The inherent challenge for car companies that embark on developing new technologies are the teething issues that tend to follow. And, this is the phenomena that's followed Audi's all-new fully electric e-tron SUV.
The four-ring EV has been recalled over an issue that has the potential to cause fires. It stems from what Audi call a "potentially faulty seal" connected to the battery compartment. When it faults, it can reportedly allow moisture to get to the e-tron's large battery pack.
The listed possible results for combining a bit of moisture with the internals of an EV's battery pack range from it triggering a warning light inside the car (allowing service techs to replace the seal and nip the problem in the bud), to causing a short circuit and potentially a fire.
The flammable nature of EVs has been an ongoing topic, namely through numerous global reports of engulfed Teslas that remain on fire for — in some cases — over 12 hours. More recently, a Tesla Model S 'spontaneously' caught fire in Shanghai before eventually burning to the ground.
While right-hand drive Audi e-trons are yet to land in New Zealand, 540 e-trons have been delivered to owners overseas with another 1644 waiting in showrooms.
All of these are part of the recall, with a factory fix expected to be made by August. Those surrendering their e-tron are being offered loan vehicles and gift cards for covering petrol costs.
Thankfully for Audi, the issue was caught early — unlike Ford's fire risk recall in 2017 or BMW's more recent fire-risk recall in April that concerned almost a million cars worldwide.
When it lands in New Zealand formally, the e-tron will be priced from $148,500. Audi claims a range of between 400km and 450km to a full charge, with acceleration and top speed sitting at a claimed 5.7 seconds to 100km/h and 200km/h.