August 5, 2026 - New A2 e-Tron Is Most Efficient Audi Yet

This is the Telemetry Transportation Daily for August 5, 2026, and I'm Sam Abuelsamid, Vice President of Market Research for Telemetry. 

The electric vehicles launched by Audi since the debut of the original e-Tron in 2019 have not always been the most efficient examples in their market segments. As a result, they have often lagged behind in range. Audi is now preparing to launch a new compact model that aims to be the most efficient vehicle ever from the brand and reviving a name from more than 20 years ago that aimed to accomplish the same task. Between 2000 and 2005, Audi produced a subcompact called the A2 that utilized a lightweight aluminum structure and super-efficient diesel engine that was the first to achieve a fuel consumption rating of 3L/100 km or 78.4 mpg. 

The new A2 e-Tron builds on the heritage of the nameplate but brings it into the electric age. This will be the first Audi EV equipped with a lithium iron phosphate battery. The LFP pack in the A2 will be the first utilized by Audi and among the first in the VW Group, along with the VW ID2. In the A2 e-tron, the pack will have an overall capacity of 61 kWh and net usable capacity of 58 kWh. 

To improve overall energy efficiency, Audi has focused heavily on aerodynamics, and the A2 has a drag coefficient of just 0.24. Aerodynamic drag is critically important, especially at higher speeds. Above about 60 mph, overcoming drag consumes more than 50% of the energy required to move the vehicle. Drag also reduces the amount of regenerative braking that can be used to recover energy during braking. Audi also achieved a 10% improvement in propulsion system efficiency. The power electronics module now uses silicon carbide switches that reduce losses by up to 20 watts. The electric motor also has thinner laminations that are just 0.2 mm to reduce iron losses, while low-friction oil reduces the losses in the transmission. 

The 140kW motor is mounted on the rear axle, which should provide improved driving dynamics, while the flat voltage curve of the LFP battery will provide consistent performance. All of this results in WLTP efficiency of 12.8 kWh/100 km or 20.6 kWh/100 miles. That should result in a range of about 280 miles, which is impressive for the modest battery capacity. The A2 e-tron will also support vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-home bidirectional charging when it goes on sale in Europe this fall. Unfortunately, the limited demand for EVs and tariffs mean that this model is unlikely to be brought to the U.S. anytime in the foreseeable future. 

Thanks for listening.