Audi Japan announced that the launch date for the Audi e-tron Sportback, the first electric vehicle from the Audi brand to be introduced in Japan, will be September 17th. In collaboration with Shizen Denryoku Inc. (Head Office: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture; Representatives: Ken Isono, Masaya Hasegawa, Kenji Kawato), which aims to realize a society powered by 100% renewable energy, Audi Japan will also introduce renewable energy-generated electricity, which plays a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of EVs, as an option for e-tron owners.

Audi launched its electrification offensive in September 2018 with the world premiere of the electric SUV model, the Audi e-tron. By 2025, the company aims to launch more than 20 electric vehicle (battery electric vehicle = BEV) models in its major global markets, with electrified models accounting for approximately 40% of total sales.

The future electrified lineup will include newly developed BEV models as well as plug-in hybrid models with conventional body styles such as sedans and Avants. The lineup is expected to cover all market segments, from compact to luxury classes.

The curtain rises on Audi's electrification drive in the Japanese market with the launch of the Audi e-tron Sportback on September 17th, followed by the Audi e-tron SUV. The e-tron models serve as a bridge to a sustainable future championed by Audi. To further commit to CO2 reduction, Audi Japan is partnering with Shizen Denryoku to offer e-tron owners renewable energy options.

Owners who sign up for Shizen Denryoku's 'Shizen Denryoku no Denki' (Shizen Denryoku Electricity) when purchasing an e-tron will receive a monthly discount of 1,000 yen on their electricity bill for one year. Furthermore, dealerships handling the e-tron, which are expected to number 52 at launch, will also be encouraged to use electricity that is effectively 100% renewable.

BEVs, centered around high-voltage batteries, possess unique technical characteristics compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, necessitating the establishment of new service systems. Audi is promoting the introduction and maintenance of e-tron through its authorized dealer network and the Audi Japan Toyohashi PDI Center. Fifty-two dealerships, covering areas from Hokkaido to Kyushu, are slated to begin sales and servicing of the e-tron (out of a total of 124 dealerships).

The charging equipment provided for the Japanese specification Audi e-tron includes a standard AC (alternating current, 200V) home charger and, primarily, public DC (direct current) fast chargers. For public charging, CHAdeMO standard fast chargers (up to 50kW output) installed at 7,800 locations nationwide can be utilized. Charging the e-tron's 95kWh battery to full capacity at a 50kW output would take over an hour and a half. However, it is not possible to maintain maximum output charging from 0% to 100% SOC (State of Charge) continuously; the charging speed must be reduced to protect the battery by managing cell temperature and charge status.

A key feature of the e-tron is its ability to maintain high charging speeds, even with fast chargers, close to a full charge due to its excellent battery control and temperature management. While a high maximum charging output is important, the duration for which this maximum output can be sustained significantly impacts the actual charging time and directly affects daily usability.

Audi Japan is offering the Audi Charging Service with the introduction of the e-tron (the 5,000 yen monthly fee is waived for the first year). The charging card provided with this service can be used at chargers affiliated with "Japan Charging Service LLC (NCS)," which covers approximately 86% of the roughly 7,800 rapid charging stations nationwide. Including standard charging, a total of 21,700 charging stations are available (as of April 2020).

In conjunction with this, actress and artist Kou Shibasaki, who also serves as the representative of LesPros Entertainment Co., Ltd., has been appointed as an Audi e-tron Supporter.

Kou Shibasaki, who was also appointed as the Ministry of the Environment's Special Ambassador for Environmental Communication in July 2018, has long advocated for a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with nature, focusing on the connections between forests, villages, rivers, seas, and people, and living in symbiosis with nature. Audi Japan plans to collaborate with Kou Shibasaki to distribute special content themed around the Audi e-tron Sportback and sustainability.

Additionally, Audi Japan will host "Audi e-tron Sportback Premiere Test Drive," Japan's first large-scale e-tron test drive event for the general public, on Friday, September 18th, and Saturday, September 19th, at Hi-NODE in Minato-ku, Tokyo. For two days following the press launch, multiple Audi e-tron Sportback vehicles will be available for test drives and other interactive experiences.

To minimize waiting times for participants during test drives, an appointment system will be in place for invited guests. A campaign to invite attendees to this event, including Audi e-tron Newsletter subscribers and website visitors, has been running on the dedicated e-tron website (www.audi.jp/e-tron) since July 30th.