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What you need to know before buying an EV
It's an exciting time for the automotive world. Over the past 15 years, cars have gone from relatively dumb machines that get us to our destinations to electrified, connected gadgets. In the coming decade, the technology being developed by traditional automakers and nascent upstarts will not only transform the way we drive, but change how cities operate.
Audi's A3 e-tron starts at $37,900 in the US, rolls out in October
If you live in the States and have been itchin' to get behind the wheel of Audi's new plug-in hybrid, you'll soon be in luck. The A3 e-tron "Sportback" (read: hatchback) will arrive at dealers in the US in October, with prices starting at $37,900 before any incentives or tax credits. It's the auto maker's first plug-in model to be sold Stateside and carries a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine alongside an electric motor for 204 horsepower. Unfortunately, the EPA's fuel economy stats haven't been announced, but you can expect around eight hours of charging time via a standard 120-volt outlet. You can reduce the wait to just over two hours if you're willing to to splurge for a Bosch 240-volt charger. Looking for more add-ons than the base model offers? The Plus model throws in LED headlamps, heated seats and plays nice with your iOS device for $42,000. There's also a Prestige option that starts out at $46,800 with features like an MMI infotainment system, Bang & Olufsen audio and active lane assistance can take the total up near $50,000. [Image credit: Cem Ozdel/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images]
Audi A3 e-tron hands-on (video)
It's not often that we spend quality time with automobiles here at Engadget, but our motives are usually geared by electricity when we do. Take for instance, the Audi A3 e-tron concept above. This isn't the first e-tron concept -- if you'll recall, the company's been dabbling with others like the A1 and A2 -- but back in November we learned that the German automaker planned to begin testing this all-electric plug-in in four regions within the US. It hopes to gain insight into how these cars will take to different climates and roadways in the country, while finding out how it will fit into drivers' daily lives. Naturally, the goal is to have something ready for consumers, but Audi figures that it's still about two years away from realization. After being in the hands of folks within the company, it's decided to let these prototypes loose in the hands of news media like ourselves (!) to show it off and see what outsiders think. As you've probably figured out, we definitely just took this four-door hatchback for a spin near Engadget HQ, and you'll find out all about how it got us around the city in one piece -- with us nearly draining the battery in Times Square in the process -- after the break. %Gallery-158241% %Gallery-158240%
Audi comes clean on A3 e-tron pilot program, electric mobility coming to four US cities
Longing to get back into the EV game after your MINI E got sent back to the mothership? If you didn't hop on the BMW Group's other electric trial, the 1 Series-based ActiveE, how about giving a shake to a car from its rival in Ingolstadt? At the TED2012 conference, Audi just confirmed prior plans to lease its electrified hatchback, the A3 e-tron. Just like last time we espied it, the electric city-dweller will have a top speed of 90MPH and rather languid 0-60 sprint of eleven seconds. No word on price, though, but those serious on joining the pilot will have to call San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington DC or Denver home. That quartet of locales represents a diverse range of climates, which it'll use to gleam important real-world data for future e-tron endeavors. We're not entirely sure how we feel about possibly paying to be a transportation guinea-pig, but can you really say no to those red-lined rims? Us neither. Catch them in a video form alongside PR after the break.
