Solar-powered Sahara

Is there a better way to travel to the world’s most extraordinary solar power plant than in an Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, the first plug-in hybrid model for the brand? Combining electric and petrol powertrains with a 1.4-litre TFSI engine, capable of driving the wheels while still recharging the battery pack, the A3 Sportback e-tron is the perfect choice for two days’ driving on French and Spanish roads. Upon arriving in Morocco too, the car glides almost silently down the modern, smooth motorway from Tangier to Marrakech and arrives at the hotel ready to be plugged in overnight.

Leaving the hotel in the morning with fresh charge, the A3 Sportback e-tron slices through the noisy morning traffic effortlessly, almost unheard in the pure-electric EV mode. Leaving the cityscape behind to stretching desert landscapes, darkness has fallen when Ouarzazate, home of the Noor complex, looms into view.

The Noor complex is one of the world’s biggest solar power plants. Opened recently is Phase 1 of the facility, with Noor-2, Noor-3 and Noor-4 expected to be completed in the next two years. The scale of the facility is most impressive, with a total of 537,600 mirror elements and each necessitating daily cleaning. Once complete, the Noor complex will be capable of generating up to 2,000 megawatts of electricity from the sun alone.

Having been caught in one of the six days a year of rainfall Ouarzazate, the A3 Sportback e-tron glides back to the city as quietly as it came four days later, no drama necessary.

Experience the silent power of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron by booking a test drive now, or explore the model further at Jardine Motors Audi.