With regular unleaded soaring over $2.00 per litre in some provinces, and expectations for even higher pump prices in the near future, Canadians are starting to get serious about going electric. This…

Top 5 most efficient electric vehicles in Canada… and all the rest

2022 Tesla Model 3
Tesla’s Model 3 is the most efficient electric vehicle available in North America, according to the U.S. EPA.

With regular unleaded soaring over $2.00 per litre in some provinces, and expectations for even higher pump prices in the near future, Canadians are starting to get serious about going electric. This brings up the question, which EV is most efficient?

While EVs capable of “going the distance” are impressive, an ability to drive 400 to 500 kilometres on a single charge might not be your best choice unless you plan to travel from Toronto to the Muskokas or Vancouver to the Okanagan on a regular basis. Efficiency, on the other hand, is paramount, because it factors in how much you’ll actually be spending. After learning this, you can compare a given EV to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicle you’re driving now.

This formula would normally require the comparison of an EV’s Le/100km ranking to an ICE vehicle’s L/100km rating, but in this case, we’re borrowing info compiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), so you’ll be seeing MPGe. Either way, it gives us a good indication of the top 5 most efficient vehicles available in a market that’s very similar to Canada, plus, as an added bonus, we’ll also list off how the “losers” fared.

1) Tesla Model 3: Canada’s best-selling electric vehicle for good reason

2022 Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 leads in sales too.

Most popular doesn’t always translate into most practical, but in the world of electric cars, efficiency seems to matter just as much as style, performance, luxury features and premium status. The Model 3 has it all, along with best-selling BEV stats and sales leadership in its compact luxury D-segment, beating such perennial all-stars as BMW’s 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi’s A4 (see our Tesla Model 3 sales story here).

At a starting price of $45,099, the all-electric Model 3 is just $109 more expensive than the $44,990 base BMW 330e, which is merely a plug-in hybrid, while last year’s M-B C 300 4Matic Sedan (the redesigned one is not yet available) started at $49,500 with no motive electrification at all. Similarly, the 2022 Audi A4 Komfort 40 TFSI quattro incorporates no electric motivation, but at least its $43,800 window sticker saves $1,299 off the top, but that’s no small comfort when balancing off all of these German challengers’ premium unleaded requirement.

So how do the numbers stack up? As per the EPA, the Model 3 achieves 132 MPGe combined city/highway for a cost of $500 USD per year, or about $635 CAD at the time of writing. After seeing countless social media posts of Canadians filling their tanks well beyond $100 per fill per week, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out how quickly a Model 3 might pay itself off compared to the just-noted ICE vehicles it competes with.

2) Lucid Air: Gorgeous newcomer offers a lot for the luxury sedan crowd

2022 Lucid Air
The new Lucid Air is now the most efficient large electric sedan available, coming in second to the Tesla Model S’ sixth.

Lucid what? For many, the name Lucid won’t ring any bells, but those keeping an eye on the EV scene will already be well informed of this Tesla Model S sized competitor. Designed to compete with Tesla’s first practical passenger car (which achieves sixth place on this list), the Air is a much more modern take on luxury, plus its $105,000 entry point is much more advantageous than the Model S’ $120,700 base price.

Still, eclipsing the $100k threshold will make Lucid Motors’ initial model out of reach for the majority of Canadians, even when considering its exceptional 131 MPGe rating and second-place ranking on this list, the latter matching the Model 3 at $500 USD per year, incidentally, or $635 CAD.

3) Tesla Model Y: An even more practical Model 3

2022 Tesla Model Y
Need more space than a Model 3? Try the Tesla Model Y on for size.

For those wanting a Model 3 but requiring more space, the Model Y provides a sporty crossover alternative featuring more cargo space, a handy liftback design and a slight increase in ride height for better overall visibility.

Starting at $75,700, the Model Y brings EV ownership a bit more down to earth than the Lucid, albeit nowhere near as affordable as the Model 3. At 129 MPGe, however, its annual running costs are identical to the aforementioned EVs at about $500 USD ($635 CAD).

4) Chevrolet Bolt EV: Affordable from the get-go

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Chevy’s Bolt EV offers a lot of EV efficiency for the money.

General Motors has been building electric cars longer than the majority of its competitors, giving Chevy a competitive edge that’s resulting in strong sales and low running costs.

