattro AWD system, and an EPA-estimated range of 285 miles. If you choose the Q8 Sportback e-tron with the ultra package, range will increase to 300 miles. Utilizing DC Fast Charging, the electric SUV recharges from 10 to 80% in roughly 31 minutes. And depending on the equipment and amp rating, 240v Level-2 charging can take 6 to 13 hours. Ideally, EV owners should install a home charger to reduce possible public charging frustrations that may arise. The unit will also increase EV ownership satisfaction since your day will always begin with a full energy tank. Audi states they will work with Qmerit to help set up your installation and roll the costs into the monthly payment.

Inside the Cockpit

The Q8 e-tron cabin incorporates a wide panoramic sunroof with a sunscreen, a 4-spoke sporty steering wheel with regenerative brake paddles, and Audi MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch response. The dual-screen multimedia system consists of a 10.1” upper screen and a smaller 8.6” lower display which mainly handles the 4-zone automatic climate control. The top screen houses navigation, audio, apps, EV status, and Apple CarPlay. Though, many features can be activated through natural voice control. Audi Drive Select vastly differentiates the Q8 e-trons driving characteristics from 7 modes: off-road, all-road, efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual. Lastly, premium audio by Bang and Olufsen will satisfy your musical taste, or you can power it off and naturally take in the e-tron’s soul through electric soundwaves.

EV Charging Ecosystem 

There are three levels of charging: Level 1 (your home outlet), Level 2 (240v in-home installation or public), and Level 3, aka DC Fast Charging, mostly installed at public retail locations. Level 1 is the slowest, giving you 3 to 5 miles per hour. Level 2 is the most convenient since it will majorly take place at home and energizes your ride 15 to 30 miles an hour. DC is the way to go when traveling with a low battery and is available from 25 kW to 350 kW for passenger EVs. Electrify America is Audi’s partner network and builds ultra-fast 150 kW and hyper-fast 350 kW chargers. Yet, Tesla has the most stable and efficient charging ecosystem, which is partly why they sell so many EVs.

Q8 e-tron Trims and Pricing

The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron quattro has a starting MSRP of $74,400 for the Premium model.  You may also choose the $78,800 Premium Plus, the $84,800 Prestige, or the $87,550 Launch Edition featuring metallic black 21” 5-arm aero structure rims, the S line package, high-tech mesh anthracite inlays, and Valcona/Milano leather interior with piping. Each will supply you with two years of complimentary Electrify America DC fast charging.

#AutomotiveRhythms #2024AudiQ8etron #AudiQ8etron   #Q8etron #Q8 #AudiQ8 #AudiQ8Sportbacketron  #Audietron #Audiquattro  #Q4etron #Qmerit  #ElectrifyAmerica #HankookTires #AudiEV #AudiEVs #BangandOlufsen #ElectricVehicle #ElectricVehicles #EV #ElectricSUVs #EVs #GreenCars #electriccars #CarCharging #GreenEnergy #ZeroEmissionVehicle #zeroemissions #Electrification #Electricmobility  #emobility

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ChargePoint Home Flex Installation: EV Charging 101

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

As an automotive journalist, I test and evaluate the latest electric vehicles from SUVs to performance sedans. For example, I’m currently reviewing the electrified 2023 Genesis GV60 crossover, and in prior weeks I had the Mercedes EQS and Audi Q4 e-tron in my driveway. Since data shows that EV owners will conduct 80% of charging at home, I installed a ChargePoint Home Flex outside my garage to power Automotive Rhythms’ EV media fleet. If you are a current EV owner or considering joining the electric revolution, you should contemplate a home charging station as well.

There are three charging levels to consider to keep your EV ready for action. Level 1 is the slowest at three to five miles of energy recuperation per hour and utilizes your home’s 110V outlets. A full charge can take up to 60 hours or more depending on the size of your vehicle’s battery pack. Level 2 is the most convenient since charging can take place at home at 15 to 37 miles an hour from a 240V unit like the ChargePoint Home Flex. Public charging stations are rapidly increasing in many parts of the US and feature Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations. With Level 3 charging (also known as DC Fast Chargers), you can expect charging from 25 kWh to 350 kWh. For instance, a 350 kWh DC fast charger will juice a Kia EV6 GT and its 800V multi-charging architecture from 10% to 80% in approximately 18 minutes. Note that not all EVs on the road today have a DC fast charging port. Additionally, most plug-in hybrids can only charge at Level 1 or 2.

However, while rapid charging is great and convenient for you timewise, it takes a toll on your vehicle’s battery pack. Therefore, constant usage can result in lower long-term range for your EV. So for most of us, Level 2 is the perfect balance for efficiency and longevity. There are two other strategies for preserving your battery. Firstly, only charge up to 80%. Secondly, never let your battery run down to zero percent because it requires more energy to kickstart the charging.

For installation by a certified electrician, the Home Flex can be hardwired or plugged in, depending on your preference. I chose the hardwiring option and an outdoor installation instead of inside my garage. It’s weatherproof so there will be no issues when rain falls or temperatures drop. The 240-volt Level 2 system runs through my upgraded 200-amp electrical panel from a dedicated 40-amp breaker. The main reasons a car charger installation would necessitate the upgrades are physical capacity (how many breakers a panel can hold) or amperage capacity (how much current a service can handle).

