Audi launches A2 e-tron, its cheapest and most efficient EV

Audi is reviving its A2 nameplate for a new entry-level electric hatchback, positioning it as the brand's most efficient and affordable EV to date. The company announced that the A2 e-tron will debut this fall, with sales expected to begin in Europe shortly after its unveiling. The vehicle marks a return for a model that was commercially unsuccessful in the early 2000s but is now being reimagined as a battery-electric car focused on maximizing range and efficiency.

The new A2 e-tron is built on Volkswagen Group's MEB platform, sharing its foundation with the recently launched Volkswagen ID.3 Neo. This approach significantly reduced development time, allowing Audi to bring the model to market in approximately three and a half years. The rear-wheel-drive hatchback will be offered with multiple powertrain options, including 125 kW, 140 kW, 170 kW, and 240 kW electric motors. Battery choices are expected to include 50 kWh, 58 kWh, and 79 kWh packs, with the longest-range version projected to achieve up to 403 miles (649 km) under the WLTP testing cycle.

A key focus for engineers was aerodynamic efficiency. With an optional efficiency package, the car achieves a drag coefficient of...