Audi Cancels A2 E-tron, May Cancel A1 E-tron

A rumor is circulating that AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
8213 photos
27 videos
is canceling the A2 E-tronAudi A2 ConceptGermany, 2011 > 201114 photos
and may even cancel the A1 E-tronAudi A1 e-tron conceptGermany, 2010 > 20102 photos
as well. If this is the case, it represents a major turn in Audi's electrification plans. 

The problem with the A2 E-tron is that it would cost too much for the current European market. It was slated to cost €40,000 with a 125 mile range with 85kW (114hp) and 199lb-ft of torque and was meant to be Audi's competitor to the BMW i3BMW i3Germany, 2011 > present26 photos
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. The other problem with the car is that sales of pure electric vehicles like the Nissan LeafNissan LEAF SLJapan, 2011 > present2 photos
and Mitsubishi iMiEVMitsubishi i-MiEVJapan, 2009 > present3 photos
have too low in Europe.

The A1 E-tron may also be getting the axe. Unlike the A2, the A1 E-tron used a small Wankel engine as a range extender and had a pure electric range of 31 miles but would have a longer total range than the A2 thanks to the Wankel. 

If this rumor turns out to be true, it represents in change in Audi's electric strategy. It recently set up a separate battery facility that it will test new batteries and build the first batteries for Audi's E-tron models. 

We have contacted Audi for comment and are awaiting a reply. 

Source: Car Magazine