The Bolt EV achieves a 120 MPGe rating and $550 USD ($700 CAD) per annum running costs, and when including its initial price of just $38,198, becomes one of the more affordable electric vehicles on this list, especially after factoring in any government rebates.

5) Hyundai Kona Electric:

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
Hyundai’s Kona Electric managed to achieve a top-5 placement for its impressive efficiency.

For only five thousand or so extra, Hyundai’s $43,899 Kona Electric competes more directly with Chevy’s $40,198 Bolt EUV crossover, but challenges the smaller bowtie model for annual running cost kudos at 120 MPGe, resulting in the same $550 USD ($700 CAD) ranking.

In good company, the latter set of numbers allows the Kona Electric and Bolt EV to actually tie with the sixth-place Tesla Model S too, while the new $44,995 Kia EV6 (seventh) and just-noted Bolt EUV (eighth) tie with the Kona Electric and Bolt EV for their $550 USD ($700 CAD) yearly cost, but don’t do quite as well in their respective 117 and 115 MPGe ratings.

How the rest stack up…

2022 Kia EV6
Kia’s EV6 joins Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 in upending the entire EV segment.

If you’re wondering how Hyundai’s $44,999 Ioniq 5 fits into the picture, which incidentally is identical under the skin to the less dominant Korean brand’s just-mentioned EV6, a ninth-place standing is respectable, plus 114 MPGe rating and $600 USD ($764 CAD) yearly running cost estimate laudable, the two new Korean models making me wonder how Kia will be able to sell any more $44,995 Niro EVs, which sits 10th on this list. That practical crossover manages 112 MPGe, however, for the same annual cost of $600 USD ($764 CAD).

Remember the Nissan Leaf? Not too long ago it was the best-selling electric car in the world, and while it’s been knocked from its pedestal it’s still a credible performer with a 111 MPGe rating and identical $600 USD ($764 CAD) running cost estimate. It shares the latter a number with the fun-loving Mini Cooper SE that achieves a 110 MPGe rating, plus the new BMW i4 (see our story here that also covers the new iX) that manages 109 MPGe, and the pricier Polestar 2 (a fancier version of the new Volvo C40 Recharge) that’s good for 107 MPGe.

Mustang Mach-E is a strong seller despite being less efficient than many EV peers

2022 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro S
The new VW ID.4 is starting to become a common sight in some Canadian cities.

Considering its success on the sales charts, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E should seemingly be ranked higher on this list, but its 103 MPGe and $650 USD ($827 CAD) annual running cost estimate won’t allow, although it’s more or less matched to its main competitor, Tesla’s Model X that achieves the same yearly electrical costs, albeit just 102 MPGe. The sharp looking new Volkswagen ID.4 ranks the same for running costs too, but with a 99 MPGe fuel economy estimate.

Those able to afford the new Mercedes-Benz EQS probably won’t care that its 97 MPGe rating and $700 USD ($891 CAD) cost per annum ranking put it way down the list, but take note it competes directly with the aforementioned Tesla Model S and Lucid Air that do much better, not to mention the Porsche Taycan and Audi RS E-Tron GT.

Audi’s Q4 E-Tron (not to be confused with the larger E-Tron), which ranked second to last, is good for a 95 MPGe rating and the same $700 USD ($891 CAD) yearly cost in both its regular crossover SUV design and the swoopier Sportback, whereas the last-place Mazda MX-30 achieves a 92 MPGe rating and identical $700 USD ($891 CAD) cost.

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: various

Car sales have been slip-sliding away when compared to crossover SUV deliveries lately, with BMW selling less than half of its 3 and 4 Series models than it did a decade ago, and Mercedes-Benz’ C-Class…

Tesla Model 3 nearly triples BMW 3 Series sales for 2021

2022 Tesla Model 3
Tesla’s Model 3 compact luxury car is the best-selling D-segment entry by a long shot.

Car sales have been slip-sliding away when compared to crossover SUV deliveries lately, with BMW selling less than half of its 3 and 4 Series models than it did a decade ago, and Mercedes-Benz’ C-Class down to a third of its 2010 numbers. Tesla’s all-electric Model 3 is bucking the trend, however, with a total of 12,800 Canadian deliveries in 2021, compared to just 4,348 for the 3 Series, and 3,010 sales of the C-Class.

