Audi begins building the new e-tron GT
Audi has begun assembly of its Tesla rival e-tron GT and claims the production process is completely carbon neutral.
The new high-end EV is being built at a factory in Neckarsulm, Germany, that is powered by renewable energy, which also minimizes waste and maximizes recycling. The factory gets its electricity from wind farms and is heated by bio-gas, and any emissions that do escape are offset using carbon credits. Parts are moved around the factory by electric vehicles or those powered by compressed natural gas, while materials including aluminum and plastics are part of a “closed loop” system of recycling.
As the e-tron GT relies heavily on aluminum for its construction, Audi’s ability to recycle any off-cuts is said to save thousands of tons of carbon dioxide each year. That aluminum also goes some way to offset the weight of the car’s batteries.
The e-tron GT is expected to have a range of approximately 250 miles, and send 590 horsepower to all four wheels for a zero to sixty time of just 3.5 seconds. As well as putting huge efforts into the production and performance of the new car, Audi has also considered what it should sound like, and created unique soundscape for the GT.
The e-tron GT is due to go on sale in Europe in mid-2021, with U.S. sales set to follow soon after. A price of around $100,000 would undercut the Porsche Taycan but position it above the Tesla Model S.
