Audi A1 e-tron Concept

Audi A1 e-tron Concept

Back in March Audi debuted the A1 e-tron concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. You might remember that the e-tron name first appeared at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show (more here) under the guise of a very powerful supercar with an electric drive system. Of course, the A1 e-tron that debuted in Geneva was a little different sporting a hybrid power system with an unusual rotary engine setup.

Audi A1 e-tron Concept

Audi A1 e-tron Concept

The A1 e-tron is most comparable to the 2011 Chevrolet Volt; like the Volt the A1 e-tron’s rotary engine is only meant to charge the battery. Not a bad idea considering the size of the rotary and how much power it can produce. However, since March we have heard relatively little on the wire about the A1 e-tron. That is until now.

Recently, Michael Dick, Audi’s board member for technology, spoke with Motor Trend about the company’s extended-range EV plan in an interview. The interview shed a lot of light on the future plans of the rotary and electric motor combination including a timeline for a small production run of cars at the end of 2012 or the beginning of 2013. In addition, Dick said, “We will start a pilot project at the end of the year.” According to Motor Trend this is just the tip of the iceberg; Audi intends to use this electric car project as the groundwork for future models.

Where will this EV be sold? Current plans target it for Europe for sure, but there has been no mention yet of whether it will cross the pond and turn up on American shores. Oh, and don’t be surprised if this concept rolls out to the market official as an A2; current speculation says Audi may revive the name.

Be sure to check out our AllSmallCars.com story from March on the Audi A1 e-tron debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

 

 

[Source: Motor Trend and Automotive News]