Audi is one of two global luxury automakers which have sold the most number of fully electric vehicles in the Philippines. The brand is driving the Audi e-tron SUV, RS e-tron GT and e-tron GT model range far beyond showrooms and conference displays, actually bringing these on the country’s roads and into numerous owners’ homes. With the arrival of the 2023 Audi e-tron GT, Audi Philippines is poised to further charge up its leading position in the domestic electric vehicle segment.
From innovative use of resources to rethinking entire processes and systems, Audi is focusing on holistic, sustainable approaches to shape the future of premium mobility. Hallmarking this is the brand’s transition toward fully electric vehicles, exemplified by the Audi e-tron GT. Audi’s shift to alternative energy sources addresses the need for the auto industry and society to move away from fossil fuels faster than planned, and the adoption of electric-powered mobility is a key component that leads to this path.
With the e-tron GT, Audi powers up this sustainable mindset, building the fully electric, four-door grand touring model in a net carbon-neutral manufacturing facility. This entire site exclusively uses eco-electricity, including a combined heat-and-power plant fired with biogas. Various other measures in production and logistics also effectively and sustainably reduce the plant’s ecological footprint. This ensures the Audi e-tron GT has zero emissions from the drawing board to the driveway.
Audi is also saving materials and lessening energy consumption in making components for the e-tron GT. The “Aluminum Closed Loop” system, for instance, has allowed Audi to cut about 165,000 tons of carbon emissions per year. One product of this system are the Audi e-tron GT’s wheels. The aluminum used to make the wheels come from an innovative smelting process that emits oxygen instead of carbon dioxide.
Other sustainable factors incorporated in the Audi e-tron GT are options like leather-free packages. The model’s seats are upholstered either with a combination of artificial leather and Kaskade, or with a mixture of artificial leather and Dinamica. Both Kaskade and Dinamica are made of polyester fibers sourced from plastic bottles, textiles, or residual fibers from selvages. Also available to e-tron models are carpets and mats made from Econyl, a nylon fiber weave derived from surplus fabrics and carpets, and even fishing nets.
Audi further reinterprets the traditional Gran Turismo concept with the e-tron GT’s revolutionary drivetrain. The model is fitted with two powerful electric motors, each located on its front and rear axles to create an electric quattro all-wheel drive system. The motors produce 530 hp and 630 Nm, allowing the Audi e-tron GT to redefine supercar standards with a fully electric drive.
Charging the Audi e-tron GT is done via points dedicated to either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) chargers. The Audi e-tron GT’s 800-volt system — double the usual specification for electric vehicles — means the car’s lithium-ion battery can be charged quickly. When fully charged, the Audi e-tron GT’s driving range is as much as 500 kilometers (according to WLTP tests), making the car exceptionally suitable for daily use and road trips.
Audi Philippines provides the Audi e-tron GT with a host of charging solutions. Like the rest of the Audi e-tron range, the e-tron GT comes with an Audi portable charging system that can be plugged into either a suitable household outlet or a three-phase industrial outlet. Along with this, Audi Philippines can also install an AC charging unit in the owner’s home (or any preferred location). Setting up a home charging system is as simple as installing an air-conditioning unit — a factor instrumental in driving the Audi e-tron’s strong demand from progressive consumers.