Audi EV FAQs

EV Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you've ever wanted to know about Audi EVs

Driving & Ownership

1. How can I test drive an Audi EV/PHEV?

2. Why is an electric vehicle so fast to take off from standing start?

Maximum torque is produced from the very start of movement in electric vehicles.

As current flows through the electric motor, a related electrical charge causes the armature to rotate. These rotations within an internal magnetic field causes a “back-EMF” (electromotive force) which opposes the supply voltage - reducing the available power.

To turn that on its head, if the motor speed is very small (or zero from a standing start), there is little to no back-EMF, meaning that the supply voltage is immediately utilised in a torque output.

3. What is the motor tax charge on an EV?

The motor tax charge for a fully electric vehicle is €120 per annum.

4. Do traffic jams affect my EVs Range?

When you start your Audi e-tron, you will hear nothing. The same applies for when you are stopped in traffic. The electric motor only uses energy while you are actually driving. When stationary, the only battery consumption is from any auxiliaries that you are using, such as air conditioning.

5. How much warning do I have before the battery is 100% out of power?

The vehicle will give plenty of notice to the user when the vehicle is heading to a very low power situation.

Home Charging

1. Will a home charger affect my home insurance policy?

Once the home charger is fitted to SafeElectric standards in Ireland it should not affect your home insurance policy.
It’s always good practice to confirm with your own insurance company as policy conditions can differ.

2. Where can I order a charger for my home?

Audi Ireland are partnering with Electric Ireland to install charge equipment to agreed standards and in line with SafeElectric standards in Ireland.
This company will carry out a site survey prior to installation to confirm suitability and complete the necessary “Certificate Number 3” and provide a “Copy of Test Record sheet” to ensure smooth grant application process.

You can order your home charger by contacting Electric Ireland Home Services at evhomeservices@electricireland.ie.
NOTE* Ensure you have the SEAI Charger Grant confirmation BEFORE engaging your home charger installation.

3. What’s the power available at an Irish House?

The normal Irish house is rated today for 12KVA “with diversity”. In Ireland most homes have single phase 220v power to the home with a rating of ~ 63A which means that the house can rate as 9-15KVA. The quality of the wires and connections in the home have an impact on the power available within the home.

4. Does charging my car affect my household devices?

No. Once your home charger has been fitted by a reputable installer with experience installing Electric vehicle chargers, your home will be set up as a plug and forget function.
This is where the installer will have considered your home and set up the installation to inconvenience you as little as possible. Your home enjoyment is paramount to all.

5. How do I know if my house can take an electric vehicle charger? What is the “normal” charge point power output?

You will need to have the home assessed by a qualified electrician who will advise you on any works required to include charging an electric vehicle at your home. The electrician will be assessing the potential power consumption of your home and may need to install switches that stop charging the car if an electric power shower is switched on.

Public Charging

1. What happens if I run out of battery and cannot charge?

Audi Ireland have considered this scenario and implemented a consumer focussed program “OOPS” “Out Of Power Service. If you are in this scenario, Audi Assist will recover you (and your vehicle) to the nearest functional charge point to allow you to power up. Like everything, there is a fair usage consideration for this service, know your car better than your rescue options.

Audi assist Within Republic of Ireland, telephone free on 1800 202103 Within Northern Ireland and the rest of Europe, telephone +353 1 6179684

2a. Charging Companies - Ionity Charging

2b. Charging Companies - ESB Charging

3. What are the different charging connections fitted to my Audi EV/PHEV?

Each Audi e-tron is fitted with two AC ports capable of 11kW charging speeds and one high powered CCS charging port capable of charging at speeds up to 150kW. The Audi e-tron can be charged at charging stations with AC and CCS connections including the ESB and Ionity Networks.

Each Audi TFSI e model is fitted with one AC charging port capable of 11 kW of charging.

4. How do I find the nearest charge point?

Grants & Incentives

1. What are the incentives/grants?

• €5000 SEAI plug-in grant for personal purchase
• Lowest VRT tax band (7%)
• Low annual road tax of €120
• 0% benefit-in-kind tax rate only available to zero emission vehicles (0% rate applies to the value of the car below €50,000, effective until 31 Dec 2022)
• €600 SEAI Grant available for the purchase and installation of an electric vehicle home charge unit (personal purchase only).
• Accelerated Capital Allowance Accelerated Capital Allowance Scheme permitting write off of up to €24,000 of capital investment within one year.
• Reduced Toll Fares for Electric Vehicles

*grants are subject to change and correct as of April 2020

2. Are there any grants for charging at home?

Yes, the Irish Government through the SEAI are providing a grant of up to €600 to support the fitting of charge points at private homes.
This is a reimbursement for certified work completed and it is subject to certain criteria:

• Advance approval from SEAI
• There is no charger associated with the meter (assessed through the MPRN)
• Wall Charger meets engineering and safety criteria set by SEAI
• Installation is by a SafeElectric approved electrician
• Certification of completion is sent to SEAI
• Images of completed work passed to SEAI

Warranty & Servicing

1. Do ecars & Hybrid cars require roadworthiness testing?

Yes. The National Car Test (NCT) currently tests hybrid or electric vehicles.

2. What does the 8-year warranty entail on the battery?

The warranty of the Audi high voltage battery warrants that it will be free from defects of materials and workmanship and maintain spare 70% capacity for 8 years (or 160,000kms) whichever comes first.

Gradual reduction in battery capacity over time is integral to the nature of the component and does not represent a defect under the terms of this warranty, as long as the reduction in capacity is not in excess of the value specified for this vehicle in the owner's manual.

The warranty on high voltage batteries does not apply if the defect has been caused by the battery not being used, handled or maintained as described in the owner's manual. This applies in particular to charging the battery.

With the exception of the warranty term, all warranty conditions stipulated by the Audi Retailer selling the vehicle (pre-requisites, criteria for freedom from defects, exclusions, settlement of claims, entry into force and start of extended warranty term, scope of application etc.) Also apply to the high voltage battery.

3. Should I wait until the charge in my car battery is depleted before charging again?

No, for the battery in an electric car there is no benefit to waiting until it is fully depleted before charging. Waiting until it is fully depleted won’t improve the lifespan of the battery - it is perfectly fine to plug it in regardless of the amount of charge currently left on the battery.