Audi Q6 e-tron: the future fast-charging electric SUV

Expected by the end of 2023, the Audi Q6 e-tron electric SUV is caught recharging its batteries at a power level unprecedented for the brand.

Audi and Porsche are currently working on two new electric SUVs, which will inaugurate the new PPE (Premium Platform Electric) platform. On one side, there’s the Porsche Macan electric. On the other side, is the Audi Q6 e-tron, positioned between the Q4 and Q8 models.

A faster recharge than the Taycan!

This model was spotted testing this week. An onlooker photographed a test prototype, covered in the traditional black and white camouflage. However, the focus isn’t on the exterior plastic of the electric SUV, but what it conceals beneath its bodywork.

Exclusive photos from Autoweek show a charging station in the Netherlands. The Audi Q6 e-tron is plugged in there, beginning its charge as the bystander captures the scene. The charging station’s display shows the key information: charging power, which is an impressive 271 kW! Yes, just above the current theoretical limit of the Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan.

The Audi Q6 e-tron expected by late 2023

The J1 platform for these two electric sedans served as the basis for the PPE, featuring 800 V technology, which was pioneering at the time against competitors. Here, the Audi Q6 e-tron seems to do even better, also outpacing Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV6 models with charging powers over 230 kW, as well as the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 at 250 kW.

Still, we will have to wait for more information on the German SUV. In any case, its cousin, the Porsche Macan, should benefit from a version with 600 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque, with nearly 100 kWh of batteries. The Audi Q6 e-tron is expected to be announced and produced by the end of 2023, with manufacturing at the Ingolstadt plant (Germany). Estimated starting price: €70,000.

Read also: Audi Activesphere Concept: electric adventure in augmented reality