Audi is sweetening the deal for buyers of its fully electric e-tron SUV: Starting today, customers will receive a free 10-year subscription to solar power, which can add up to big savings on their home electricity bills.
The automaker is offering this program in partnership with Arcadia, which connects people to solar farms in their communities. When the solar projects create energy, utility companies buy it in exchange for savings credits, and customers receive a portion of these savings for being linked to the project, according to Arcadia's website. Customers get credits on their energy bills, which they can pay through Arcadia, and they can also track their energy usage on the company's website (you can learn more here if you're interested). The big takeaway: no panels on the roof of your house.
The offer is available to eligible customers who take delivery of new or used 2019 Audi e-tron on or after February 4. Both buyers and lessees can take advantage of the deal. Arcadia's software is available in all 50 states, so e-tron customers don't have to give up their subscription if they move residences.
Audi says its collaboration with Arcadia has the potential to support about 29,000 MWh of solar electricity generation. And that means offsetting the equivalent of 22,000 tons of carbon dioxide, or 2.3 million gallons of gas. Each individual subscription with Arcadia is said to offset the cost of up to 2,400 miles of driving per year.