2020 AUDI A3 battery

8V2012721BK
Driving

strength can depend on various factors, for ex-
ample:
— If you are in tiptronic mode > page 76. Or
—If the sport driving mode "S" was selected.
Plug-in hybrid drive modes
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
Adjusting the plug-in-hybrid mode
The <8" button is located above the selector lever
in the center console.
> Press the <$" button repeatedly until the de-
sired mode is displayed in the instrument clus-
ter.
The active mode is displayed the first time the
one electric mode and two hybrid modes.
Hybrid driving
If the <8Y button does not turn on, you are driv-
ing in hybrid mode. The vehicle can be driven
with the combustion engine or with the electric
motor if the conditions for it have been met
=> page 79, Conditions for electric driving.
© e-tron mode: Hybrid - The electric motor and
combustion engine are working efficiently to-
gether. Hybrid mode is particularly effective for
long trips.
* e-tron mode: Battery Hold - The vehicle is
driven predominantly with the combustion en-
gine to maintain the high-voltage battery charge
level for as long as possible.
Electric driving
ed on, the <®¥ button will turn on. The vehicle
can be driven by the electric motor if the condi-
tions for this have been met > page 79, Condi-
tions for electric driving.
Conditions for electric driving
— Driving program “S” must not be selected.
— The charge level of the high-voltage battery
must be sufficient.
— The temperature of the high-voltage battery
must be adequate (outside temperatures not

below approximately 14°F / -10°C and not
above approximately 104°F / 40°C).
— The driving speed must be under approximately
80 mph (130 km/h).
— The accelerator pedal must not be pressed too
hard.
Indicator lights



Symbol |Meaning
EV mode is switched on and active.
You are driving only with electric
power.
EV mode is not available, because
the conditions for electric driving
have not been met.

The combustion engine is running.
The hybrid mode e-tron mode: Bat-
tery Hold is active.
The hybrid mode e-tron mode: Hy-










brid is active.
G) Tips
— When temperatures are below approximate-
ly 14 °F (-10 °C), the vehicle heat output in
EV mode is reduced in order to attain higher
ranges. If the windows fog up or a higher
heat output is desired, switch on the Hybrid
or Battery Hold mode.
— Applies to: Battery Hold mode: The high-
voltage battery charge level can still de-
crease depending on the driving behavior.
—If you select the sport driving mode "S", the
Battery Hold mode is automatically select-
ed
@
— It may be necessary for the gasoline engine
to run longer for technical reasons, such as
when condensation accumulates in the en-
gine. Driving exclusively in electric mode is
not possible in this phase.
— Before driving downhill a long distance ona
steep hill, decrease your speed and select a
lower gear. When driving with a trailer, the
"S" selector lever position must be selected.
This makes use of the engine braking effect
and reduces the load placed on the brakes.
Tips
79
>

Driving

If you need to brake additionally, brake in
intervals and not continuously.
nce md Cua SEN
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

B8V-0675


Fig. 89 Instrument cluster: energy flow display
An energy flow display can be shown in the in-
strument cluster display/Infotainment system )).
The image is animated in the Infotainment sys-
tem).
Display of energy flow indicator in the
instrument cluster display
> Open the first Vehicle tab (trip computer) using
the [<>] button on the multifunction steering
wheel.
> Applies to: vehicles with Audi virtual cockpit:
Select on the multifunction steering wheel: left
control button > Energy flow.


Comfort
Auto
DES
Biante



Fig. 90 Infotainment system*: energy flow display
> Applies to: vehicles with analog instrument
cluster: Open the Energy flow indicator by
turning the left thumbwheel on the multifunc-
tion steering wheel.
Image in the Infotainment display”)

> In the Infotainment system, select: [MENU
button > Vehicle > left control button > Audi
drive select.





Component Color Meaning
@ Gasoline engine Orange The gasoline engine is running
Gray The gasoline engine is off
@ High-voltage battery Green High-voltage battery charge level
Green The high-voltage battery is charging
(animated in the
Infotainment sys-
tem?)

