2020 AUDI A8 battery

Driving dynamic

With Road ahead: level correction, you can ad-
just how much the vehicle will compensate for
bumps in the road. For this purpose, there is a
camera behind the windshield that detects the
road conditions and activates the active suspen-
sion when bumps are predicted. A colored cone in
the display indicates when this function is acti-
vated. This function may only have limited availa-
bility under certain conditions, for example,
when it is dark > page 155.
Applies to: vehicles with elevated entry
With the Elevated entry function, you can select
if the vehicle should be raised when a door is
opened in order to enter and exit the vehicle
more comfortably. The vehicle will lower again
slowly in the following situations:
— When starting from a stop
— When locking the vehicle
— When changing the Audi drive select* mode
— Approximately 10 seconds after all doors have
been closed
— After a certain period of time when the engine
is stopped and a door is open, in order to main-
tain the battery charge level.
This function may not be available under certain
conditions, for example if the ground is not level
or when the battery charge level is low. The func-
tion may also be deactivated temporarily after
the
vehicle is serviced using diagnostic equip-
ment, and it will only be available again once the
vehicle is driven a certain distance.
©) Note
When the elevated entry function is activated,
make sure there is sufficient space above and
below the vehicle. This particularly applies to
space under open doors and above roof struc-
tures. If you are unsure about the amount of
space, deactivate the elevated entry function
before exiting the vehicle to reduce the risk of
damage.
@ Tips
— If an open door touches the ground or be-
comes stuck, use the Raise > page 129
130
function in the MMI to raise the vehicle us-
ing the air suspension.
— When the curve tilting function is switched
on, the vehicle passengers will experience
less turning force when driving around
curves. This may influence the perception of
speed. Always adjust the speed to the driv-
ing situation.
Ground clearance
The vehicle height and clearance can be influ-
enced by the following factors:
— Change in temperature
— Change in load
— Change to the Audi drive select* mode
— Lifting and lowering via the air suspension*
— Automatic lifting and lowering using the Ele-
vated entry* function

ZA\ WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, make sure no one
gets pinched when the vehicle level is chang-
ing, for example when cleaning the under-
body or the wheel housings.
C) Note
Always make sure there is enough clearance
above and below the vehicle. This is especially
important for entrances with height restric-
tions, for example, before driving into under-
ground garages. You could also scrape the
ground when driving over the edges of curbs
or on steep ramps, which could damage your
vehicle.
Messages
B Air suspension: malfunction! You may con-
tinue driving slowly at max. XX mph (km/h)

There is a malfunction. Driving stability may be
limited. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately. Do not
drive faster than the speed given in the message.
B Air suspension: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle. Steering and ground clearance limited >

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 consists of the following
components, among others: High-voltage bat-
tery, power electronics, electric motor, high-volt-
age A/C compressor, high-voltage heater, charg-
ing system and charging connector, and the or-
ange high-voltage wiring.
The high-voltage battery is located in the lug-
gage compartment under the cargo floor and
does not require any maintenance from the driv-
er.

ZA WARNING
The voltage in the high-voltage system is high
enough to cause fatal injuries. Touching a
damaged high-voltage 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.

136

— Gases that escape from the high-voltage
battery can be poisonous or flammable.
— 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 vehi-
cle to an authorized repair facility and have it
inspected.
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).

4N0012721BD
High-voltage system

Charging the high-voltage battery
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
The
following options are available to charge the
high-voltage battery:

Charging method Charging cable

Charge with household and industrial alternat-
ing current (AC) sockets
Audi e-tron compact charging system > page 144

Charge at public alternating current (AC) charg-
ing stations

Charging station cable

Audi recommends using alternating current (AC)
to charge the high-voltage battery at industrial
sockets, charging stations, or a wallbox. This will
allow you to achieve higher efficiency and a con-
siderably shorter charging time when compared
to charging with a household socket.
Only charge at household sockets with the
Audi e-tron compact charging system under spe-
cial circumstances when it is not possible to
charge at an industrial alternating current (AC)
socket or at a public alternating current (AC)
charging station.
High-voltage batteries age over time, which re-
duces the available range. High-voltage batteries
can also age because of how they are used: fre-
quently charging the high-voltage battery com-
pletely accelerates the aging of the battery and
reduces the available range.
Charging time
The duration of the charging process may vary
based on the following factors:
— Sockets being used (household or industrial
sockets)
— Country-specific system voltage, current
strength and number of available phases
— Household connection
—The value set for the charging power level on
the Audi charging system control unit
— Fluctuations in the system voltage
— The temperature outside the vehicle
— The temperature of the high-voltage battery
and the Audi charging system control unit.
— Settings for the climate control inside the vehi-
cle
— Current capacity of the charging connector
— Whether the ignition is on or off
Important safety precautions
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