The Model 3 outsold every other D-segment competitor last year in the U.S. market too, with 121,610 deliveries compared to 49,461 BMW 3 Series (or 72,398 including the 4 Series) and just 30,815 Mercedes C-Class models (which include three body styles).

2022 Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 provides a good balance of performance, efficiency, EV range capability, luxury and technology.

If the Model 3’s clean sweep of its category in North American markets wasn’t enough, last year it outsold the 3 Series in 28 European countries as well. In fact, with 141,429 deliveries under throughout 2021, Tesla’s entry-level car sold more units in Europe than the Canadian and U.S. markets combined, according to JATO Dynamics. Comparatively, the 3 Series only found 116,250 European buyers during the same period,

Back to Canada, the Tesla Model Y compact luxury crossover SUV didn’t fare as well as the Model 3 last year, both in total sales and when compared to rivals, due to just 6,400 examples sold for a sixth-place ranking in the compact luxury crossover SUV segment. Ahead of the Model Y was the Audi Q5 in first with 9,968 deliveries, while the Acura RDX came in second with 7,976 unit-sales. Third was the BMW X3 with 7,506 deliveries, while fourth was taken by Lexus’ NX with 7,283 new Canadian buyers, and finally Mercedes-Benz’ GLC-Class took fifth with 6,887 units sold.

2022 Tesla Model 3
Spacious, luxurious and a tech leader, Canadian luxury car buyers have spoken with their wallets, making the Model 3 number one in its class.

In the U.S., mind you, the Model Y was far and away number one in its class thanks to 161,529 deliveries compared to 86,478 combined BMW X3 and X4 sales (made up of 75,858 X3s and 10,620 X4s), so being that Canada often mirrors American sales in this category, albeit by approximately 10 percent of the volume, it’s likely that Tesla’s compact crossover would have placed much higher if enough units were made available (allocation is often the culprit). Whether or not calendar year 2022 will see a Canadian adoption of this U.S. market trend won’t be known until Tesla’s quarterly numbers start arriving in early April, and even if it’s not on top after Q1, it would be unwise to bet against Tesla being number one in Canada’s compact luxury crossover SUV class by the close of this year.

2022 Tesla Model Y
Tesla’s Model Y should follow the Model 3 into the compact luxury SUV segment’s top sales spot.

Currently, Tesla has factory leasing and financing rates on the Model 3 and Model Y from zero percent, so be sure to check out CarCostCanada to find out all the details. You can also configure your Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X within the CarCostCanada site or via their free app.

Notably, BMW is fighting back to reclaim some market share with its new 4 Series-based i4, while also targeting Tesla’s Model X mid-size crossover SUV (and Audi’s E-tron) with its similarly sized iX. Find out more about the two Bavarian electrics by clicking here…

 

 

Model 3 at Tesla winter proving grounds (0:15):

Snow laps in a Model 3 (0:15):

Model 3 Surprise (1:53):

Model 3 Guide | Navigate on Autopilot (1:16):

Model 3 Guide | Gear Selection (0:42):

Model 3 Guide | Mobile App (0:33):

Model 3 Guide | Phone Key (0:24):

Model 3 Guide | Key Card (0:25):

Model 3 Guide | Enhanced AutoPilot (0:49):

Model 3 Guide | AutoPark (0:45):

Model 3 Guide | Charging (0:38):

Model 3 Guide | Charging Adapters (0:35):

Model 3 Guide | Front Trunk (0:28):

First Model 3 Handovers (14:45):

Tesla Unveils Model 3 (22:43):

Story credit: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Tesla

Although some automotive brands struggled last year for reasons I shouldn’t need to explain, Porsche’s Taycan EV was on a mega roll. In fact, the upstart electric nearly demoted Tesla’s Model S…

Porsche Taycan EV outselling Tesla Model S in Canadian market

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
Porsche’s Taycan, shown here in its new more accommodating Cross Turismo body style, is now beating the Tesla Model S in Canadian sales.

Although some automotive brands struggled last year for reasons I shouldn’t need to explain, Porsche’s Taycan EV was on a mega roll. In fact, the upstart electric nearly demoted Tesla’s Model S from the top step of the podium, but when the checkered flag finally waved at the end of 2020, the champ was still in the lead with 960 deliveries, although the new contender was uncomfortably close with 824 sales of its own.

