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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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2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring: Conscious Automotive Poetry

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

The origin stories behind the branding of electric car manufacturer Lucid Motors are fascinating. For proper understanding, I had a chance to visit headquarters in Newark, CA to meet with designers, engineers, software developers, and communications executives as they discussed the intimate details of the company’s latest two models, highlighting the first volume production models. And just like Atlanta hip-hop group Outkast’s classic, the products are “so fresh and so clean!”

Two New Lucid Models

Excitement over new possibilities stemmed from drive time in the all-electric, high-performance 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring (GT) and Grand Touring Performance (GTP) sedans and a day of immersion into the Lucid culture. For $154,000, the GT generates 819-horsepower and accelerates to 60 mph in just 3 seconds. The GTP increases output to 1,050 electric horses with a warping speed of 2.6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. In this example, luxury car buyers can expect to spend $179,000 before the GTP’s potential $7,500 federal tax credit. These prices do not include the $1,500 destination fee. Yes, these high-end vehicles are slated for wealthy individuals who can afford the finer things, from second and third homes to yachts and opulent vacations.

Battery and Electrification Education

According to Lucid, the Lucid Air Grand Touring leads the EV industry in efficiency with an EPA-estimated range of up to 516 miles or 4.6 miles of driving range per kilowatt hour. The Lucid Electric Drive Unit features two motors (one up front and one in the rear) to create an AWD platform which came into play around the winding roads of the Santa Cruz mountains. The vehicle is balanced, and weight transfers are fluid for optimal performance. At higher speeds, the GT and GTP are stiff and compliant; while cruising, the vehicle is pure and seductive. Track-proven battery technology stems from Formula E experience where Lucid has provided the battery packs since 2018.

Initially partnering with Electrify America, the in-house engineered Lucid Air Battery Pack is compatible with any public charging station. It can deliver up to 300 miles of charge in approximately 21 minutes from the high-capacity 112 kWh (118 kWh GTP), 900v battery at a 350 kWh DC fast charger. Higher kWhs translate to a more extended driving range. The unit also features bi-directional capabilities to power your house if there is an outage. It converts the vehicle’s DC electricity (direct current) back to AC electricity (alternating current) through its onboard bi-directional charger. Also expect a 10-year / 100,000-mile battery warranty.

Launch Control

The Lucids power up when you unlock the doors and feature three drive mode settings: Smooth, Swift, and Sprint. Steering, torque, regeneration settings, and damping are all influenced by the mode of choice selected. Launch Control (LC) is my favorite performance feature, engaged out of Sprint mode. At PayPal Park we demonstrated LC which excited me emotionally as the Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance squatted into the suspension and blasted off upon full acceleration. There is nothing like the instantaneous acceleration of electric torque. Eric Bach, Lucid Senior Vice President of Product and Chief Engineer, also iterated how tire development is customized with brands like Michelin and Pirelli for the precise specs required.

One-pedal Driving

With two settings, one-pedal driving simulates braking when you release the throttle, but you can’t turn it off completely. I’m not a fan and had Lucid tame it down so I could manipulate the braking myself.

Special Edition Dream Edition

Before my Northern Cali visit, I had the pleasure of a spirited test drive around Fairfax County, Virginia in a special edition Eureka Gold Lucid Air Dream Edition. Sorry, Lucid sold all 520 units of the $169,900 limited production vehicle to forward thinkers who will be liberated by its 2.42 second 0 to 60 mph time. The vehicle’s design is emotionally appealing and its performance is magnificent. Depending on packaging, the maximum output is an astonishing 1,111-horsepower and 520 miles of range with 19″ wheels. Lucid was going for efficiency during the product planning process, but performance became the byproduct. In addition to the Dream Edition, GT, and GTP, the Lucid lineup includes the $87,400 Pure and the $107,400 Touring, which have begun production with availability in quarter four.

EV Software Development

Though the EV space comprises less than 3% of the US automotive market in totality, the goal is to continue developing battery-powered machines to reduce the carbon footprints that humans generate from their inventions. We must explore alternative fuel sources for a better, brighter, and cleaner future. Of course, helping to spearhead that charge is EV startup Lucid Motors, with a 500-acre manufacturing plant in Arizona. The company also develops the majority of its core technologies and software in-house. Derrick Carty, VP of Software Platform, explained that the audio system, Android-based operating system, and navigation are designed and implemented directly by Lucid. With 50 plus computers in the vehicle and five unique operating systems, updates can be executed over-the-air including the active suspension and acoustic settings. Lucid is off to a great start, but the features need to be enhanced to reflect the price point of the vehicles. I found the audio to be a bit weak and had some frustrations with the navigation. Lucid says the best listening experience is with Adobe recorded music such as Tidal.

Exterior Design

Stylistically, the Air is as unique and titillating as they come. Derek Jenkins, Lucid Senior VP of Design and Brand, stated how they looked at aircraft designs for inspiration. With 100% aluminum architecture, the Grand Touring is long and sits extremely low for better aerodynamics. An all-glass canopy (roof) extends from the windshield in an interesting one-piece glass and roof combo that is outlined by aluminum trim to create a two-tone effect no matter if you select a Quantum Grey, Cosmos Silver, Infinite Black, Stellar White, or Zenith Red hue. However, remember that glass attracts heat, especially in regions like Florida. A large cavity under the front hood provides 280 liters of storage. Easy entry into the vehicle stem from 90-degree door openings and a choice of three 21-inch, one 20-inch, and one 19-inch rim design provides character. Lucid also placed 14 cameras and 32 sensors around the Airs. In the rear, the largest single-piece taillamp in the industry flows with the clamshell opening trunk.

Interior Design

A 34” main screen and 12.3” center stack touch display operates everything from the steering wheel and mirror adjustments to the 21-speaker “Surreal Sound” audio system, massage, and climate settings. At the same time, open-pore wood accentuates the two-tone cabin. Inside is very spacious with headroom for taller individuals and no visible blind spots.

“The day is bright, and the air is clear after the midday sun burns off a hazy morning Sunlight intensifies the colors and highlights the coastal landscape.” Santa Cruz Interior Description

Retailers and Service

Enter any Lucid Retail Studio to customize your vehicle and familiarize yourself with the brand. The lifestyle space features a lounge, display vehicles, visual content, and a 4K Virtual Reality Experience Configurator for customers to personalize their sedan from exterior hues to interior material selections, all inspired by and named after specific cities in California such as Santa Monica, Santa Cruz, and Tahoe. You can also select your Lucid Air entirely online at www.LucidMotors.com.

For maintenance, Lucid will place a service center in the vicinity of every retailer. Some of these locations will also perform bodywork. The EV maker will also provide mobile service to go along with the over-the-air software updates. Lastly, there is the option of Lucid staff picking up your vehicle for service.

EV Conclusion

It was a pure moment of reflection into the future of mobility as the emergence of electrification conversations continues to take precedence in an era of global warming and planetary resource depletion. Every major automaker plans to launch an EV within the next ten years, from Audi to Bentley (if they haven’t already). In the mix is Lucid, who is primed for the bevy of conscious consumers looking for evolutionary change.

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