Audi and electro-mobility

With a delegation of French journalists (not bloggers, it is another level of requirement), I participated Wednesday in a Tech Day on the theme of electro-mobility at Audi. And I must say I really enjoyed myself. In line with what BMW had done this summer, the brand with the rings we prepared a day in dense contents, with presentations, a visit to the technical development center at the headquarters of the brand in Ingolstadt (near Munich) and above all the tests. We have indeed been able to drive several models. And when you are trying German cars, they are not wooden models vulgar or mules in a makeshift garage. So I'll talk about that day in two stages: first on the product and then tomorrow on the strategy with a point in passing on the history of Audi in hybrid battery.

But first, therefore, a few words on the range. Because the term e-Tron, which was used until now for several concept cars from Audi, * is the official label that will be used for future zero-emission models. And the first of them will be electric R8, which will be produced in small series in 2012. I have done a little bit of trial and I can tell you that it grows very strong.

* E-Tron concept in Frankfurt in 2009, then in Detroit in early 2010, e-Tron Spyder at the Paris Motor Show.

The R8 Electric, which weighs 1600 kg - including 550 kg of batteries - which embeds 4 electric motors develop 230 kW (the equivalent of 313 hp) with torque of 4500 Nm from 0 to 100 km / h is announced 4.8 s, which seems realistic given the thrust of the demonic machine. This is not to amuse himself Audi announce similar figures on paper, without having to show a real - - electric propulsion system to deliver, and with technology up to date. The Germans are serious people.

View video of the R8 E-Tron:

The autonomy of 250 km, depending on the NEDC cycle. In reality, it will be much less, especially if we play to departures barrel. But the performance is there, no use denying it. It's better than Tesla and a similar AMG Mercedes E-Cell SLS. Note, however, and Audi does not hide it, the R8-E-Tron despite his performance - has the fuel efficiency of a diesel vehicle that consumes a modest 4.8 L/100 km.

Audi, which has already presented several concepts e-Tron - each with a different technology - also sent on the A1 e-Tron. The latter, whose launch has not yet been confirmed, using a range extender to increase the range of 50 km (with battery only) to more than 250 km. This generator, a Wankel rotary piston engine, just 1.9 L/100 km fuel and emits only 45 grams of CO2 per km. Small detail: you can adjust the brake "engine" from the dashboard.

Watch the video of the A1 e-Tron:

The concept, inspired by the Opel Ampera or the Chevrolet Volt, is already operational. 20 copies of the car are being tested in Munich. In the present state of things, even if the technology is remarkably integrated with 4 real seats and a trunk preserved, the A1 would double its price. Audi still has to work for the extra cost is acceptable.

Thus, Audi introduced the hybrid version of the Q5. This model, which will be unveiled next week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, to be launched in April 2011 and will arrive in the U.S. later this summer in Europe. It is a hybrid gasoline with its 2L TFSI and electric motor (33 kW or 45 hp and mated to a lithium-ion 38 kg) to combine the power of 245 hp offers performance of a V6 for the consumption of a 4-cylinder diesel. It merely 7L/100 km. We were able to assess the effectiveness of the effect "boost" for help in passing, and the silence and smoothness in the urban mode. The Quattro Q5 Hybrid is both angel and devil ...

Watch the video:

Audi, which intends to exploit the electro-mobility in all its forms (battery electric with range extender and later with the fuel cell), also plans to launch a Hybrid Model in 2014. The mark on the rings will become the world leader in electric vehicle in the premium segment in 2020. A goal that seems within reach, as we shall see tomorrow when I discuss the strategy.

I mentioned the models tested and the target for 2020, we will therefore focus on technological expertise. Before describing the strategy and working methods of the Germans, on the electric car, a little story. Did you know that Audi was the first to launch a Hybrid? Yes, it was in 1996 with the Duo. On the basis of an A4 Avant, the brand with the rings produced in small series (90 copies) a car capable of running in electric mode (50 km range) or thermal mode with a 1.9 L TDI engine. She boarded an electric motor of 21 kW (28 hp).

That said, let's see more closely the current technology. Audi naturally benefits from the expertise of Volkswagen, but the brand is developing its own know-how. The brand has invested in such a test center (65 million Euros), where 840 people work on the development of electric motors and batteries. The building was designed so that design teams, production and testing can exchange very quickly. Benches and a climatic wind tunnel can simulate such road tests.

Failing to produce their own batteries and electric motors, Audi engineers want to understand and work closely with their suppliers (including Sanyo batteries). And better yet. They want to know accurately the aging of cells to be taken into account in the algorithms for load management. Another area of expertise: air cooling batteries with an active mode that is activated at a certain temperature threshold. The brand is also exploring the cooling liquid. Thermal management allows the battery to withstand the fast charge on terminal or induction.

It should be noted in passing that Audi - like other German manufacturers for that matter - wants to standardize the batteries, which are not subject to any standard today. The German automotive industry has developed specifications for hybrid, electric and extended-range electric. A standardization work which could help to reduce drastically the cost of batteries, with generic modules that could be produced in high volumes.

I was also impressed by the e-Performance. This is an initiative that Audi is to cogitate experts from several horizons of research topics related to electric vehicles, and so cross. The «house external project e Performance» includes a core of 30 employees, with specialists ranging from design to development of the transmission, and working with external experts from universities, startups and institutes research. Bosch and the Fraunhofer Institute are also involved. The advantage is that researchers are encouraged to explore new horizons and not stick to preconceived ideas. The project aims to develop components that can be used * in at least three categories of vehicle: the urban, middle class and sports cars. A sports car is a model demonstration and test support for modular components.

* Thermal management, vehicle dynamics, electrical system, equipment, space management, bodywork, electronics and battery power In summary, Audi has nothing to envy to other manufacturers. The mark gives the means for its ambitions and aims to have the right technology at the right time, with the battery and electric with range extender, the hybrid and the hybrid battery, and longer term (thanks to the efforts of R & D in this area VW) with the fuel cell.