The Models
| Model | Years | Platform | Range (EPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-tron (55 quattro) | 2019–2023 | MLB evo (modified) | 222–226 mi |
| e-tron S | 2022–2023 | MLB evo (modified) | 208 mi |
| Q8 e-tron (renamed) | 2024+ | MLB evo (modified) | 285–300 mi |
| Q4 e-tron | 2022+ | MEB (VW Group EV) | 241–265 mi |
| e-tron GT | 2022+ | J1 (shared with Taycan) | 238–302 mi |
What You Don't Need Anymore
Buying an Audi EV eliminates: engine oil changes, spark plugs, timing chains, supercharger couplers, DSG fluid service, coolant for a combustion engine (replaced with simpler thermal management fluid), and exhaust system maintenance. For owners who previously owned a 3.0T A6 or B8 A4, this simplification is significant.
What You Still Need
Brakes — Regenerative Doesn't Eliminate Brake Service
e-tron models use regenerative braking extensively, which reduces pad and rotor wear compared to conventional vehicles. However, reduced use means reduced heat cycling — brake rotors can develop surface corrosion faster on EVs than on combustion vehicles, especially in coastal Southern California. Inspect brake rotors annually. Pads may last 60–80K miles in normal use, but calipers can seize if the brakes aren't used enough. Brake fluid: every 2 years, same as any Audi.
12V Battery
Every Audi EV still has a 12V lead-acid battery that powers the low-voltage electrical systems — door locks, windows, lighting, communication modules. The 12V battery doesn't get charged by driving the way a conventional car's does; it's topped up by the main battery pack via DC-DC converter. At 5–7 years, 12V batteries in EVs fail at similar rates to combustion vehicles. A failed 12V battery in an EV causes strange behavior: modules going offline, charging interruptions, remote app connectivity loss. Replace proactively at 5 years.
Tires
EVs are heavier than comparable combustion vehicles — the e-tron weighs over 5,600 lbs. That weight accelerates tire wear. Rotation every 7,500 miles is more important on an EV than on a conventional car. e-tron tires are also specific low-rolling-resistance compounds; replace with the OEM spec to maintain the rated range and handling balance.
HVAC and Thermal Management
The e-tron's thermal management system handles battery temperature, cabin climate, and motor cooling — a complex integrated system. Cabin air filters need replacing every 20,000 miles (or annually in Simi Valley's dusty environment). Refrigerant in the heat pump system (Q4 e-tron and later e-tron variants) should be checked every 4 years.
Suspension
e-tron models on the MLB evo platform share suspension geometry with the Q7/Q8. Air suspension (standard on e-tron, optional on Q4) has the same strut inspection considerations as other Audi air suspension systems — check for slow leaks by 80K miles. Conventional coil spring Q4 e-trons: multi-link rear wear around 80–100K miles.
Battery Health and Range Degradation
Audi warrants e-tron batteries for 8 years / 100,000 miles at a minimum of 70% capacity. Real-world degradation in Southern California climates is typically 5–10% by 80,000 miles on regularly charged cars. Practices that preserve battery health: charge to 80% for daily use (reserve 100% for road trips), avoid frequent DC fast charging if possible, and keep the vehicle plugged in during extreme heat to allow thermal management to run on grid power rather than battery power.
e-tron GT — The Taycan Platform
The e-tron GT shares the J1 platform with the Porsche Taycan and has more demanding service requirements than the SUV e-tron models. The 800V charging system is sophisticated; the 2-speed rear gearbox has its own fluid service at 40,000 miles. Brake system on the GT is significantly more capable — and more expensive to service — than the SUV models.