Audi A3 E-Tron Gets U.S. Pilot Program – But You Can't Sign Up

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Audi fanboys who want emissions-free motoring will be sorely disappointed; the pilot program to try out an A3 E-Tron, will be limited to Audi personnel in Denver, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and San Francisco.

For between 12 and 18 months, employees will evaluate the A3 e-tron, before an electric A3, based on the next-generation car, debuts in 2014. Unlike BMW and Mini, customers won’t be providing data to Audi to help develop the car, like with the test programs involving the Mini E and BMW 1ActiveE.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Redliner Redliner on Mar 01, 2012

    As usual, Audi seems to be late to the party. They where late to the SUV party, and they are starting their electric pilot program at a time when other automakers are releasing electric cars for public consumption. BMW is at least a few years ahead of them, as they have already finished their MINI-E trials. In contrast, Mercedez-Benz seems to be more interested in showing off improbable hydrogen concepts rather than developing a workable electric car of today. I would have expected VW, being such a large and profitable automaker, to have something that is nearly market ready by now. I guess one only has to look at how long it took them to release their first hybrid in the US (Jetta Hybrid) to see how exited they are about electrification.

    • Herm Herm on Mar 02, 2012

      It is very early in the BEV era.. it wont take off before the 3rd or 4th generation of batteries are ready. The rest of the components used in electric cars are old news.

  • Imag Imag on Mar 01, 2012

    Derek - We hear enough of that "fanboy" crap on other car sites. Would it be so hard to just give the term a pass? The reality is that there aren't that many of them for any brand; the term is just used to make people you don't like or agree with sound ridiculous. Or to add meaningless snark.

  • Carljhay Carljhay on Apr 30, 2012

    In the next couple years, Audi is set to start putting its e-Tron technology in cars that will be appearing in car dealerships. A test run is starting soon for the A3 e-Tron and the very first models will be here by 2014. Better check this out: Big push coming for Audi e-Tron line According to AutoBlog, the first of the e-Tron line to hit the streets is going to the R8 e-Tron. However, since the R8 starts well above $100,000, hardly anyone will be able to afford it. The A3 e-Tron quattro will be released for the 2014 model year. After that, the A4 and Q7 SUV will follow. They are likely to incorporate at least some technology from the R18 e-Tron quattro. AutoBlog quotes Audi chairman Rubert Stadler as saying that an e-Tron model will be an option on every model Audi makes by 2020.

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