A battery problem that may cause short circuits and fires is the reason for the recall of the Audi E-Tron GT, RS E-Tron GT, and Porsche Taycan electric vehicles.
606 Taycans from model years 2020 to 2023 and 1,042 E-Tron GT and RS E-Tron GT cars from model years 2022 to 2024 are part of the recall population. Due to the same problem, Audi is running two recalls: one for the 1,013 impacted cars and one for the 29 automobiles for which the company has more precise battery data.
Recall documents state that “production issues” in the affected vehicles’ battery modules “increase the risk of internal short circuits,” and they also mention that this has resulted in some battery fires.
Porsche learned of one battery fire in 2021 that happened soon after charging. After looking into this occurrence, the manufacturer learned in 2023 of more Taycan battery fires that had also happened soon after charging.
Porsche warned Audi of the problem because the Taycan’s J1 platform and highly rapid charging components are shared by the E-Tron GT and RS E-Tron GT. As of March 22, 2024, it stated that it is not aware of any fires in its vehicles connected to this problem.
It is recommended that owners charge their cars only to 80% capacity so that dealers can finish checking the batteries and replace any damaged ones for free. According to the recall documents, replacement battery modules “will be produced using improved cell production quality, as applicable.”
Due to a battery seal problem, the Taycan and E-Tron GT were also recalled last year. The mobile charging cable for these and other EVs and plug-in hybrids was recalled by Audi and Porsche later in the year, and a new version with improved thermal safety was installed in its stead.
Porsche has enhanced fast-charging capabilities in the redesigned 2025 Taycan models, resulting in increased driving range and efficiency. Audi had not yet revealed any equivalent improvements for the E-Tron GT and RS E-Tron GT as of the time of publication.