Tesla’s highly-regarded family-sized EV, the Model S, has yet to come across a true competitor because, truth be told, the car is a bit ahead of the curve when it comes to all-electric personal transportation. Though there are a few automakers well-equipped to produce a viable alternative to Tesla’s earth-friendly luxury car, we would specifically call out BMW and its new i series of electric vehicles as well as Audi and its e-tron line at being able to produce a viable alternative to Tesla’s earth-friendly luxury car. And as it just so happens, Audi is working on just such a vehicle.
According to a report from Auto Express, Audi is currently developing an all-electric family car with a range of about 280 miles. Audi technical boss Ulrich Hackenberg said the car would specifically target the Model S and should go on sale in time for the 2017 model year.
“Such a car is under development,” Hackenberg told Auto Express. “I was able to reengineer the R8 e-tron project and technology with the team and we are on the way to a range of 450km (280 miles). Let’s say that technology will also be carried over and is a trailer for another car with long range. It is under development and will be in the market for around 2017 but it will not be a sports car.”
Next-generation Audi electric motors combined with higher-density batteries have contributed to the extensive 280-mile range. The motors are also up to five times more efficient than the ones currently powering the eGolf, a VW powertrain engineer said. The car will have a sedan body style and will store its batteries under the floor of the car, much like the Model S does.
Stay tuned as we learn more.
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