Driving over 600 miles in a 2024 Audi Q6 e-tron electric vehicle, I made only three charging stops and found that exceeding highway speeds of 75 MPH noticeably decreased the vehicle's range.
The Audi Q6 e-tron has proven its prowess in extended long-distance travel, as demonstrated by a recent 600-mile journey from an undisclosed location to Norfolk, Virginia, USA. This journey, undertaken by automotive journalist Noah Washington, showcases the vehicle's efficient energy use and rapid recharge capability.
The Q6 e-tron, Audi's first production vehicle on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), jointly developed with Porsche, received a full five-star rating in European safety tests. It boasts an 800-volt architecture, enabling fast charging from 10% to 80% in about 21 minutes, supporting quick turnarounds during road trips.
During the 600-mile trip, the Q6 e-tron achieved about 2.3 to 2.4 miles per kWh when driving at highway speeds of 75–85 mph. Under certain conditions such as descending hills and using regenerative braking, efficiency improved significantly, reaching up to 3.2 miles per kWh. The driver made just three charging stops, demonstrating the Q6 e-tron's capability for long-distance travel with minimal downtime and practical charging durations.
The owner prioritized Electrify America charging stations during the trip and found them easily. The Q6 e-tron can be charged using the "Plug & Charge" feature, eliminating the need for app interaction. The route for the trip was planned using A Better Route Planner (ABRP) with details about the car filled in.
The Q6 e-tron's efficiency varies with speed. Driving slower (55–65 mph) improved miles per kWh significantly, consistent with typical EV behavior where lower speeds reduce aerodynamic losses. Slowing down to 55-60 mph on the highway noticeably extends the range of the Q6 e-tron, though the owner admits that after a stint at 80-85 mph, the legal limit feels like crawling.
The Q6 e-tron also impresses with its interior, featuring a "Digital Stage" layout with a curved 11.9′′ driver display, a 14.5′′ central screen, and an optional 10.9′′ passenger display. The vehicle's second-gen OLED lighting is capable of projecting active signals, adding to its futuristic appeal. Reviewers note the Q6 e-tron rides and sounds like luxury defined by restraint, subtle cabin quietness, and smoothness.
In conclusion, the Audi Q6 e-tron demonstrates that it can comfortably perform extended, long-distance journeys in a single day with a few planned charging breaks, delivering efficient energy use and rapid recharge capability that make it suitable for such trips.
The Q6 e-tron's impressive long-distance travel capabilities, complemented by its rapid recharge system, exemplify how technology integrates seamlessly into modern lifestyles, revolutionizing the way we travel, particularly in electric-vehicles. The owner's efficient use of electric charging stations such as Electrify America, coupled with the vehicle's "Plug & Charge" feature, showcases the convergence of technology and cars, streamlining the ownership and driving experience.