Gray

The vehicle is not in drive ready mode >


))_ Not available in all Infotainment systems.
80

Driving

— Turn off electrical equipment that is not need-
ed, for example seat heating*.
— Anticipate upcoming traffic situations while
driving to avoid unnecessary acceleration and
braking.
— Avoid driving at high speeds.
— Avoid adding extra weight to the vehicle if pos-
sible, for example by not leaving roof racks or
bike racks installed when they are not needed.
— Make sure the tire pressure is correct.
— Have maintenance performed regularly on the
vehicle.
— Do not drive with winter tires during the summ-
er.
— Do not let the engine run while the vehicle
parked.
— Use the Start/Stop system.
— Utilize the engine braking effect.
— Avoid driving short distances when possible.
— Plug-in hybrid drive: brake early and evenly to
use the recuperation function.
@) Tips
The amount of noise produced by the vehicle
can increase significantly when driving with a
sporty style. Show respect to others around
you and the environment with the way you op-
erate your vehicle, especially at night.
Energy management
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent ener-
gy management system for distributing electrici-
ty. This significantly improves the starting ability
and increases the vehicle battery life.
G) Tips
— If you drive short distances frequently, the
vehicle battery may not charge enough
while driving. As a result, convenience func-
tions for electrical equipment may be tem-
porarily unavailable.
— The vehicle battery will gradually drain if
the vehicle is not driven for long periods of
time, or if electrical equipment is used
when the engine is not running. To ensure
that the vehicle can still be started, the
82
electrical equipment will be limited or
switched off.
S Engine stopped: power steering and brake
booster not possible
There is a malfunction in the engine or the fuel
supply. More force is needed to steer and brake
the moving vehicle when the engine is stopped.
If the vehicle is rolling, try to bring it to a stop off
to the side from moving traffic. See an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for assistance.
EB EB Drive system: malfunction! Safely stop
vehicle
There is a malfunction in the plug-in hybrid sys-
tem. The brake booster and the power steering
may stop working. Stop the vehicle immediately
at a suitable location or as soon as possible. Park
the vehicle in a safe place outdoors that is not
near buildings, roof overhangs, carports or simi-
lar structures. Switch the ignition off. Have the
problem corrected by an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility.
B i B Electric drive: overheated! Safely stop
vehicle and check coolant
The coolant level is too Low or the coolant tem-
perature is too high. Stop the vehicle in the out-
doors as soon as it is safely possible. Switch the
ignition off.
Read the important safety precautions > A in
Coolant on page 312 and check the coolant level
= page 312. If the coolant level is OK, the mal-
function may be caused by the system overheat-
ing. Let the vehicle's electric drive system cool
down for some time.
— If the message turns off after cooling down and
switching the ignition back on, you can contin-
ue driving. Contact an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.
— If the indicator light stays on, contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.

8V2012721BK
Driving

B / BI Drive system: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
There is a malfunction in the drive system. Drive
slowly to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
B / BI Drive system: malfunction! Restart not
possible. Please contact Service
There is a malfunction in the plug-in hybrid sys-
tem. Do not open the hood. Drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
B / B Battery temperature too low. Vehicle
cannot be started. See owner's manual
The outside temperature is too low. The vehicle
can no longer start at temperatures below -18 °F
(-28 °C). Contact an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility.
| - POWER LIMIT| Warning! Limited performance
If the indicator light turns on and this message
appears, there may be an engine control mal-
function. The engine output is reduced. Drive to
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility immediately to have the malfunc-
tion corrected.
Drive system: engine must be running.
Please exit EV e-tron mode
It may be necessary for the gasoline engine to
run longer for technical reasons, such as when
condensation accumulates in the engine. Driving
exclusively in electric mode is not possible in this
phase.
Other indicator lights
If the B i Ha indicator light turns on, there may
be an engine control malfunction. Drive slowly to
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility to have the engine checked.

D In certain countries.

