Audi A7 TFSI e EV Charging Cable

A large plug-in that charges properly

The A7 55 TFSI e quattro carries 17.9 kWh, which Audi UK describes as usable, for between 38 and 41 miles of electric range. Audi's own figure for a full charge is about two and a half hours on a 7 kW wall box.

That is the number worth holding on to. Nearly eighteen kilowatt hours in two and a half hours means the car is drawing over seven, which is a very different machine from the 3.6 kW-capped A3 and Q3 plug-ins. On an A7 the 32A cable is doing real work every single night.

The one thing the sources argue about

There is a genuine disagreement in the sources here and it is worth knowing about. The German technical classification treats 7.4 kW as a two phase figure, which would cut a British house to roughly 3.7 kW. Against that, Audi's own published wall box times only work if the car really does draw close to 7.4 kW from one phase, and its American material describes the same drivetrain filling in 2.4 hours from a single phase outlet. The weight of evidence favours 32A. If the price difference matters to you, ask a dealer for the single phase rate.

How long a full charge takes

Figures are calculated rather than quoted: battery divided by power, 13 per cent for losses, quarter hour rounding. Our calculated figure and Audi's two and a half hours agree closely.

Nothing on this car takes DC. There is no rapid socket to fall back on, so the Type 2 lead is not an accessory you might use, it is the only route electricity ever takes into the battery. Buy a used one without a cable in the boot and it is a petrol car until you do. For a car of this size and price that is worth stating plainly: there is no motorway shortcut on an A7 TFSI e. Everything the battery receives comes down this cable.

Which length for an A7 TFSI e

We have not found the charge port position published for the A7 specifically. Its A6 sibling is a rear-port car on German data, and the A7 very likely matches, but we would rather you glanced at it than took our inference as fact.

The A7 is 4.97 metres and a low, wide car that is usually parked nose-in where a driveway allows. If the flap is at the rear, that is the awkward case, and 10 metres is the size that works. Measure from the charge point to the inlet as the car actually parks, then add two metres of slack.

How these cables are built

Standards are IEC 62196-2 and CE, protection is IP55, and the specified working range runs -30C to +50C.

On the three pin side the standard is IEC 62752, with CE marking, IP67 sealing and a -30C to +60C range. Backed by a two year manufacturer's warranty, with free next working day delivery and a 30 day return window.

Also from Audi: Audi Q4 e-tron EV Charging Cable. The full range of Audi charging cables is on one page.

Audi A7 TFSI e charging cable questions

Which cable does an A7 TFSI e need?

A 32A Type 2 to Type 2 lead. Audi's two and a half hour charge time for 17.9 kWh is only possible above 7 kW average, so the bigger cable earns its price.

Can an A7 TFSI e rapid charge?

No. There is no DC socket, so the Type 2 cable is the only way the battery ever refills.

How far does it go on electric?

Between 38 and 41 miles WLTP, depending on wheels and specification.

Where is the charge port?

Not published for the A7 specifically. The closely related A6 is a rear-port car on German data and the A7 probably matches, but it is worth checking rather than assuming.