Audi e-tron quattro concept offers 500 km of driving range

Of all the negative connotations surrounding electric vehicles, the one that's hardest to shake has to be a lack of range.

For all their fossil fuel-free advantages, EVs just can't keep up, at least in terms of distance, to their internal combustion counterparts.

• Also: Audi Confirms e-tron GT for Production
• Also: Audi e-tron Impresses at Pikes Peak Ahead of World Debut

Well Audi is out to change that with its e-tron quattro concept, an electric vehicle that will boast a range of more than 500 kilometres when the production version hits showrooms in 2018.

Powered by three electric motors, one driving the front wheels and two driving the rear, the e-tron quattro makes 320 kilowatts of power, a number that can temporarily jump to 370 kilowatts and more than 590 lb.-ft. of torque when called upon.

And with a 95-kilowatt-hour battery pack, the e-tron quattro boasts more than 500 kilometres of driving range.

Charging at a charging column with an output of 150 kilowatts takes roughly 50 minutes, according to Audi.

The concept is also equipped with wireless charging technology and a solar panel in the roof, though there is no word on the viability of such systems in the production version.

Audi wanted the e-tron quattro to be more than just an EV, offering sporty driving dynamics to go with the e-tron quattro's extended range.

The concept is fitted with four-wheel steering, adaptive sport air suspension, and plenty of pep.

The e-tron quattro can run from rest to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, and offers a governed top speed of 210 km/h.