This said, six months into 2021 the story completely changed, with Porsche having sold 445 new Taycan models, and Tesla only able to push 300 examples of its Model S out of company store doors over the same two quarters.

To be fair to Tesla, or maybe more accurately to question the company’s priorities, the Model S, at nearly a decade old, is downright antiquated compared to the fresh, new Taycan. Good on them for making the most of a very well executed initial design that’s managed to last the test of time, the flagship model still arguably more attractive than anything else in the California-cum-Texan tech company’s four-model lineup, but even Tesla’s most ardent fans must be hoping for something new in this class.

2021 Porsche Taycan
The Taycan not only sells fast, but it’s brilliantly quick too.

The Taycan, on the other hand, is that “something new” that EV fans have been waiting for, a two-bodied, four-door coupe and five-door crossover-style sport wagon capable of duking it out with the best electrics in the business, and coming up on top.

You’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t like the way it looks, while its levels of luxury, refinement, electronics, and features are all as good as it gets, but Porsche might need to return to Germany’s legendarily demanding 20.8-km Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack in order to claim its production car single-lap title back, where the geriatric Model S just laid waste to its EV-powered record.

2021 Tesla Model S Plaid
Tesla’s Model S, shown here in fabulously funny Plaid trim, is once again king of Germany’s Nurburgring, something Porsche will want to remedy soon.

A stock Taycan Turbo (funny name for an EV, we know) easily smacked down the old 2015 Model S P85’s single-lap record of eight minutes and 50 seconds flat (8:50) in August of 2019, with a superb seven-minute and 42-second lap time of its own (7:42.34, to be exact), but Tesla’s brilliantly named Model S Plaid (you’ve got to love Elon Musk’s hilarious “Spaceballs” reference—as if the 1987 sci-fi comedy’s Ludicrous speed wasn’t fast enough) just managed a new record-setting lap of seven minutes and 35 seconds (7:35.579) on September 9, so Porsche will want to “run the ‘Ring” in its new Taycan Turbo S in order to maintain bragging rights.

Fortunately for Porsche, more buyers are interested in how the Taycan performs on city streets, winding backroads and highways than racetracks, not to mention styling and everything else it does well, evidenced by its recent sales gain. As for its ability to hold onto this top spot, only time will tell, but upcoming Q3 sales results will shed new light on this exciting new rivalry, allowing a better idea of which EV will outshine the other over the entire year.

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
There’s more to sales success than merely going fast, giving the Taycan Cross Turismo an edge for real-life livability.

The just-noted Taycan Turbo S is capable of sprinting from zero to 100km/h in a mere 2.8 seconds, by the way, before attaining a top track speed of 260 km/h, or when driven more conservatively can achieve a total range of 340 km between charges. That model starts at a cool $215,000 (plus freight and fees), while the more accommodating Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo can be had for $218,000.

The most affordable Taycan, at $119,900, is also from the Cross Turismo line, and given the 4 designation for its standard all-wheel drivetrain, while the least expensive regular four-door coupe, dubbed Taycan 4S, will set you back at least $121,700. Additionally, a Cross Turismo in 4S trim can be had for $128,000, while bridging the gap between 4S and Turbo S is the Turbo model that ran the ‘Ring, starting at $175,000 for the four-door coupe and $178,000 for the Cross Turismo.

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
Porsche is even touting the Cross Turismo’s light off-road capability.

To find out more about the latest Taycan, check out CarCostCanada’s 2022 Porsche Taycan Canada Prices page, where you’ll be able to learn how to take advantage of factory leasing and financing rates from zero percent, not to mention the ability to obtain valuable dealer invoice pricing information that could save you thousands upon purchase. Likewise, CarCostCanada’s 2021 Tesla Model S Canada Prices page will show you the same zero-percent leasing and financing rate, which you can also access by downloading CarCostCanada’s free app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

Consider the history of Audi here in North America. The four-ringed brand from Ingolstadt, Germany toiled in the shadows during its nascent years in the North American markets, with solid but relatively…

2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro Preview

2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro
Audi will soon hit the market with an all-electric plug-in EV dubbed e-tron, and it promises to hit Tesla right where it hurts. (Photo: Audi)

Consider the history of Audi here in North America. The four-ringed brand from Ingolstadt, Germany toiled in the shadows during its nascent years in the North American markets, with solid but relatively unknown models like the Audi 100 LS, Fox, and 5000. It was the 5000, totally redesigned in its third generation as an aerodynamic sedan that really began a sales trend for Audi. The 5000 was large, safe and technologically advanced. After all, the motto for the company for quite some time has been Vorsprung durch Technik (Progress through Technology), and the 5000 was technologically ahead of its time. 