Z\ WARNING
Short circuiting, electric shock, explosions,
fire, and severe burns can result from charg-
ing the battery incorrectly (for example by
disregarding general safety precautions, using
unsuitable or damaged sockets and charging
cables, or charging with unsuitable electrical
equipment) and can lead to serious and fatal
injuries.
— Do not charge using sockets/electrical
equipment that is clearly damaged or instal-
led incorrectly.
— Never use charging equipment that is clearly
damaged and/or dirty. Check the charging
equipment for damage before every use.
— Never modify or repair any electrical compo-
nents, especially the high-voltage system.
— Never charge in areas at risk for explosions.
The components in the charging equipment
can trigger sparks, which can cause flamma-
ble or explosive fumes to ignite. To reduce
the risk of explosions, especially in garages,
make sure the Audi e-tron charging system
control unit is at least 19 inches (50 cm)
above the floor when charging.
— Never use the charging equipment with an
extension cord, a cable reel, a power strip,


137

High-voltage system


or an adapter, for example, a travel adapter
or timer.
—Do not touch the contacts on the vehicle
charging port or charging equipment.
— Do not insert any objects in the vehicle
charging port or in the charging equipment.
— Always protect the sockets and connections
from water, moisture and other fluids.
— Only use the charging equipment provided
by the factory or the charging station cable.


ZA WARNING
Applies to: Audi charging systems
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 Audi charging systems before using
them.
— Monitor the Audi charging system if it is be-
ing used near children.
— Installation and setup of the household con-
nection for Audi charging systems may only
be performed by a qualified electrician. The
qualified electrician is thereby responsible
for adhering to applicable standards and
regulations.
— Make sure that the household socket is
grounded and shielded from water.
— If Audi charging systems do not function ac-
cording to the specifications in the operat-
ing manual, they must not be used. Contact
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.
— Audi charging systems are intended for use
in private and semi-private areas (for exam-
ple, private property and company parking
lots). Depending on the country, charging in
mode 2 may be forbidden in public areas
and public spaces. Contact an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for more information.
— Operate the Audi charging systems in power
networks that are properly grounded. It can-
not be used with non-grounded power net-
works (such as IT networks).


— When charging the high-voltage battery us-
ing household/industrial sockets, the elec-
trical installation can be used at full capaci-
ty. Having a qualified electrician regularly in-
spect the electrical installations that are
used for charging is recommended.
— If possible, disconnect Audi charging sys-
tems from the power network during a
thunderstorm.
— Never submerge the Audi charging systems
or the connectors in water.
— Audi charging systems must only be cleaned
when the control unit is completely discon-
nected from the power supply and from the
vehicle. Use a dry towel to clean.
— Audi charging systems are only intended for
use on Audi vehicles and vehicles within the
Volkswagen Group. Using the devices on
vehicles made by another manufacturer is
not authorized.


138
() Note
— Severely draining the high-voltage battery
can damage it. Once a O mi (0 km) electric
range is displayed, charge the high-voltage
battery within two months. If the stationary
time is unknown with the electric range at 0
mi (0 km), charge the high-voltage battery
immediately. Even if the vehicle is not used,
the high-voltage battery charge level will
naturally reduce over time. To avoid a total
battery drain during long periods without
use (more than one year), charge the high-
voltage battery to the highest level possible
before discontinuing driving it.
— Make sure that you always use the correct
charging equipment for the country in
which it is being used. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for more information.
G) Tips
— Your vehicle can only be charged at charging
stations that meet the requirements in the
respective country and meet the following
standards, at a minimum:
— GB/T 18487.1 and GB/T 20234 (China) >

