Audi Q3 TFSI PHEV charging cable

The Audi Q3 TFSI e and Q3 Sportback TFSI e are compact plug-in hybrid SUVs sharing the same powertrain across two body styles: the traditional upright Q3 and the Q3 Sportback with its sloping coupé roofline. The current generation, launched in 2025 and badged Q3 e-hybrid, brings a significantly upgraded system over its predecessor: a 25.7 kWh gross battery with 19.7 kWh usable, an 11 kW three-phase AC onboard charger, 50 kW DC rapid charging via CCS, a WLTP electric range of up to 119 km (74 miles), and a combined system output of 200 kW (272 PS). The previous generation carried a 13 kWh gross battery with 10.4 kWh usable, a 3.6 kW single-phase charger, no DC capability, and a WLTP range of around 51 km (32 miles). Both generations use a Type 2 charging port on the left front flank and are front-wheel drive only.

Two generations, two different charging setups

The outgoing Q3 TFSI e (until 2025) pairs a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 180 kW (245 PS). Its 13 kWh gross battery offers 10.4 kWh of usable capacity and a WLTP electric range of around 51 km (32 miles). The onboard AC charger is 3.6 kW single-phase, and there is no DC rapid charging. Because the charger is capped at 3.6 kW, a full charge from empty takes approximately three and a half hours regardless of wallbox rating: connecting to an 11 kW or 22 kW post makes no practical difference, as the car draws only what its onboard charger accepts.

The new Q3 e-hybrid (2025 onwards) uses a 1.5-litre TFSI engine alongside an 85 kW electric motor, delivering 200 kW (272 PS) combined. The battery grows to 25.7 kWh gross and 19.7 kWh usable, and the onboard AC charger rises to 11 kW three-phase. DC rapid charging at up to 50 kW is available for the first time on this model, with a 10–80% charge taking around 25–30 minutes. At an 11 kW three-phase AC wallbox, a full charge from empty takes approximately two hours. The charging spec is identical across the Q3 and Q3 Sportback on both generations.

Choosing the right cable

For the outgoing Q3 TFSI e: the 3.6 kW single-phase charger is the hard ceiling. Any Voldt® Type 2 cable at 7.4 kW or above works correctly, with the car drawing only what it can accept. An 11 kW cable is the recommended choice for public AC compatibility and future-proofing. A 22 kW cable is the option for those who want maximum versatility for a future vehicle.

For the new Q3 e-hybrid: the 11 kW three-phase onboard charger makes an 11 kW cable the correct match at three-phase public posts and wallboxes. However, on a standard single-phase home wallbox (7.4 kW), an 11 kW three-phase cable bottlenecks the session to 3.7 kW, because its conductors are rated at 16A per phase rather than the 32A a single-phase wallbox delivers on one line. To reach the full 7.4 kW from a single-phase supply, a 7.4 kW single-phase cable or a 22 kW three-phase cable is required. If your home wallbox is three-phase, an 11 kW cable is straightforward. If it is single-phase, a 22 kW cable covers both home and public use without compromise.

Cable length

The Type 2 charging port is located on the left front flank on both body styles and both generations. At home, a 4 or 6-metre cable covers the majority of driveway and garage configurations comfortably. For public charging, an 8-metre cable handles the wide variation in bay layouts and post positions across different stations. A 10-metre cable removes any uncertainty at locations with longer distances between the post and the bay.

Portable charging with a CEE charger

The Voldt® portable CEE charging cable covers travel stops, stays away from home, and locations without a fixed wallbox.

For the outgoing Q3 TFSI e (3.6 kW ceiling): the onboard charger cap applies across all socket types. On a 16A single-phase CEE socket (3.7 kW), a 32A three-phase CEE socket, or a 16A three-phase CEE socket, the car charges at 3.6 kW in all cases, completing a full charge in approximately three and a half hours. On a standard domestic socket at 2.3 kW, a full charge takes around five hours, a practical overnight top-up for this battery size.

For the new Q3 e-hybrid (11 kW ceiling): socket type makes a genuine difference. On a 16A three-phase CEE socket (11 kW), a full charge takes approximately two hours. On a 32A three-phase CEE socket (22 kW available), the car is capped at 11 kW and the result is the same. On a 16A single-phase CEE socket (3.7 kW), a full charge takes around five and a half hours. On a standard domestic socket at 2.3 kW, a full charge takes around ten hours, making an overnight plug-in a practical option for this battery size.

Red three-phase CEE sockets are found at industrial sites, workshops, and some commercial marinas. Standard European campsite hookup points use blue single-phase 16A CEE sockets, which cap output at 3.7 kW: around three and a half hours for the outgoing model and five and a half hours for the new Q3 e-hybrid.

Voldt® quality and certification

Voldt® charging cables are CE, UKCA and TÜV certified and manufactured according to IATF 16949 automotive quality standards. Single-piece moulded connectors, no glue or screws. IP67-rated for operation between −30°C and +50°C. 100% copper conductors with silver-plated contacts. Tested beyond 10,000 connection cycles. Three-year warranty, 100-day returns, free shipping across Europe.