And then a bad thing happened.

2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro
Stylish from all angles, the new e-tron builds on Audi’s current angular design language with a few unique elements of its own. (Photo: Audi)

The long running CBS program 60 Minutes aired a report that Audi 5000 cars were accelerating on their own, and started an “Unintended Acceleration” scare that almost sank the company. Audi was ultimately cleared during this unfortunate hysteria, but the damage had been done, sales tanked, and Audi’s ship slowly began to sink. 

Thankfully, the bright minds at Audi retooled the brand and came out with the A4, A6, luxury A8 and performance S Car variants, and the sales numbers started to climb again. 

For over 40 years, Audi has also enjoyed special success on many race circuits around the world, with the legendary quattro all-wheel drive system proving its mettle in Rally Racing, Hill Climb events like Pikes Peak, and endurance events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro
The “e-tron” logos at the side “engine vent” position light up when underway, while those side mirrors are actually rearview cameras. (Photo: Audi)

At Le Mans, Audi regularly enjoyed trips to victory lane with the gasoline powered R8, V8 twin turbo and R10 turbodiesel twelve cylinder supercars. The R10 produced 590 hp and 774 lb-ft of torque and was legendary; winning every race at Le Mans it was entered in. And then along came Peugeot, winning in 2009 with their 908 HDi twelve cylinder turbo-diesel endurance racers that had more power and torque than Audi’s offerings 730hp/890 lb-ft torque). But Audi would have no part of this short lived dominance by Peugeot, responding with the V10 powered R15, and the winning ways continued, placing first, second and third in 2010 in the vaunted LMP1 group. I was there that year as a guest of Audi, and it was a special experience for me personally and for the company worldwide. Audi’s endurance race efforts eventually used V6 “e-tron” hybrid power, and the renamed R18 continued to dominate in endurance racing. Smartly, Audi’s technology on the racetrack was used to develop stout powerplants, particularly diesels, and other hi-tech for consumer Audis. 

2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro
A different viewpoint of the side badging and rearview camera system. (Photo: Audi)

Audi’s success with the diesels spread like wildfire, with domestic sales of turbodiesel cars booming with Audi’s parent Volkswagen Group. Yes, VW, Audi and Porsche all shared in the success of the extremely fun to drive and super efficient TDI powerplants. 

And then the bottom fell out for Audi again, and for the VW Group as a whole, as the Group was accused of and admitted to goosing software to make their TDI cars and SUVs appear to be cleaner in Environmental Protection Agency Clean Air Act testing.  After paying record fines and buying back many beloved TDI vehicles from owners, like the Audi Q7 TDI, the VW Group abandoned the diesel business here in the North America. Before the scandal, diesels represented 25 percent of all VW sales in the U.S. and an even greater number in Canada, plus a significant percentage of Audi sales. 

2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro
The new 2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro motors onto the stage during the San Francisco e-tron launch event. (Photo: Brian Armstead, Canadian Auto Press)

Whether the Group eventually returns to TDI power in the future remains to be seen, but one thing is sure, Audi won’t be part of the equation. Why? Because the marque has chosen to stake its future on an entirely electrified lineup of cars and SUVs.  By 2025, every Audi will have some form of electrification. 

Ambitious? Certainly. But other luxury manufacturers like Volvo have made similar proclamations. 

At its shareholders meeting earlier this year, Audi’s future strategy was laid out, as the brand plans to sell 800,000 electrified cars in 2025 between 20 different electric models. Audi says that most will be fully electric, with the remainder being plug-in hybrids. 