High-voltage system

the possible charging display colors under
=> page 140.
The charging connector is locked while charging
and cannot be removed.
If the driver's door is opened while the ignition is
switched off, the current battery charge level and
the high-voltage battery range will be displayed
in the instrument cluster. If charging is in prog-
ress, the remaining charging time will also be
displayed.
Immediate charging and timer charging
You can switch between the immediate charging
@ and charging timer @ options during the
charging process if a charging timer is set
= page 141. Press the desired button to do this.
Ending the charging process
You can interrupt the charging process at any
time.
— Unlock the vehicle or press the @/(@) button
when the vehicle is unlocked, and the LED will
turn on.
— Remove the charging connector. If the charging
connector is not removed within 30 seconds, it
will automatically relock and the charging proc-
ess may continue.
— Put the cap back on the charging port.
— Close the charging port door.
— Disconnect the charging cable from the power
supply if necessary or return it securely to the
charging station.
— Install the protective caps on the charging ca-
ble again.
— If you are transporting the charging cable in
the vehicle, store it securely > page 144.
If the charging connector cannot be removed,
you must unlock it manually > page 142.


ZA\ WARNING
— Do not disconnect the charging cable from
the socket or the vehicle charging port while
the vehicle is charging. End the charging
process before removing the charging cable
from the socket in order to reduce the risk of
damaging the connector contacts from
sparks.
—If the charging unit is damaged, do not
charge using the charging port to reduce the
risk of injury.
— If the charging unit is damaged or the
charging port door cannot close or is miss-
ing, drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
and have the malfunction corrected to re-
duce the risk of injury.

() Note
If you drive with the charging unit open, both
the charging port door and the electronics in-
stalled behind it could be damaged. Check
each time after charging if the port door is
locked before you start driving the vehicle.
@) Tips
— If the parking brake is set, it could create
noises when the charging connector is con-
nected.
— Remove ice and snow in the charging unit
using a hand brush and solvent-free deicing
spray.
— The vehicle radio and TV systems may have
limited reception when charging the vehicle.
Charging display
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
The charging display is an LED light on the charg-
ing unit @) > page 139, fig. 107 that indicates
the charging status. The key for the LED light is
explained in the following table.

LED on the charging unit Meaning

Vehicle charging system is in sleep mode. A timer may be active,
Off but charging has not started yet.


Charging process is interrupted. >

140

4N0012721BD
High-voltage system



LED on the charging unit Meaning
Pulsing The high-voltage battery is charging.
Green Flashing A timer is active, but charging has not started yet.
On High-voltage battery charging process is completed.

When using the Audi charging system, make sure the power
plug is inserted in the power socket > page 144. No power sup-
ply was recognized even though the charging cable is plugged
On in. Have the power supply or power supply system inspected.
When using the Audi charging system, check the status displays
Yellow on the unit > table on page 145. See an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance if necessary.

The vehicle is not secured from rolling away. Check if “P” is se-
lected and the parking brake is set. If the LED continues to
flash, see an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for assistance.
Flashing

The charging connector may not be able to lock correctly in the
vehicle charging port. Check if the charging connector is insert-
ed correctly. Remove the charging connector and plug it in the
charging port again, or use a different charging station. If the
Red On LED stays turned on, there is a malfunction either in the vehicle
charging system or at the power source. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance if neces-
sary.


The outside temperature is too low or too high.

@ Tips > If the timer should be set one time, select Indi-
: vidual timer. If the timer should be set to re-
peat, select Repeat timer.
> Set a preferred charging time if desired, for ex-
ample to use off-peak power rates.
> To also activate the climate control with a tim-
Yad tare mans er, select CD.
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive > Select Next and follow the instructions in the
The operation status indicated by the LED on
the charging unit are is displayed in the in-
strument cluster Es.
menu.
> To turn ona timer, select CD.
> To activate an enabled timer, select s— until the
Timer charging mode is displayed.
Use a timer to set at what departure time your
vehicle should be fully charged. A timer can ei-
ther be set one time or to repeat at the selected
times. You can also specify if your vehicle should
be heated or cooled to the temperature set in the If the set departure time on the timer is too
climate control system. You can turn on multiple close, it may not be possible to charge the vehicle
timers at the same time. fully.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: @ :
VEHICLE > Charging & Efficiency > Charging. Tips
It is not possible to charge using the timer at
Multiple timers are displayed that you can set peer
separately.
> To set a timer, select > in the line for the de-
sired timer.
141

High-voltage system

Emergency release
In case of malfunction, you can manually release
the charging port door or the charging connec-
tor.


