Audi A3 E-tron coming to select U.S. markets

Audi confirmed on Monday that it will begin a pilot program for the battery-electric A3 E-tron in the United States. The announcement was made at the 2012 Technology, Entertainment and Design conference in Long Beach, Calif.

The A3 E-tron is based on the successful Audi A3 hatchback. It features a fully electric powertrain with a 26-kilowatt lithium-ion battery, developing 199 lb-ft of torque available from zero rpm. Audi claims the A3 E-tron has a range of 90 miles and a top speed of 90 mph.

Audi says it wants to create a dialog about the role of transportation in the future. To that end it will present a variety of perspectives on the topic and will take questions in real time from the TEDAudi Twitter hashtag.

Audi will start by focusing on three initiatives:

-- The Audi A2 concept EV that has technologies built for the city of the future, including traffic-friendly piloted-drive technologies for stop-and-go congestion.

-- The Audi e-gas project, which uses offshore wind turbines to generate clean power for the production of electricity, hydrogen and methane.

-- Futuristic cityscapes designed by partner architects of the Audi Urban Future Initiative.

The company will investigate how the EVs work in a real-world setting, taking into account the climate, driving styles and charging infrastructure. Audi says its E-tron line eventually could see full battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and extended-range electric versions.

This is an engineering exercise for the company, as only 17 A3s will hit the streets, and the drivers are still be chosen. The Audi A3 E-tron pilot program will take place in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Denver.

By Jake Lingeman