ChargePoint provides Home Flex units from 16 amps to 50 amps depending on your needs. Many homes may only have a 100-amp panel that requires a service upgrade (dubbed a heavy-up) to handle the new load. For the quickest results, have your electrician hardwire your unit to a 50-amp circuit breaker which feature an estimated 37 miles of range per hour. The lower the amp rating, the slower the charge. As you increase amperage, more power is drawn to your vehicle per hour and at a faster rate. I observed that the Genesis pulled 9.3 kWh from the charger for about 30 miles of range per hour.

As previously stated, EV owners will charge 80% at home. But publicly, ChargePoint has an extensive network of Level 2 AC and Level 3 DC Fast Chargers. I can use the ChargePoint app to find locations in my area from shopping centers to hotels. The app also breaks down the usage of each charging session, whether at home or from a public station.

Many auto manufacturers are heavily supporting the sprint towards building out the infrastructure needed to meet the growing demand for EVs. For example, Volvo recently partnered with Starbucks for ChargePoint chargers at locations along a 1,350-mile route between Denver and Seattle. As a result, as many as 60 DC Fast Chargers at 15 locations will be available to coffee lovers.

Moreover, Mercedes-EQ announced an aggressive network plan at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The German automaker is one of many companies aggressively moving towards EV adoption to accelerate carbon neutrality goals. The charging network will be open to all EV customers, not just Mercedes owners. The rollout will start this year in North America and pairs with MN8 Energy and ChargePoint. Completion is expected by 2027 and will offer 400 hubs with more than 2,500 Level 3 chargers. When completed, EV drivers will find premium charging hubs near highways and in metropolitan areas. Expect four to 12 chargers at standard locations and up to 30 chargers at busy junctions.

The ChargePoint Home Flex is competitively priced at $749, and eligible for utility rebates and other incentives including the renewed US federal tax credit for 30% of total charge station costs and installation costs up to $1,000. Expect to pay $500 to $1,500 for home charging installation depending on your home’s electrical needs and setup. Are you ready for the EV revolution? The choice is yours as the mobility sector continues its shift towards electrification and carbon neutrality.

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The All-Electric 2023 Genesis GV60 Performance Crossover

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

As Genesis continues to expand its EV lineup, I must pay homage to the electrified 2023 GV60 crossover, the company’s first dedicated EV model. The Korean automaker’s e-mobility goal is to shift towards an all-electric lineup by 2030. The AWD GV60 has an EPA-estimated electric driving range of 248 miles for the Advanced model and 235 miles for the Performance model I’m testing (255 miles during my observations). Both utilize a 77.4 kWh battery and feature 1-pedal driving, various driving modes, and Boost Mode to send the vehicle into hyper speeds. However, remember that any performance driving will zap your total range.

 The small Korean hatchback looks good, feels good, and engages on the road. A glass Vision Roof with power shades, distinguished 21” alloy rims wrapped in Michelin Primacy Tour tires, gorgeous Uyuni White paint, a tailgate spoiler, and funky headlights add to the GV60’s allure. Power is produced from the front and rear electric motors (160 kW each) to instill the 2023 Genesis GV60 Advanced AWD with 314 horsepower and a whopping 429 horsepower for the GV60 Performance AWD model. Its multifunction steering wheel is enhanced with Boost Mode, akin to launch control for super excited takeoffs. My passengers started screaming when I catapulted us like rocks from slingshots a few times. Two paddle shifters on the right and left allow you to engage and disengage 1-pedal driving, which helps with regenerative braking.

Inside, the cockpit is forward-thinking and innovative such as the globe gear selector that rotates and shines bright when the ignition is turned on and off. The dial above it operates the infotainment features from a touchable and swipeable 12.3” display. Both are housed within the floating center console along with other essential controls. An EV screen highlights data on how the vehicle is performing, how much battery is left, and the location of charging stations. For example, the GV60 will adjust and increase its range if you turn off climate control. A microfiber suede headliner and Nappa leather seating surfaces in a Torrent Navy hue with yellow stitching and circular window controllers were refreshing. A Bang & Olufsen premium audio system produced glorious sounds through Apple CarPlay, while security features stemmed from Fingerprint Authentication, Face Connect, and Genesis Digital Key 2.

EV owners will complete 80% of their charging at home using a 240v Level 2 unit. Therefore, a home installation setup, such as the ChargePoint Home Flex I just placed outside my garage, is best. But when you are out and about, ChargePoint has an extensive network of Level 2 AC and Level 3 DC Fast Chargers. I can use the app to find locations in my area, from shopping centers to hotels. In terms of costs, compare the kWh rate of charging your vehicle to an electric oven or dryer. For example, to fully charge the Genesis GV60 Performance, I used 55 kWh (s) over eight hours, totaling $8.52. I suggest hardwiring your unit to a 50-amp circuit breaker estimated at 37 miles of range per hour for best results. The lower the amp rating, the slower the charge. As you increase amperage, more power is drawn to your vehicle per hour and at a faster rate. I noticed that the Genesis pulled 9.3 kWh from the charger for about 30 miles of range per hour.

The ChargePoint Home Flex retails for $749. In addition, it is eligible for utility rebates, and other incentives, including the renewed US federal tax credit for 30% of total station and installation costs up to $1,000.

The 2023 Genesis GV60 SUV starts at $59,290 for the Advanced model and $68,290 for the Performance variant. It is sold at limited dealerships in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Utah, and Washington. Genesis warrants the Electric Vehicle System and the powertrain for ten years or 100,000 miles for better peace of mind. So, are you ready for an EV revolution? The choice is yours as the mobility sector continues its shift towards electrification and carbon neutrality.

 

 

 

 

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