ZA WARNING
If the engine stops while driving, you will
need to use more force to brake the vehicle.
This increases the risk of an accident. There
will still be power steering if the ignition is
switched on while the vehicle is rolling and
there is sufficient vehicle battery charge. Oth-
erwise, you must use greater force when
steering.

Start/Stop system
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
The Start/Stop system can help increase fuel
economy and reduce CO2 emissions.
In Start/Stop mode, the engine shuts off auto-
matically when the vehicle is stopped, such as at
a traffic light. The ignition remains switched on
during this Stop phase. The engine will restart
automatically when needed.
The Start/Stop system is automatically activated
once the ignition is switched on.
Basic requirements for Start/Stop mode
— The driver's door must be closed.
— The driver's seat belt much be fastened.
— The hood must be closed.
— The vehicle must have driven faster than 2 mph
(3 km/h) since the last time it stopped.
@) Note
Always switch the Start/Stop system off when
driving through water > page 85.
@ Tips
The engine stops shortly before the vehicle
comes to astop ). The full function of the
brake booster and the power steering is still
available.
83

Driving

Stopping/starting the engine
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
2 S
Ss S.
= & a
|
Fig. 92 Instrument cluster: engine switched off (Stop
phase)
> Brake the vehicle to a stop. The engine stops
shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop or if
the vehicle is stationary ». Keep your foot on
the brake pedal. The AY indicator light ap-
pears in the display. The needle in the tachome-
ter also moves into the READY position.
> The engine starts again when you remove your
foot from the brake pedal. The indicator light
turns off.
Additional information
The engine stops in the "P", "N" and "D" selector
lever positions.
If you select the "R" selector lever position during
a Stop phase, the engine will start again.
Shift to "P" quickly to prevent the engine from
starting unintentionally when shifting through
"RH
You can control if the engine will stop or not by
reducing or increasing the amount of force you
use to press the brake pedal. For example, if you
only lightly press on the brake pedal in stop-and-
go traffic or when turning, the engine will not
switch off when the vehicle is stationary. If you
press the brake pedal harder, the engine will
switch off.
@ Tips
— Press the brake pedal during a Stop phase
to keep the vehicle from rolling.

D_Incertain countries.
84

— The ignition will turn off if you press the
START ENGINE STOP] button* during a


Stop phase. The needle in the tachometer
moves into the OFF position.
General information
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
Starting and stopping the engine automat-
ically
The system checks if certain conditions are met
before and during the Stop phase, and deter-
mines if the engine stops and how long it re-
mains stopped. For example, if power usage is
high, the engine will not be stopped. Along with
other conditions, the following factors influence
the automatic engine start or stop:
— Environmental conditions (slopes, inclines, ele-
vation, temperature)
— Battery (charge status, temperature, power us-
age)
— Engine temperature
— Assist systems
— Driving behavior
Depending on the engine, the indicator light
may appear if the engine is not stopped.

Z\ WARNING
To reduce the risk of asphyxiation, never allow
the engine to run in confined spaces.
@) Tips
If you select the "D" or "N" selector lever posi-
tion in a vehicle with an automatic transmis-
sion after shifting into reverse, the vehicle
must be driven faster than 6 mph (10 km/h)
in order for the engine to switch off again.

High-voltage system

High-voltage system
General information
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
All work done on the high-voltage system must
only be performed by certified high-voltage tech-
nicians at authorized Audi dealers or authorized
Audi Service Facilities in accordance with Audi
guidelines.
The high-voltage system is composed of the fol-
lowing high-voltage components, among other
things: the high-voltage battery, the power elec-
tronics, the electric motor, the high-voltage A/C
compressor, the high-voltage heater, the charg-
ing system and charging port, and the orange
high-voltage wiring.
The high-voltage battery is located on the vehicle
underbody in front of the rear axle and does not
require any maintenance from the driver.

