--- title: "Young Engineers Reimagine the Audi A2 as an EV for Its 25th Birthday" description: "My love for the [Audi A2 is no secret](). The plucky little hatchback went into production in November 1999, which means it's nearing its 25th anniversary and, for its milestone, deserves some recognition for being far ahead of its time.…" date: "2024-10-21" modified: "2024-10-21" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/young-engineers-reimagine-the-audi-a2-as-an-ev-for-its-25th-birthday" categories: - "Audi News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Audi" - "Electric Vehicle" --- # Young Engineers Reimagine the Audi A2 as an EV for Its 25th Birthday ![Audi A2 e-tron 25th anniversary EV concept front three-quarter view.]() *\Audi\* My love for the [Audi A2 is no secret](). The plucky little hatchback went into production in November 1999, which means it's nearing its 25th anniversary and, for its milestone, deserves some recognition for being far ahead of its time. To give it the love it deserves, Audi enlisted the young talent from its apprenticeship program to convert an A2 into an electric vehicle—the [Audi A2 e-tron](). Sort of like the [BMW i3](), the A2 was the rare case of an automaker using its most advanced lightweight technology to build a slow car. Despite employing Audi's latest and greatest aluminum spaceframe construction—the same chassis technology that debuted on the D2-generation flagship [Audi A8]()—the A2 wasn't designed for luxury or performance. Instead, it was intended to be fuel-efficient and relatively affordable. Unfortunately, the A2 wasn't as inexpensive as it should've been and was built at the wrong time, when fuel was cheap. For those reasons, it didn't prove the sales success Audi hoped for. Today, though, the A2 is gaining appreciation for the innovative, quirky little car that it was. It's only natural for it to get a modern-day EV spin like this, and seeing it warms my heart. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Audi hasn't yet released a spec sheet for this one-off A2 nor pics of the interior, though there are a few visible changes on the outside that we can see. While its bubbly, [squashed-TT shape]() remains, the entire front end is different, with a unique grille, a fresh lower front fascia, and modern LED headlights. I wonder if Audi's apprenticeship team kept the secret front flap for filling washer fluid. This A2 sports new wheels, which look like more airflow-conscious interpretations of the A2's original six-spoke rims. The concept also lacks door handles and ditches side mirrors for cameras. Five years ago, Audi debuted the [AI:ME concept](), which seemed like it had the potential to become the brand's next-gen city car. That never came to pass, but I'm not giving up hope. There is a growing interest in vehicle design that's efficient in all areas, especially as new, electrified crossovers and SUVs get heavier and heavier. Today is the right time for a car like this reimagined A2, but for now, it'll have to remain a dream. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()