Audi A2 e-tron is brand's smallest EV; gets up to 646km range

Audi has taken the wraps off the A2 e-tron hatchback, its smallest EV yet, with a range of up to 646km (according to WLTP cycle). The original, combustion-run Audi A2, sold from 1999 to 2005, was also built to deliver excellent fuel economy, and its EV successor clearly follows the same efficiency-first approach.

Audi A2 e-tron: Battery and motor specs

There are four electric motor options on offer, and their outputs range from 168hp to 322hp, and 350Nm to 545Nm. Three battery pack options are available with the EV: 52, 61 and 84kWh; the bigger battery employs nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistry, while the smaller batteries use lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry. The A2 e-tron with a 228hp motor powered by an 84kWh battery pack has a range of 646km, the highest in the line-up. The carmaker also claims that the A2 e-tron is the most efficient Audi of all time, with an energy consumption of 12.8 kWh/100km (140kW trim with the optional efficiency package).

The 84kWh battery supports DC fast charging speeds of up to 183kW, with a 10 to 80 percent charge taking a claimed time of 29 minutes. Whereas, the 52kWh battery pack reaches the same state of charge (SoC) in 24 minutes at up to 100kW and the 61kWh battery takes 25 minutes at a charging speed of up to 105kW.

Audi A2 e-tron: Exterior design

The Audi A2 e-tron has been designed to prioritise aerodynamic efficiency; the carmaker claims a drag coefficient of 0.24. It gets short overhangs, and the sensors for the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and the main headlights are neatly integrated into the closed-off front section. The slim daytime running lights (DRLs) are positioned above them. 

In profile, the A-pillar flows into a sweeping roofline. The newly designed wheels have an 'aero' design, while the door handles are shaped to cut through the air with a wing-like design. Towards the rear, the roofline slopes gently before merging with the spoiler. The tail-lights have a horizontal design, and they flank the brand's four ringed logo.