ZA WARNING
The voltage in the high-voltage system is life-
threatening. Touching a damaged high-volt-
age component can result in a fatal electric
shock. The components in the high-voltage
system are marked with a warning label which
warns against the high-voltage.
— The voltage level in the high-voltage system
is still dangerous and potentially life-threat-
ening when the ignition is switched off.
— Never perform work on the orange high-
voltage cables or on other high-voltage
components. Only authorized repair facili-
ties that are certified may perform work on
the high-voltage system.
— Never damage, alter or remove the orange
high-voltage cable or disconnect it from the
high-voltage system.
— Never perform any work using cutting, shap-
ing or sharp-edged tools or heat sources
near the high-voltage system and high-volt-
age cables.
— Gases that escape from the high-voltage
battery can be poisonous or flammable.

96

— Damage to the high-voltage battery could
cause the high-voltage battery to leak im-
mediately or in the future, and poisonous or
flammable gases could escape. Do not in-
hale the gases!
— Do not expose yourself to any leaking fluids
and do not come into contact with them.
— The high-voltage battery electrolyte fluid is
caustic. If electrolyte fluid comes into con-
tact with the skin, flush the affected area for
at least 15 minutes with clean water. Then
wash the affected area with soap. Have the
affected area examined by a medical profes-
sional.
— In the event of a technical emergency, in-
form the responders that the vehicle is
equipped with a high-voltage battery.
@) Note
— The high-voltage system can be damaged if
the vehicle underbody comes into contact
with the ground. Immediately drive your ve-
hicle to an authorized repair facility and
have it inspected.
— The electric drive motor can become very
hot during operation. Do not stop the vehi-
cle if there is oil, fuel residue or other flam-
mable substances under or next to the vehi-
cle.
Special considerations for the high-voltage
battery
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

Please first read and note the introductory infor-
mation and heed the warnings > page 96.
All batteries age with use and over time. There
are things you should know about the care of the
high voltage battery that will help it keep giving
you good service and reliability over time. Please
read and keep the following information in mind
while you enjoy the performance and economy of
your vehicle.
— Be sure to charge the high voltage battery be-
fore leaving the vehicle parked and unused for a
longer period of time. Ideally the high-voltage >

8V2012721BK
High-voltage system

battery should have a charge level between
40 % and 60 % when parked for a Long time.
If the battery charge level is below 3 %, never
park the vehicle for more than 21 days without
charging the high-voltage battery. Should you
have to park the vehicle for a long time, make
sure that the charge level is sufficient to help
prevent the battery from aging prematurely.
Frequent and consecutive charging of the high-
voltage battery when the charge level is above
98 % can also decrease the capacity of the
high-voltage battery. Make sure the charge lev-
el is below 98 % when you start the charging
process.
Should the vehicle be parked for longer than
2 days at temperatures below - 13 °F (-25 °C),
the high-voltage battery could freeze and not
be able to provide energy to the electric motor.
The battery will start working again, once it
warms up. The battery can be warmed up when
the outside temperature rises or when the vehi-
cle is garaged appropriately. The battery will al-
so warm up when being used (switching on the
air conditioner, the heater or by driving the ve-
hicle). Should you have to park your vehicle at
very low temperatures for longer than 1 day,
make sure that the high-voltage battery does
not freeze by parking the vehicle in a garage
that is heated or protected from the outside
temperature.
The high-voltage battery can be damaged and
the capacity can be decreased when the vehicle
is parked for longer than 24 hours when the
ambient temperature is higher than 118 °F
(48 °C). Always make sure that the high-voltage
battery is not exposed to temperatures above
118 °F (48 °C) for a long time.
Never park the vehicle in areas that are likely to
be flooded, such as beaches or river banks, and
never drive the vehicle in WATER, on flooded
roads or through water that is higher than the
bottom of the vehicle body. The high-voltage
battery, along with other vehicle components,
can be damaged severely if the high-voltage
battery is exposed to open water especially for
a longer time. However, you can drive through
water on roads under certain conditions
=> page 90.
Failure to heed any of these requirements can
age the battery prematurely and lead to a perma-
nent decrease of the high-voltage battery’s ca-
pacity.
G@) Tips
Always make sure that the high-voltage bat-
tery is not exposed to extremely low and high
temperatures as well as to water especially
for a longer time. Failure to protect and care
for the high voltage battery can lead to seri-
ous damage and/or a decrease of the capacity
void coverage under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle transport
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
This section contains information you should
know about transporting your vehicle.
A lithium-ion high-voltage battery system equip-
ped in your vehicle has passed test 38.3 in ac-
cordance with the UN Tests and Criteria hand-
book and is manufactured in accordance with a
quality management program. The vehicle may
be transported with the high-voltage battery in-
stalled as conventional class 9 hazardous materi-
als without additional official authorization for
air and sea shipment (current law IATA-DGR and
IMDG code 01.01.2019).
Charging the high-
voltage battery
General information
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
Two options are available for charging the vehi-
cle:
— Charge at a public charging station with a spe-
cial charging cable* > page 100.
— Charge with household and industrial* sockets
using the Audi charging system > page 101.
Using the charging equipment
Pay attention to the following information for
safe handling of the charging equipment:
97

