Experiencing a 600-mile journey in a 2024 Audi Q6 e-tron, I discovered that pushing beyond standard highway speeds above 75 MPH result in decreased electric range, requiring only three charging stops along the way.
The Audi Q6 e-tron, Audi's first production vehicle on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), jointly developed with Porsche, recently proved its long-distance capabilities during a 600-mile road trip from an undisclosed location to Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
Meticulous Route Planning and Advanced Charging Infrastructure
The journey was meticulously planned using A Better Route Planner (ABRP) with all details about the car filled in. The route utilized Electrify America stations as the main charging backbone, with the Audi Q6 e-tron benefiting from an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture. This enabled ultra-fast DC charging, allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% battery capacity in roughly 21 to 30 minutes at compatible fast-charging stations with power delivery up to around 270 kW.
The EA charging stations used during the trip were relatively new, clean, and located near shopping centers such as Walmart and Target, making stops convenient and accessible. The Q6 e-tron's "Plug & Charge" functionality, which can simplify charging station use by eliminating app interaction, was employed during the trip, although some users initially defaulted to using the Audi app to start charging.
Efficient Driving and Performance
The Q6 e-tron's efficiency notably depends on speed. Real-world driving over long distances showed that highway speeds above 75 mph significantly reduced range, indicating that higher speeds increase energy consumption and lower efficiency. The vehicle operates in different driving modes—Efficiency and Balanced modes keep the front motor mostly idle to save energy, while the Dynamic mode activates full all-wheel drive for performance but at a cost to efficiency.
Despite the focus on efficiency, the Q6 e-tron delivers a sporty yet efficient drive with peak output around 285 kW (387 hp) and the ability to accelerate 0-60 mph in about 5 seconds. This ensures a dynamic driving experience even on an efficiency-focused road trip, balancing power and range.
Comfortable and Capable Travelling Companion
The Q6 e-tron proved to be a long-legged, comfortable, and capable travelling companion. The second leg, 250 miles, resulted in a 15% decrease in battery percentage, with 40 miles left. The third leg, 84 miles, brought the battery percentage back up to 95%. The fourth leg, 50 miles, ended with the Q6 e-tron having 76% battery remaining.
The Q6 e-tron's interior, featuring a "Digital Stage" layout with a curved 11.9" driver display, a 14.5" central screen, and an optional 10.9" passenger display with privacy mode, added to the overall comfort and convenience during the journey. The second-generation OLED lighting capable of projecting active signals provided a touch of luxury.
Noah Washington, an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia, who enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars, praised the Q6 e-tron's performance and capabilities. Washington has been in the automotive industry since he was 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites.
In summary, the Audi Q6 e-tron facilitates long electric road trips with meticulous route planning, rapid charging capabilities, and efficiency that is highly sensitive to driving speed, particularly on highways. Proper use of available features and charging networks allows for manageable stop times and a comfortable, mostly drama-free charging experience. The Q6 e-tron's combination of performance, efficiency, and comfort make it an appealing choice for those seeking a luxurious yet long-range electric vehicle.
The Audi Q6 e-tron's advanced technology, including its 800-volt electrical architecture and the use of Electrify America charging stations, allowed for a swift charging process during the 600-mile road trip. This environmentally-friendly car, which is part of Audi's growing line of electric vehicles, also demonstrated its capability to maintain a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle on long road trips, thanks to features like the Digital Stage interior and second-generation OLED lighting.
