It might take a few years, but with the Tesla Model X expected to hit the road this year or next, will a future Audi electric vehicle make any difference?
The Tesla Model X builds off the same skateboard-battery electric vehicle powertrain that is currently in the Tesla Model S, in both 60 kWh and 85kWh capacities. Aside from the SUV body, the key difference would probably be the addition of a second electric motor driving the front axle. Electric all-wheel drive will be something to be reckoned with, both in the snow and on the track, if you’re crazy enough to do that, as the Tesla Model X P85 is expected to accelerate 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds.
Deliveries of the Tesla Model X, however, won’t begin until 2015, which might prove to be disappointing for those waiting for the model. Good things come to those who wait, which makes me wonder, why is Audi waiting so long to get their own electric vehicles on the road? For a time, the Audi R8 E-Tron was expected to be a solid competitor for the Tesla Model S, but we still haven’t seen any. The same could be said for the Audi Q8 E-Tron, which might not hit the roads until 2018?
Tesla Motors reinvented the electric vehicle market with the Tesla Roadster, and then the Tesla Model S. The next step are the Tesla Model X and the rumored Tesla Model E, which should further strengthen Tesla Motors’ standing in the market. Audi doesn’t like it, but what is Audi going to do about it? Tesla is already far ahead of the game, and most of the competitive offerings, so far, have been hybrids, and you don’t bring a hybrid to an electric showroom.
Audi might have one trick up its sleeve, however, in that the Audi Q8 E-Tron’s real-world driving range is estimated to be around 370 miles, if they ever actually produce it. Thanks to some battery technology enhancements, which revived the Audi R8 E-Tron project, the Audi Q8 E-Tron project is also back on track. Still, that doesn’t mean that Tesla Motors isn’t working on advancing its own rechargeable battery technology, for better range and faster charging.
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