Audi sets world record for electric vehicle range on a single charge

The Audi A6 Sportback e-tron performance electric vehicle traveled 1,338 kilometers on a single battery charge, setting a Guinness World Records title. Behind the wheel was the current European Rally Champion, Miko Marczyk.

The record-breaking drive took place in Poland. It started on September 11 at 01:55 and lasted over 45 hours. The route ran along the Vistula River through Kraków, Sandomierz, Warsaw, Toruń, and Grudziądz to the Hel Peninsula on the Baltic Sea, after which the car headed back.

Moreover, the drive was not on a closed test track, but on public roads in normal traffic. Part of the route fell during rush hour. The average air temperature was around 15 degrees, dropping to 7 degrees during the coldest period.

By the end of the trip, the average energy consumption of the Audi was just 7.09 kWh per 100 km. For comparison, the manufacturer's declared combined consumption for the production A6 Sportback e-tron performance is in the range of 13.6–15.8 kWh per 100 km.

The vehicle used was equipped with a battery with a gross capacity of 100 kWh and a net capacity of 94.9 kWh. The performance version produces 367 hp, and the official WLTP range is up to 777 kilometers. Thus, during the record run, the electric vehicle covered a distance about 72% greater than its rated figure.

Audi attributes the result to a combination of aerodynamics, an efficient powertrain, and an extremely economical driving style. The drag coefficient of the A6 Sportback e-tron is 0.21 — the best figure among Audi production models.

The car is also able to recover energy during braking with a recuperation power of up to 220 kW. According to the manufacturer, in everyday conditions, recuperation can handle about 95% of all braking without using conventional friction brakes.

Marczyk said that during the drive he tried to move as smoothly as possible, avoided harsh acceleration and braking, actively used recuperation, and monitored tire pressure. According to him, even for him, the result of 1,338 kilometers was unexpectedly high.

The record demonstrates the potential efficiency of modern electric vehicles, but such a mileage should not be considered typical for everyday use. It was achieved with a specially chosen driving style prioritizing minimal energy consumption.

Based on materials from: Audi