Audi’s new A2 E-tron is its most affordable and efficient EV yet

When shopping for an electric vehicle, affordability is becoming a more common trait. But affordable and energy efficient is truly a rare breed. Often you have to sacrifice one for the other. Want something affordable? Great, here’s a range loser. Want something that goes the distance? Be ready to pay the price.

Surprisingly, here comes Audi to split the difference. The German automaker’s new A2 E-tron compact crossover is inexpensive, starting at just £32,200 (about $45,000). And it absolutely impresses with an ultra low drag coefficient and a range of battery and drivetrain options that, when configured correctly, can produce a range of up to 401 miles.

Unfortunately for us Yanks, this rear-wheel drive compact car is just for the European market for now. But perhaps Audi will eventually see the error of its ways, or Americans will get their heads out of their tailpipes long enough to see the real advantages of a highly efficient, compact EV with an Audi badge.

Efficient is often synonymous with aerodynamic, and the A2 E-tron certainly confirms that. Flush door handles, cool air intakes, a fully enclosed underbody, and gap reducers around the wheel arches help reduce the drag coefficient down to 0.24, a first for Audi. Another first is bidirectional charging, which will help support vehicle-t0-load via an outlet in the trunk, or vehicle-to-home with the right compatible DC wall box.

With the right motor and battery setup, the A2 E-tron consumes just 12.8 kWh per 62 miles (100 km), while the real mile-eater of the lineup manages up to 401 miles (645 km) on the European WLTP cycle. Inside, the A2 E-tron features a standard curved MMI panoramic display that combines an 11.9 inch digital gauge cluster with a 12.8 inch center touch screen.

There’s also plenty of clever storage thanks to a Fidlock magnetic fastening system that allows owners to click things like cupholders and charging cable bags into dedicated points around the cabin and trunk. Cyclists may be familiar with the tech that can keep their water bottles attached to their bike without a cage, but Audi says this is the first time it’s making an appearance in a production car.

While Audi gave up on its EVs-or-bust pledge last year, the automaker is leaving the door open for a mix of gas, hybrid, and electrification. The A2 may not be appearing alongside its brethren like the impressive S6 Sportback E-tron at the dealership anytime soon, but nothing is set in stone.