The Audi e-tron demonstrated how far EVs have come over the last quarter century, recently delivering the first modern EV to “Fully Charged LIVE” in Austin, Texas. The e-tron towed the trailer and payload, weighing a combined 4000 lbs., through the Oklahoma rain with comfort and efficiency.
Audi Tulsa and Audi ONE, Audi of America’s Herndon-based electrification strategy team, supported the all-volunteer Oklahoma Chapter of the Electric Auto Association in bringing the EV to “Fully Charged LIVE,” picking up their payload from Tulsa Tech in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and hauling it more than 500 miles to the Circuit of the Americas, where the event was hosted.
Using CCS compatible fast chargers on both the Electrify America and Francis Solar charging networks, the Audi e-tron was able to replenish 80% of its battery’s capacity in just 30 minutes with high-speed 150 kW charging. With all the capabilities customers expect of a premium midsize SUV, the e-tron, when properly equipped, is rated to tow 4,000 lbs. and comes with standard quattro all-wheel drive and air suspension.
“EVs have long been a community-driven technology, as evidenced by the initiative of the Oklahoma Electric Auto Association to bring this iconic vehicle to our event,” said Chelsea Sexton, U.S. presenter of the “Fully Charged LIVE.”
Sexton added, “I’m grateful to the Audi teams and Tulsa Tech for their support and was excited to hop into the Audi e-tron for the journey.”
“We wanted to pay tribute to the EV that started it all, with the Audi e-tron towing it on our 500-mile journey from Tulsa to Austin,” said Cody Thacker, director, Audi ONE, Audi of America. “It’s easy to go electric today, and the e-tron’s capabilities show it’s more than capable of going the distance with a heavy trailer in tow, even in cold and windy weather conditions. We’re thankful to have partners like Audi Tulsa provide support and logistics and make this road trip possible.”
The Audi e-tron SUV is the first all-electric Audi vehicle offered in North America, having gone on sale last May. With up to 402 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque in boost mode, the five-passenger Audi e-tron is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in a quiet 5.5 seconds. It is priced starting from an MSRP of $74,800*.
Audi e-tron trip by the numbers:
| Trailer with payload total weight | 4,000 lbs. |
| Trip distance | 504 mi. one way |
| Average trip temperature | 35° F |
| Trip conditions | Mostly rain |
| Average moving speed | 60 mph |
| Average efficiency with trailer | 1.3 mi/kWh |
