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August 28, 2018
Audi Unveils EV Concept Car "PB18 e-tron" for the First Time | Audi
Audi PB18 e-tron
EV Concept Car "PB18 e-tron" Debuts at Pebble Beach
Audi unveiled its electric vehicle (EV) concept car, the "PB18 e-tron," for the first time on Thursday, August 23rd, at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California, USA.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
0-100 km/h in Under 2 Seconds
The "PB18 e-tron," developed with a vision for the high-performance sports cars of the future, has been unveiled.
The design was handled by Audi's new design studio in Malibu, California. The concept itself was developed by "Audi Sport GmbH," which produces Audi's high-performance sports cars, and it is said that many technologies, such as the suspension, have been adapted from Le Mans racing cars.
This is reflected in the name "PB18 e-tron," with "PB" standing for Pebble Beach and "18 e-tron" derived from the "R18 e-tron," a successful car in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
The "PB18 e-tron" is designed as a driving machine for both the circuit and public roads. The cockpit is integrated into an inner monocoque shell that slides sideways. For single-driver use, the cockpit can move from its normal driving position to a central, monoposto position optimized for circuit driving, much like a racing car.
The body, measuring 4,530mm long, 2,000mm wide, and 1,150mm high, is constructed from a combination of aluminum, carbon, and composite materials to keep basic weight down. The relatively light solid-state battery also contributes to weight reduction, achieving a total weight of less than 1,550kg. The gently sloping roofline, for example, allows for a cargo space of up to 470 liters, sufficient for storing helmets and racing suits.
The power unit consists of three electric motors: one at the front and two at the rear. It produces a maximum output of 500kW, or 570kW with boost, and a torque of 840Nm. Combined with all-wheel drive, it achieves 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 2 seconds.
The battery is a water-cooled solid-state unit with a capacity of 95kWh, enabling a range of over 500km on a single charge under the WLTP cycle. It is also designed to support 800V fast charging, allowing for a full charge in approximately 15 minutes, and is compatible with contactless charging via Audi Wireless Charging. Energy is also regenerated through braking.

