2021 E-tron Reduced Range and Slow Charging at Level 2

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 26, 3:53 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2021 Audi E-tron Premium Plus

Hi everyone, I own a 2021 Audi E-tron Premium Plus, and I've noticed a couple of concerning issues recently. First, my overall range seems to have dropped significantly. I used to consistently get around 200 miles on a full charge, but now it's closer to 170-180 miles, even with careful driving and similar weather conditions.

Second, my Level 2 home charging (on a 240V, 40A circuit) seems much slower than it used to be. It takes noticeably longer to get a full charge, and sometimes it even stops charging prematurely with no error on my charger, but the car indicates it's 'paused'. I've tried resetting my home charger, but the problem persists.

Are these common issues for 2021 E-tron owners? Could it be a battery degradation issue already, or something else entirely? Any insights would be greatly appreciated before I take it to the dealer.

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ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Reduced range and slow/interrupted Level 2 charging on your 2021 Audi E-tron are concerning symptoms that warrant immediate investigation. While some battery degradation is normal over time, a sudden and significant drop in range or charging efficiency suggests a potential issue.

Potential Causes:

  1. Battery Management System (BMS) Software: The BMS is critical for managing battery health, charge rates, and range estimation. An outdated or glitchy BMS software version can lead to inaccurate range predictions and inefficient charging. Audi has released updates for E-tron models to optimize battery performance and charging.
  2. Battery Cell Imbalance/Degradation: While 2021 is relatively new, a fault in one or more battery modules or a significant cell imbalance can reduce the usable capacity and affect charging. The BMS will limit charging to protect the weakest cells.
  3. On-Board Charger (OBC) Fault: The OBC within the E-tron converts AC power from your Level 2 charger to DC power for the battery. A fault in the OBC can lead to slow or interrupted charging. This is a common point of failure in EVs.
  4. Charging Cable/Station Issue: Although you've reset your home charger, it's worth testing with a different Level 2 charger if possible (e.g., a public station) to rule out your home setup or cable as the source of the slow charging.
  5. High Voltage (HV) System Fault: Any fault within the E-tron's complex HV system, including contactors, relays, or wiring, can impact battery performance and charging. The car's safety protocols will limit or stop charging if a fault is detected.

When to See a Shop:

  • Immediate Action: Given that these issues affect the core functionality of an EV, it's crucial to have your E-tron diagnosed by an authorized Audi service center specializing in EVs.
  • Diagnostic Scan: An Audi technician will perform a comprehensive scan of the High Voltage Battery Control Module (J840), Battery Charger Control Module (J1045), and other relevant EV modules. Look for fault codes such as:
    • P0A0F: High Voltage System Interlock Circuit Performance
    • P0D2F: Battery Charger System Performance
    • P0D2C: On-Board Charger Control Module Fault
    • P0A7A: Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Voltage Sense 'A' Circuit Intermittent
  • Software Updates: Inquire about any available software updates for the BMS and OBC.
  • Battery Health Check: The dealer can perform a battery health check to assess the state of health (SOH) and identify any module-specific issues.
  • Warranty: Your 2021 E-tron is definitely under its factory warranty, including the significant battery warranty, so any necessary repairs should be covered.