Audi premiered the A1 e-tron concept car at this week’s Geneva Motor Show. This concept vehicle is designed for use in metro areas where low speeds allow for all-electric transportation. Audi claimed that the A1 e-tron achieved a theoretical fuel economy of 123 miles per gallon in lab testing and simulations. This claim may seem extraordinary but Audi justified the rating by highlighting its innovative extended-range drive system.
The Audi A1 e-tron drive system features a 75kW electric motor, a 15kW electric generator and a small Wankel gas engine. Audi also included a 12kWh battery pack underneath the rear seat floor to offer electric power over short distances. The A1 e-tron travels up to 31 miles on all-electric power before the Wankel engine kicks into gear. Audi noted that this concept only features a three-gallon gas tank, which ensures that the vehicle is used largely for short commutes and errands.
The astronomical fuel economy claim by Audi was achieved through a variety of fuel-saving measures. The thermal management system aboard the A1 e-tron keeps the electric motor and battery close to optimal temperature. This system allows drivers to start their vehicles quickly no matter the temperature without wasting gas or electricity. The small gas engine featured in the A1 e-tron starts automatically using Audi’s onboard navigation system. The system maps out routes to the driver’s final destination and determines if all-electric travel is possible. Drivers are able to turn on the engine manually from the dashboard in cases where more power is needed.
The A1 e-tron sounds like a solid performer for a city car even without considering the fuel mileage rating. This four-seat coupe reaches 60 miles per hour from a dead stop in 10 seconds. The top speed of the A1 e-tron is limited to 81 miles per hour, which is more than sufficient for city travel. In addition to the 31 miles of all-electric range, the A1 e-tron is capable of traveling up to 124 miles using both electric and gas power. Audi is unlikely to put out the A1 e-tron as a whole but components like the thermal management system and electric generator should be added to future models. The 123 miles per gallon rating is a pipe dream for Audi but its extended-range drive system could mean big savings for drivers.
For decades Audi states in it’s adverts:
”Vorsprung durch Technik”, but surely not with this mislead concept – there are still the mechanical drive parts used and recuperation of breaking energy, which only can be properly conducted having an e-motor on every wheel. But where should these people (traditional car industry/ lobby) who abandoned e-car mass production until last year have suddenly the technology from? And about using combustion engines for e-generation: standard engines are not engineered for this task (on/off operation), and the right engine have not been developed – a task the ”old” car industry could have been useful for.