2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro
The e-tron’s interior doesn’t make any radical deviations from any of today’s production Audis, other than the sideview camera system. (Photo: Audi)

According to an official statement by Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management for Audi AG, “Our ambition has always been and will continue to be Vorsprung durch Technik. Our goal is to revolutionize mobility. Also in electric mobility, we want to become the Number 1 among the premium manufacturers – with full suitability for everyday use, no compromises, top quality and driving pleasure for the customer. With our technological excellence, we are utilizing our Vorsprung and lifting electric mobility to the next level.” 

Smart? I certainly think so, as Audi can carve out a large chunk of the luxury electric car business, and produce cars and SUVs in a way that electric car innovator Tesla simply can’t. 

2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro
No one should be disappointed with the e-tron’s interior design or execution. (Photo: Audi)

Recently, more than 2,500 Audi dealers and customers and a throng of auto writers from traditional and social media platforms joined Audi in San Francisco for the spectacular e-tron World Debut. 

With the glamour and glitz of a Hollywood production, e-tron rolled into a packed warehouse on San Francisco Bay and “charged” the audience with the same type of hype and emotion of Mayweather/McGregor at the MGM in Vegas. One could say the match was Electric v. Gasoline, and it was quite a show. When the epic event was over and we got a chance to see e-tron up close, Audi’s motto rose from whatever ashes the diesel debacle left behind, as Vorsprung durch Technik is reborn with e-tron.

2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro
The front compartment looks roomy and the seats appear comfortable. (Photo: Audi)

So what is e-tron? It’s a sport-ute styled like the Q5 and Q7 that will probably feature the brand’s usual trio of Komfort, Progressiv and Technik trim levels when details become known. In the U.S., where trims and pricing were announced as part of the San Francisco event, it comes in base Premium Plus trim starting at $74,800 USD, Prestige trim at $81,800 USD, and as the limited (999 units) “Edition One” starting at $86,700 USD. Premium Plus includes a 9.6kW AC home charger, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, Audi “phone box” wireless charger and signal booster, heated and ventilated leather seats, panoramic sunroof and integrated toll module. 

Prestige includes all Premium Plus gear plus a head-up display, driver assistance package, adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, intersection assistant, Audi pre sense 360, traffic sign recognition, power soft close doors, rear window sunshades, dual pane acoustic windows, contour seats with massage, Valcona leather and an air quality package with an ionizer. 

2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro
Audi is already putting a comprehensive charging infrastructure into place to support its e-tron customers. (Photo: Audi)

While all trim levels are well contented, Edition One differentiates itself from other trims mostly through unique body and interior trim, and special paint and wheels. 

One super high tech feature Audi hopes will be standard equipment on the e-tron 55 quattro is side cameras to replace traditional sideview mirrors. At a display I visited prior to the world debut called Audi Tech Park, all of e-tron’s super cool hardware was on exhibit, including the impressive high-definition sideview cameras. Audi is awaiting U.S. Government safety approval of this exciting new feature, and we assume they’re focusing similar lobbying on the Canadian government. 

The e-tron 55 quattro will join the A3 Sportback e-tron hybrid (on sale now) in Audi’s whirlwind march toward the model total expected in 2025. 

2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro
The e-tron can be plugged into the majority of charging systems. (Photo: Audi)

The e-tron 55 features seating for five adults, quattro electric all-wheel drive (one motor at each wheel), air suspension, and a towing capacity of 1,800 kg (4,000 pounds). 

The two electric motors accelerate the e-tron from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). 

The Audi e-tron uses an innovative recuperation system encompassing both electric motors, to boost efficiency. With its estimated range of more than 400 km (250 miles), expect as much as 30 percent of the e-tron’s range to come from recovered energy, depending on the conditions, terrain and driving style. The e-tron can recover energy in two ways: by means of coasting recuperation when the driver releases the accelerator, or by means of braking recuperation by depressing the brake pedal. 

2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro
The e-tron’s battery design is ultra-complex. (Photo: Brian Armstead, Canadian Auto Press)

The battery system in the Audi e-tron is located beneath the cabin and comprises a total of 36 cell modules in square aluminum housings, each of which is roughly the size of a shoebox. 

A cooling system of flat aluminum extruded sections divided uniformly into small chambers has the task of maintaining the battery’s high-performance operation over the long term. Heat is exchanged between the cells and the cooling system beneath them via a thermally conductive gel pressed beneath each cell module. A special cooling lance provides additional heat reduction to power motors. 

