Less power, less range...
The current e-tron 55 employs a 95kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motors which dole out 408hp/664Nm between them, for a price of at least €99,750. This new model, due to land in quarter four of this year, is the e-tron 50 quattro; it has a 71kWh battery, resulting in a lesser range of 300km (versus 400km for the 55) on a full charge, while its twin electric motors deliver 230kW (313hp) and 540Nm. That means a 0-100km/h time of seven seconds precisely and a top speed limited to 190km/h, which compare to the e-tron 55's equivalent stats of 5.7 seconds and 200km/h.
...and less expense, too?
As the e-tron 50 has a smaller li-ion battery, it will be lighter than the 55 (which has a 700kg battery pack alone) and it'll take in 80 per cent of its capacity in just 30 minutes at a DC fast-charging station, thanks to its 120kW charging capability. Home AC charging is also possible, via an Audi wallbox or on a 230-volt domestic socket.
Audi Ireland has confirmed it will be taking the e-tron 50 later this year, although exact prices and specs are yet to be confirmed. It should, however, significantly undercut the 55's circa €100,000 price tag, which is most useful.
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