In the spring, Audi announced the A2 e‑tron as its entry-level model in the electric vehicle segment. Now it’s clear: The Audi A2 e‑tron achieves 12.8 kWh per 100 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. Audi announced these figures in early August, according to the newsroom operated by the AMAG Group. They apply to the 140-kW power level with the optional efficiency package. The figure is preliminary. According to the manufacturer, this would make the A2 e‑tron the most efficient Audi ever.
Energy consumption of 12.8 kilowatt-hours in the WLTP
This figure is significantly below the current market average. Many compact electric cars consume between 15 and 18 kWh in the WLTP. However, one caveat remains: WLTP figures are determined under standard conditions.
In winter, at highway speeds, and with the heater running, energy consumption increases noticeably. Furthermore, the figure applies only to a specific configuration. Larger wheels or other equipment options worsen the efficiency. When comparing models, you should therefore always use the same variant as a reference.
Aerodynamics as the Biggest Factor
Audi cites a drag coefficient of 0.24. This is the best figure in its own compact segment. At speeds of around 100 km/h and above, more than half of the energy consumption is due to air resistance. Consequently, every improvement directly contributes to the range.
The body follows the principles of a streamlined design. Added to this are air curtains, gap reducers, and gap breathers on the wheel wells. An active cooling air intake remains closed during normal operation of the “ .” It opens during charging, during heavy acceleration, and in hot weather.
Collectively, these measures reduce WLTP fuel consumption by up to 0.9 kWh per 100 kilometers—equivalent to about seven percent. Aerodynamics is thus the most effective single factor.
Drive Technology with Silicon Carbide and Delta Connection
The powertrain is a permanently excited synchronous motor. Audi cites three improvements.
First, silicon carbide replaces the previous silicon technology in the power electronics. This reduces switching losses, particularly in the partial-load range. According to the manufacturer, alternative modulation methods reduce them by up to 33 percent.
Second, the motor uses thinner laminations—0.2 millimeters instead of 0.3 millimeters. This reduces iron losses. In addition, the stator winding switches from star to delta connection.
Third, a new low-friction oil reduces friction in the transmission. The long gear ratio of 10.2 to 1 further lowers the engine speed at high speeds.
Battery Technology and a Questionable Formulation
The battery has a capacity of 61 kWh and uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. It is bonded directly into the housing using a cell-to-pack design. LFP cells age more slowly and are considered thermally robust. As a result, the battery can be charged to 100 percent on a regular basis.
Audi states that the LFP battery does not require rare earth elements. This statement is technically inaccurate. After all, lithium, iron, and phosphate are not considered rare earth elements to begin with. Rare earth elements are typically found in the motor’s permanent magnets. Audi uses precisely such a motor here. The wording thus suggests more than it can deliver.
More interesting, however, is the charging efficiency. When connected to a wallbox, the system achieves 89.6 percent. This means that about ten percent of the energy drawn is lost. These charging losses do not appear in any WLTP specifications. Nevertheless, they are relevant to the electricity bill.
Bidirectional Charging and the Grid Question
The A2 e‑tron supports Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Home. This allows you to power devices or temporarily supply electricity to your home. A charging box recommended by Audi is required.
In Switzerland, there’s an additional hurdle. Feeding power back into the home electrical system affects the utility connection. Utility providers require registration and installations that comply with standards . Anyone who wants to charge bidirectionally should therefore involve the distribution utility early on.
Connection to the Historic Audi A2
Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG, points to the original A2. It was produced from 1999 to 2005 and featured an aluminum body. The 3L TDI version consumed about three liters per 100 kilometers.
Commercially, the A2 fell short of expectations at the time. The aluminum construction was expensive, and the price was high. Today, the model is considered a classic. Whether the new edition will be more successful on the market depends primarily on the price.
What the announcement leaves out
Key details are missing. Audi does not specify either the price or the launch date. The WLTP range is also not mentioned.
Mathematically, 61 kWh at a consumption rate of 12.8 kWh would result in a range of about 475 kilometers. However, the press release does not specify whether the capacity refers to gross or net capacity. The actual range is therefore likely to be lower. Information on fast-charging power is also missing. Especially with LFP cells, the charging curve is a decisive factor.
Context for the Swiss Market
For importers, efficiency counts double. This is because the CO2 targets apply to the entire new-car fleet. Those who fail to meet them face penalties. According to industry figures, these penalties for 2025 are in the hundreds of millions.
Efficient electric models lower the fleet’s average emissions. At the same time, they improve the vehicle’s rating on the Swiss energy label. This label is calculated based on WLTP values and must be displayed at the point of sale.
For buyers, however, it’s the day-to-day costs that matter. Lower fuel consumption noticeably reduces operating costs. But the total cost is determined by the purchase price, residual value, and insurance. These figures are not yet available.
How much energy does the Audi A2 e‑tron consume?
Currently 12.8 kWh per 100 kilometers according to WLTP. This figure applies to the 140-kW variant with the efficiency package.
How good is the drag coefficient?
The drag coefficient is 0.24. According to Audi, this is the best figure in its own compact segment.
How much does the aerodynamics actually save?
Up to 0.9 kWh per 100 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. That corresponds to about seven percent of energy consumption.
What kind of battery is used?
A 61-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery with a cell-to-pack design. It ages more slowly and can be fully charged regularly.
What is the range?
Audi does not specify a range. Theoretically, it would be around 475 kilometers, provided the full 61 kWh is usable.
What does a charging efficiency of 89.6 percent mean?
About 10 percent of the energy drawn from the wallbox is lost. These losses are not included in the WLTP figure.
What is bidirectional charging?
The vehicle supplies electricity. Vehicle-to-Load powers devices, while Vehicle-to-Home supplies power to the home.
What should be considered when using bidirectional charging in Switzerland?
Feed-in to the grid affects the utility connection. The distribution system operator requires registration and installation in accordance with standards.
When will the A2 e‑tron be available, and how much will it cost?
Audi has not provided any details on this. Neither the price nor the launch date has been announced.
How does this model compare to the original A2?
The original A2 was produced from 1999 to 2005 and was built with an aluminum body. The 3L TDI version consumed about three liters per 100 kilometers.