A strong surround frame and lattice-type aluminum structure that holds the cell modules is designed to protect the battery block. A substantial aluminum plate provides protection against damage from flying stones or curbs. These measures demonstrate how Audi’s engineers have developed the battery and cooling systems with safety in mind. 

2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro
e-tron recharging partially takes place while you drive. (Photo: Audi)

For customers’ residential charging needs, a standard 9.6 kW AC capsule charger (Level 2, 240-volt/40 amps) is provided and designed to deliver a full charge overnight.

Audi e-tron buyers will also have the opportunity to experience the first-ever home charging collaboration between online retail giant Amazon and an automaker. “Audi Home Charging powered by Amazon Home Services” will offer e-tron buyers a fully-digital experience for in-home electric vehicle charging installations, designed to make the process of home charging set up as easy as ordering home charging with installation from Amazon. 

E-tron buyers can also define their own personal priorities, such as charging when electricity is less expensive where available. With the myAudi app, owners can plan, control, and monitor e-tron charging and pre-heating/cooling. Owners can set a departure time, for example, so that the Audi e-tron is charged and/or heated/cooled at the desired time. They can even choose to heat or cool certain zones in the car. On cold winter days, for example, owners can turn on optional seat heating. The app also displays charging and driving data. 

2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro
Audi has staked its claim in the FIA-sanctioned Formula E series. (Photo: Audi)

For charging on the go in the U.S., the e-tron will be supported by a nationwide charging network, “Powered by Electrify America.” By July 2019, this network will include nearly 500 fast-charging sites complete or under development throughout 40 states and 17 metro areas. Offering advanced charging, Electrify America’s chargers are capable of delivering up to 350kW. With the purchase of the e-tron, customers will receive 1,000 kWh of charging at Electrify America sites over four years of ownership. According to reports nothing similar has been finalized for Canadian customers, but sources within Audi Canada believe a similar deal may be offered. 

Take years of German engineering and production know how, and Audi’s capacity to produce e-tron on a large scale looks better than Tesla’s struggling efforts to meet consumer demand long before the first e-tron hits the street in Q2 of 2019. 

2019 Audi e-tron E55 Quattro
Tesla had better get ready, because Audi is on the move. (Photo: Brian Armstead, Canadian Auto Press)

Additionally, Audi left internal combustion engine powered endurance racing, and now competes and wins in the all-electric “Formula E” racing series with the e-tron FE04. Successes with technology in Formula E will certainly trickle down to Audi consumer electric vehicles, in the same way Le Mans successes helped spur their once strong diesel sales. 

The 2019 Audi e-tron 55 quattro seems to have covered all of the bases that make it a safe, well equipped option for luxury electric car buyers. Watch out Tesla. The competition now is real. 

Ready to get yours? Visit audi.ca and place a $1,000 fully refundable deposit. 

And while you’re waiting for your car to arrive, check out these great e-tron e55 quattro videos provided by Audi:

 

Electrified: the world premiere of the Audi e-tron (3:13):  

 

May we present: the all-new Audi e-tron (4:00):  

 

A new era of electric mobility: the first fully electric Audi e-tron (2:10):  

 

Audi e-tron: Electric has gone quattro (0:15):  

Silence is golden, and in the case of the inherently quiet Jaguar I-Pace it’s also very fast thanks to plenty of all-electric power.  The legendary British luxury brand’s new electric-powered crossover…

New Jaguar I-Pace sets Laguna Seca lap record for production EVs

2019 Jaguar I-Pace
When Jaguar announced the 2019 I-Pace’ power output we knew it would be quick, but a lap record holder? (Photo: Jaguar)

Silence is golden, and in the case of the inherently quiet Jaguar I-Pace it’s also very fast thanks to plenty of all-electric power. 

The legendary British luxury brand’s new electric-powered crossover SUV just set a record for “showroom stock” production electric vehicles lapping Monterey, California’s renowned Laguna Seca racecourse, just before going on display at the 2018 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. 

American racing driver and Motor Trend journalist Randy Pobst did the honours, and despite losing the back end and scrubbing off speed through turn 3 managed an impressive 1 minute and 48.18 seconds (1:48.18). 

