General notes
A plug-in hybrid drive is a powertrain concept with which you can switch between a combustion engine and an electric motor or combine the two.
All work on the high-voltage system must be carried out solely by qualified high-voltage technicians and authorised workshops according to Audi's regulations.
The high-voltage system is comprised of a high-voltage battery, power electronics, an electric motor, a high-voltage air conditioner compressor, a high-voltage heater, charging system, charging connection and orange-coloured high-voltage cables.
High-voltage battery
The high-voltage battery is located under the Audi A3's rear seat and cannot be serviced by the user. For more information about the high-voltage battery, refer to ►Link.
WARNING!
The voltage of the high-voltage system is extremely high - danger of death! Touching damaged high-voltage components could cause you to be fatally electrocuted. A warning sticker is attached to the different parts of the high-voltage system. This is intended to warn you of the high voltage.
- Never perform work on the orange-coloured high-voltage cables or the high-voltage components yourself. Work on the high-voltage system may only be performed by authorised workshops that have been approved for this type of work.
- The orange-coloured high-voltage cables must never be damaged, modified, removed or disconnected from the high-voltage system.
- Never use cutting, forming or sharp-edged tools or heat sources in the vicinity of high-voltage components and high-voltage conductors.
- The Audi regulations must be adhered to during all work on the high-voltage system and the high-voltage components.
WARNING!
When using the electric motor, the Audi A3 produces significantly less sound (both when moving and when stationary) than when the combustion engine is running. It is therefore difficult or impossible for other road users, such as pedestrians and children, to notice the Audi A3 when it is running on electric power. This can lead to accidents and injuries; areas with little traffic, parking manoeuvres and reversing are particularly dangerous in this respect.
Never leave the Audi A3 unattended when a gear is engaged and the drive system is active ►Link. The Audi A3 can begin to creep forwards, because the electric motor will continue to run even when the combustion engine is switched off. This can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries. When the Audi A3 is ready to be driven, the status message e-tron READY appears briefly in the instrument cluster display and the needle in the power meter moves to READY ►Link.
- Before leaving the Audi A3, ensure that the selector lever is in position P and the ignition is switched off.
Caution!
- The high-voltage system can be damaged if the underside of the Audi A3 makes heavy contact with the ground. Drive to a qualified workshop without delay and have the Audi A3 checked.