Tesla is still the reigning carmaker when it comes to availability and sales of electric vehicles (EVs). However, the competition is about to get a little heated as more automotive companies make the switch from traditional engines. European badges such as Porsche, Volkswagen, Renault, and more are already working on their projects. Meanwhile, the 2019 Audi e-tron will apparently make its way into dealerships this spring.

It’s clear that burning fossil fuels have a detrimental impact on our environment. Researchers are urging various industries to cut back their usage in order to avoid an ecological disaster in the near future. That’s why EVs are steadily becoming more popular options for buyers.

This five-seater SUV, the first ever battery-powered model from the German brand. The dual AC induction motors draw power from a 95kWh lithium-ion battery. The setup manages to produce around 402 horsepower with 490 lb-ft of torque. It uses a single-speed direct-drive transmission to transfer power to its all-wheel-drive system. With a top speed of 124 mph, the EV can go from 0-60 in under six seconds.

According to the manufacturer, charging the 2019 Audi e-tron using the 150kW public charger can get you up to 80 percent in 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the supplied home charging capsule takes around 9 hours to completely charge the SUV. Tests claim that a full battery can drive you up to 160 miles before it needs to top up. To sum it all up, those who want to break away from Tesla’s shadow over the EV market now have alternatives in near future. Prices start at $74,800 for the Premium Plus version, while the snazzier Prestige edition goes for $81,800.

Images courtesy of Audi

2019 Audi e-tron