2019 Jaguar I-Pace
The I-Pace is seen here plunging down from the Corkscrew and heading toward the Laguna Seca straight. (Photo: Jaguar)

The I-Pace driven was in top-line limited First Edition trim, which means it was filled with more features than lesser S, SE, or HSE trims and therefore heavier, while it was also bone stock, with “no modifications whatsoever” made to help it accelerate faster, handle better or stop quicker. 

A Tesla Model S P100D had previously claimed the fastest production EV record around Laguna Seca, completing a lap in 1 minute and 47.62 seconds, but it reportedly received upgrades to its brakes, so therefore wasn’t to factory specifications like the I-Pace First Edition shown in the in-car video verifying his record (see video footage below). 

2019 Jaguar I-Pace
The I-Pace is a good looking crossover SUV that should become popular amongst luxury EVs. (Photo Jaguar)

The entertaining two-minute clip shows just how potent the new I-Pace is, and just how much fun. Pobst even chuckles while the I-Pace drops downward into the famed corkscrew (turn 8), an experience that often leaves the uninitiated breathless and hanging on for dear life as the car plunges from an elevation of 283 metres (929 feet) to 265 m (870 ft) within seconds (it’s the equivalent of a 5½ storey drop in just 137 m / 450 ft of track distance), the rollercoaster ride continuing on its steep decline past turn 9 (250 m / 820 ft), turn 10 (236.5 m / 776 ft), and turn 11 (233.5 m / 766.3 ft) before exiting onto the finish straight. 

2019 Jaguar I-Pace
If the I-Pace drives this well on a racetrack as challenging as Laguna Seca, you can expect it to manage highways and byways even better. (Photo: Jaguar)

Pobst, 61, has more than 90 pro wins under his belt, and most notably was the 2003, 2007, 2008, and 2010 SCCA World Challenge GT championship winner, the 1996 North American Touring Car Championship title-holder, and the 2005, 2006 and 2007 SCCA World Challenge TC vice-champion. Additionally in 2001 and 2006, the Dayton, Ohio native was a two-time class winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona. 

2019 Jaguar I-Pace
The I-Pace looks to have an attractive, well-appointed cabin. (Photo: Jaguar)

The new 2019 I-Pace uses a 90-kWh pouch-cell lithium-ion battery pack plus a permanent magnet electric motor at each axle for standard all-wheel drive, the combination good for 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque, which means it can sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds before maxing out at a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). 

On a more practical note, the new 2019 I-Pace has an EV range of 386 km (240 miles), which should provide most users with multiple days between charges, plus the ability to travel short distances or extend road trips longer when recharging stations can be found along the way. 

2019 Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy
Jaguar will introduce a new I-Pace eTrophy racing series in December. (Photo: Jaguar)

The I-Pace battery pack only needs 40 minutes to fill from a fully drained state to 80-percent capacity when hooked up to a 100-kW DC quick charger, while a regular 240-volt Level 2 home charger will require about 10 hours to achieve the same results, or slightly less than 13 hours (12.9) to fully top it up. 

Nelson Piquet Jr. (BRA), Panasonic Jaguar Racing, Jaguar I-Type II.
Once part of Formula 1, Jaguar is now heavily involved in Formula E, its car shown here with regular driver Nelson Piquet Jr. at the wheel. (Photo: Panasonic Jaguar Racing)

To draw more attention to I-Pace track prowess, Jaguar has put together the “world’s first all-electric production based international race series” dubbed Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy race series starting later this year. It will smartly support the fifth season of the ABB FIA Formula E championship set to kick off in Ad Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on December 15, a series that Jaguar has contested since inception (out of eleven entrants the Panasonic Jaguar Racing team was runner up at the close of the 2017/2018 season). Sports car and open-wheel racer Katherine Legge (UK) has been confirmed as the team’s first driver, showing the series is already attracting high-calibre talent. 

Deliveries of the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace begin later this year, with pricing starting from $86,500 before provincial government incentive programs in Quebec and BC (Ontario no longer offers plug-in rebates). A fully loaded First Edition, like the one raced around Laguna Seca, will set you back $103,500 plus freight and fees. 

To see Randy Pobst put the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace through its paces around Laguna Seca, check out the following Motor Trend video: