Audi A2 returns as an affordable EV for EuropeWards AutoGreg KableTue, September 22, 2026 at 3:07 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleThis story was originally published on WardsAuto. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily WardsAuto newsletter.Audi is bringing back the A2 nomenclature for a new compact EV that will become the entry point to its electric-vehicle lineup in Europe.Called the A2 e-tron, it's already on sale in Europe, with first deliveries planned for December. But it's not planned for sale in North America. While the similar-sized, now-discontinued Q2 had been engineered with a potential U.S. entry in mind, Audi has conceived the A2 e-tron specifically for Europe, describing it as "specifically tailored to the needs of European customers."AdvertisementAdvertisementThere, its combination of compact exterior dimensions, a relatively long driving range and lower pricing versus the Q2 is intended to broaden the automaker's EV offering. The compact EV was developed in Germany, and for its home market, pricing starts at 38,200 euros, or about $44,700.The A2 badge hasn't been used since Audi's aluminum-bodied A2, produced between 1999 and 2005. The original was notable for its lightweight construction, aerodynamic efficiency and unconventional packaging.The new model pursues many of the same objectives, although this time with a battery-electric drivetrain and more conventional steel-based construction. Underneath, the A2 uses Volkswagen Group's MEB platform and 400V electrical architecture, technology first introduced on the Volkswagen ID.3 in 2019 and recently upgraded with the launch of its successor, the ID.3 Neo.A single permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor is mounted at the rear, providing rear-wheel drive, and silicon-carbide power electronics to reduce electrical losses. Audi also has targeted mechanical losses in the single-speed transmission, introducing polished gear teeth, friction-optimized bearings and lower-viscosity oil than previous electric models in the pursuit of greater efficiency.The Audi A2 e-tron. Its drag coefficient of just 0.24 is the lowest of any current compact Audi, helping make it the brand's most efficient regular-production EV yet.Courtesy of AudiA rear-wheel-drive-only EV lineupThere is no all-wheel drive on the menu, but four powertrain and battery combinations are set to be available at launch, with outputs from 168 hp to 322 hp, with the latter shaving the base model's 8.8-second 0-62 mph time down to just 5.7 seconds.AdvertisementAdvertisementA base 52-kWh battery pack provides 263 miles of range by Europe's WLTP test cycle, while a middle 61-kWh battery steps it up to 320 miles and the top 84-kWh pack brings up to 401 miles.Audi is using two battery chemistries across the lineup. The 52-kWh and 61-kWh batteries employ lower-cost lithium iron phosphate cells and a cell-to-pack design that eliminates conventional modules in an effort to increase packaging efficiency. The larger 84-kWh battery switches to nickel manganese cobalt chemistry and a modular construction. DC fast-charging power varies according to battery size, but with the smaller packs offering lower charge power the overall time from 10% to 80% ranges from 24 to 29 minutes.Audi claims the new A2 is its most energy-efficient series-production electric model to date, with the 188-hp version achieving an efficiency of about 4.9 miles/kWh when equipped with an optional efficiency package.A 0.24 drag coefficient — the lowest of any current compact Audi — contributes to that figure. Aerodynamic measures include an actively controlled front cooling intake, a largely enclosed underbody, optimized wheels and what Audi calls gap reducers, which reduce the space between the tires and wheel openings to control turbulence.AdvertisementAdvertisementAt about 168 inches long, 71 inches wide and 60 inches high, the A2 is quite a bit smaller than the A3, but about the same size as the A3 Sportback the U.S. market last saw nearly a decade ago. The A2 e-tron's proportions pack in a lot of space for the cabin, with a 109.1-inch wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs.Lots of cabin space and a 'softwrap' lookInside, Audi has introduced what it calls a "softwrap," a fabric-covered structure that extends from the instrument panel into the doors and rear passenger compartment. And it says particular attention has been paid to reducing the battery's installation height to improve the seating position and rear-seat legroom.An 11.9-inch digital instrument display and curved 12.8-inch center touchscreen are incorporated into a single display panel as standard. An augmented-reality head-up display is optional. Audi also has retained physical controls on the steering wheel and in a central control pod for frequently used functions.Inside the Audi A2 e-tron. A fabric-covered "softwrap" structure extends from the instrument panel into the doors and rear passenger compartment, creating a new look.Courtesy of AudiCargo capacity is rated at 14 cubic feet behind the rear seats, increasing to 47 cubic feet when they are folded. The two 84-kWh versions additionally receive a small 0.5-cubic-foot frunk under the hood.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe A2 also supports bidirectional charging, with vehicle-to-load functionality allowing it to power accessories or equipment outside the car and vehicle-to-home capability allowing the car to act as a residential energy-storage system through a compatible DC wallbox.Steering-wheel paddles toggle through three levels of regenerative braking, while choosing B with the column-mounted gear selector enables even more, with one-pedal driving capable of bringing the A2 to a complete stop.Versions of the A2 e-tron will offer a sport setup and adaptive dampers, with the latter included in the highest-power model. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches.Standard driver-assistance equipment includes adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, parking sensors and side assist. An optional system provides active lane guidance at speeds of up to 130 mph and is expected to soon get automated highway lane-changing capability.AdvertisementAdvertisementAudi says the A2 was developed 21 months faster than comparable predecessor programs, reflecting a wider effort to shorten product-development cycles and reduce manufacturing complexity.Production will take place alongside the A3 at Audi's Ingolstadt manufacturing site in Germany. Rather than creating an entirely new production system, Audi says it has reused more than 1200 existing manufacturing assets, including 250 robots previously used to build discontinued models.Recommended ReadingAudi Thinking Big With New Q2 5-Seat Compact SUV',