The head of Audi continues the trend among German automakers in recent months toward developing marketable electric cars. Rupert Stadler from Audi has said that the venerable German company will create electric cars in Europe by 2018. The rationale given by Stadler for Audi’s new commitment to electric-powered vehicles is the accelerated affordability of electrical components. Audi is following competitors like Mercedes-Benz and BMW toward the lucrative global market for zero-emission vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz dazzled hybrid car fans during the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show with a series of diesel-electric concept cars. The centerpiece of this collection was the Mercedes-Benz F700 that featured the innovative Diesolto engine. This engine impressed auto journalists and attendees with its rapid fuel injections, high compression ratio and turbo charging. These elements lead to improved fuel mileage during acceleration while the electric powertrain builds energy during deceleration. The F700 and other diesel-electric hybrids by Mercedes-Benz have been promised for the 2010 model year though the process could be accelerated to take advantage of anxious consumers.
BMW’s 7-Series hydrogen sedan was another salvo in the competition by German manufacturers for the hybrid vehicle market. This sedan was shown off at the 2008 SAE World Congress in Detroit to the great interest of Detroit’s auto elite as well as legislators promoting hydrogen fuel in the United States. BMW has stated that the hydrogen fuel system in the 7-Series produces less carbon dioxide than the air surrounding the vehicle. This German hybrid may have the best chance for success in the next few years due to state and federal efforts at developing a hydrogen infrastructure.
The German market should act as an interesting laboratory for hybrid vehicles using electric batteries, hydrogen and other alternative fuels. The European Commission has pushed legislation for its members that would increase vehicle emission standards. The reputation of the German auto industry for innovation and forward thinking means that Berliners may be the focus group for future hybrid developments. The most compelling reason why Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW will push Japanese and American manufacturers in the hybrid vehicle market is the propensity of European drivers to buy cleaner vehicles.