8V2012721BK
High-voltage system

Important safety precautions


Z\ WARNING
Sockets that are installed incorrectly can
cause electric shock or fire when charging the
high-voltage battery using the vehicle charg-
ing connection.
— Read all information and safety precautions
for the Audi charging system before using
the Audi charging system.
— Monitor the Audi charging system when it is
being used near children.
— Installation and setup of the household con-
nection for the Audi charging system may
only be performed by a qualified electrician.
The qualified electrician is thereby fully re-
sponsible for adhering to applicable stand-
ards and regulations.
— Make sure that the selected charging con-
nector is suitable for drawing the current
specified on the Audi charging system.
— Make sure that the household socket is
grounded and shielded from water.
— The Audi charging system may only be used
with a power network that is grounded prop-
erly. It cannot be used with non-grounded
power networks (such as IT networks).
— Please follow the safety precautions in the
assembly instructions for the Audi charging
dock* or the Audi charging clip*.
— Do not touch the contacts for the vehicle
charging port and for the Audi charging sys-
tem.
— Do not insert any objects into the vehicle
charging port or into the Audi charging sys-
tem.
— Protect the sockets and connectors against
any moisture, water and other fluids.


ZA WARNING
If you are not familiar with the socket or the
electrical installation or it has not been
checked by qualified experts, never use it for
charging. Even very low charging currents can
cause serious damage and in particular fires if
the socket or electrical installation is in bad
condition. If necessary, get expert assistance
from a qualified electrical installation special-
ist.

Z\ WARNING
Incorrect handling of the connector contacts
can cause electric shock or fire.


ZA WARNING
Using a damaged or incorrect charging cable
or socket, using the Audi charging system in-
correctly, or disregarding the safety precau-
tions could cause short circuiting, electric
shock, explosions, fires, and burns.
— Do not use the Audi charging system if it is
damaged and/or dirty. Check the cable and
connector for damage and dirt before using.
— The Audi charging system must only be con-
nected to sockets that are installed correctly
and that are not damaged, or to electrical
equipment that is functioning correctly.
— Never use the Audi charging system with an
extension cable, a cable reel, a power strip,
or an adapter, for example, a travel adapter
or timer.
— Disconnect the Audi charging system from
the power network during a thunderstorm.
— Do not modify or repair any electrical com-
ponents.
— Never submerge the Audi charging systems
or the connectors in water.
— The Audi charging system must only be
cleaned when the control unit is completely
disconnected from the power supply and
from the vehicle. Use a dry towel to clean.
—If a 110 volt household socket is used for
charging, only connect one vehicle at a time
to the same circuit. Use a different circuit if
an additional vehicle needs to be charged at
the same time. Note the maximum permit-
ted current draw for the circuit. Contact a
qualified electrical technician if there is any
doubt.
— If Audi charging systems do not function ac-
cording to the specifications in the operat-
ing manual, they must not be used. Contact

99