Currently reading: LA motor show 2011: Audi A3 e-tron revealed
Audi has unveiled an all-electric A3 e-tron which has a range of about 87 miles

This all-electric Audi A3 e-tron, revealed at the Los Angeles motor show today, looks set to be one of the Ingolstadt marque’s first all-electric production car offerings.

Audi describes the A3 e-tron as ‘an all-around vehicle for future mobility.

The permanent magnet synchronous motor in the A3 e-tron supplies a continuous output of 60kW (equivalent to 82bhp) and peak power delivery of 85kW (114bhp). Maximum torque is 199lb ft, with the power delivered to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission.

See Los Angeles motor show pictures of the Audi A3 e-tron

The lithium-ion battery is located under the luggage compartment floor, rear seat and in the centre tunnel. It stores 26.5kWh of usable energy at 380 volts and weighs 30kgs.

Audi says the A3 e-tron can be recharged in about nine hours via a household socket, or four hours via rapid charge.

On a single battery charge, it can cover about 87 miles. The car can achieve 0-62mph in 11.2sec and has a top speed of 90.10mph.

The driver can select three driving modes – dynamic, auto and efficiency – as well as four settings which adjust the degree of energy recovery during braking and coasting.

Audi describes the A3 e-tron as a ‘technology study’ and points out that the wheels and interior have been borrowed from a regular A3. Despite that, the car is a sign that Audi is moving closer to putting a full electric family car into production.

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