Audi’s research and development division is busy in finding fuel alternatives that help reduce carbon emissions to the Ice Age standards. After the years of research on this issue, the German car manufacturer has decided that Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicles appear to be the way to go.
By the end of the decade, the German auto maker plans to make plug-in Hybrid versions for every Audi model, according to the Audi research and development head Ulrich Hackenberg. He recently made comments on the A3 Sportback e-tron at its launch. He hinted two powertrain variants including a front wheel driven example powered by a pair of electric motor and 1.4 Litre petrol engine for Audi A3 and the other one is an all wheel drive version with electric motor at rear and engine on the front wheels. The A3 Sportback will generate a 204 horsepower and will cover about 31 miles on its plug-in Hybrid powertrain and electric system only.
Audi officials have not disclosed the details of A3,.Kelsey Johnson, the spokeswoman of Audi said that the company will soon release information on its plug-in Hybrid power-train systems and models.
Sales for Audi A3 Sportback e-tron have started in Germany with the initial price of about $51,000 but deliveries will start in winter anytime and in U.S. it will start in next year.
Other automakers are also working hard to develop advanced powertrain technologies, such as Toyota is about to introduce its first ever fuel cell vehicle next year and Nissan is preaching its gospel of battery electric engine.
