The new nickel-manganese-cobalt battery comprises 15 individual prismatic cells, arranged to maximise space usage within the floorpan and boost interior space while optimising energy density. Equally instrumental in optimising the PPE architecture’s endurance credentials is a new approach to electronic management.
Silicon-carbide semiconductors are used throughout the wiring structure of PPE-based cars, chosen for their lower heat emissions and thus reduced energy wastage. In addition, the new electric motors have square-section stator wiring, which eliminates the microscopic wasted spaces between each winding on conventional round wires.
Hot versions
The electric A4 is expected to be launched with a familiar spread of variants, ranging from an entry-level, rear-driven A4 45 E-tron to a four-wheel-drive twin-motor A4 55 E-tron that should match the equivalent Q6 with 396bhp and a sub-6.0sec 0-62mph time.
Above that, a hot S4 E-tron is tipped to ramp total output to 510bhp in its most potent setting – substantially more power than even today’s V6-engined RS4 Competition makes – to cut the 0-62mph sprint time to nearer 4.0sec.
In addition, Volkswagen Group boss Oliver Blume’s plan to “put more focus on the RS brand” over the coming years means a hardcore RS4 E-tron is unlikely to be far behind.
Recently departed Audi Sport boss Sebastian Grams told Autocar that RS-badged EVs will have their own “special character”. This will come courtesy of outlandish design cues that mark them out clearly from the standard cars on which they are based, distinctive acceleration soundtracks and bespoke powertrain set-ups that exploit the lofty reserves of these hot range-toppers.
Inside, the A4 will take its lead from the Q6 E-tron SUV, with a ‘human-centric’ arrangement based around a trio of high-definition screens, including a stand-alone touchscreen in front of the passenger, which lets them input routes and select music, for example.
It is likely to be offered with the same augmented reality head-up display as the Q6 and a cross-cabin LED lighting system that greets occupants and shows the state of charge when the car is plugged in.