Fig. 108 Left side of luggage compartment: emergency re-
lease cover



Fig. 109 Left side of the luggage compartment: emergen-
cy release
Manually releasing the charging port door
> Open the luggage compartment lid.
> Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle tool
kit > page 316 and pry off the cover > fig. 108.
> Loosen the red loop @) > fig. 109 from the re-
tainer and then pull on the loop carefully >@.
> To open the charging port door, press on the
right side of the door.
>» After releasing manually, secure the loop on
the retainer and close the cover.
> Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
Manually releasing the charging connector
If you are not able to pull the charging connector
out of the vehicle charging port, there may bea
malfunction. You must use the emergency re-
lease to release the vehicle charging connector.
142
Requirement: the “P” gear must be selected and
the vehicle must be unlocked.
> End the charging process > page 140.
> Open the luggage compartment lid.
> Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle tool
kit > page 316 and pry off the cover > fig. 108.
> Carefully pull on the red loop @) > fig. 109
>©.
> Remove the charging connector.
> Close the emergency release cover.
> Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
If the charging connector still cannot be removed
after using the emergency release, see an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for assistance.
® Note
Only pull on the loop until you feel resistance.
You
will not hear it release. If you continue to
pull, you could damage the emergency re-
lease mechanism.
IY tre (1
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
If the or =] indicator light turns on, then the
range is low or very low. Charge the high-voltage
battery.
B AC charging system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
This message appears if there is a malfunction in
the charging system. Drive to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immedi-
ately.
Incompatible charging system. Please check
charging system
This message appears when the charging system
is incompatible. Only charge using the Audi
charging system that is designed for your vehicle.
|< Charging system: malfunction
This message appears if there is a malfunction in
the vehicle charging infrastructure or the charg-
ing station. Use a different charging station. If >

High-voltage system

> Close the lever @) until it is resting on the con-
nector (2).
> Remove the connector (2) completely.
Attaching the cable
> Lift the lever @ up slightly.
> Insert the connector (2) into the control unit
just until you feel resistance.
> Lift the lever @ all the way up.
> Insert the connector (2) all the way into the
control unit.
> Close the lever ().
> Tighten the screw (3) using the screwdriver pro-
vided.

Z\ WARNING
— Note the warnings for charging > A\ in
Charging on page 140.
— Before switching a cable, always unplug the
power cable from the socket.
— Only change cables in a dry environment.
— The Audi charging system may only be used
as a complete unit consisting of the power
cables, the control unit, and the vehicle ca-
ble. Depending on the country, the total
length of the power cable, control panel and
vehicle cable may be restricted, for example
to 24.6 ft (7.5 m) in the USA. We recom-
mend using only cables approved by Audi.

G) Tips
The power cable with the power connector for
industrial sockets and the Audi charging sys-
tem control unit are designed to work togeth-
er. Changing the power cable to another con-
nector type may reduce the available charging
power of the entire system.
150
Wall mount clip
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive and wall mount
clip

[RAZ-0638|

Fig. 114 Wall mount clip: securing the Audi charging sys-
tem
Securing the Audi charging system
> First insert the control unit in the bottom tabs
on the wall mount clip and then into the upper
tabs.
» Push the control unit in the direction of the ar-
row toward the rear > fig. 114 and let it lock in-
to place.
> Wrap the excess length of cable around the
charging connector mount @) when you are not
charging the high-voltage battery.
> Plug the power cable into the socket (2).
» After charging, you can hook the vehicle charg-
ing connector to the charging connector mount
©.
Locking and unlocking the Audi charging
system
> You can lock or unlock the Audi charging sys-
tem using the key provided by turning it to the
lock position @) or the unlock position @).
Removing the Audi charging system
> Remove the power cable connector from the
socket @).
> Unwind the cable from the charging connector
mount (a).
> To loosen the control unit from the bracket,
push the locking mechanism @) upward.

ZA\ WARNING
Observe the safety precautions in the assem-
bly instructions for the wall mount clip.