Audi Hybrid Cars

A succession of Duos evolved, eventually resulting in the 1997 production of the A4 Duo, the fourth generation of Audi’s gas/electric concept vehicles. Using a 1.9L turbocharged direct inject (TDI) engine and a 29hp electric motor, the car featured a switch that allowed the driver to transfer between gas an electric power, with the engine being recharged either during commutes, or by being plugged into an AC outlet.

However, the demand for hybrid cars in 1997 wasn’t nearly as great as today’s demand, with even Google backing the movement. In addition, the heavy weight of the 1997 electric motor made the gas efficiency of this early hybrid was about on par with its 1.9L non-hybrid counterpart. 

It was not until the 2005 concept release of the Audi Q7 Hybrid that Audi once again began to experiment with the hybrid engine, this time in conjunction with the Porsche and Volkswagon.

In 2007 Audi released another concept idea at the Tokyo Motor Show called the “Metroproject Quattro,” a small compact hybrid meant to compete with the likes of the MiniCooper. 

The A1 project Quattro, as it was finally released at the 2008 Leipzig Auto Mobile International Show, will utilize a 150PS 1.4L TFSI engine under the hood, but in back the trunk holds a 40bhp electric motor that supplied power to the rear wheels.

The motor, composed of a lithium-ion battery, will allows for zero-emissions commuting in urban centers, with a top speed of 100km/h (62mph). It will also help increase torque during the petroleum engine’s acceleration. On one charge the electric engine is capable of up to 100km, or 62 miles, reducing fuel consumption by up to 15 percent. 

Another 2008 Audi hybrid release, the A1 Sportback concept is a slightly larger 5-door model on the A1 Quattro, also features the Quattro’s 1.4L petrol engine, but holds a slightly smaller 27bhp electric motor that powers the front wheels rather than the rear. 

From this trend is seems Audi is headed towards smaller, compact hybrid commuter vehicles appealing to urban residents who want luxury while turning away from petroleum dependency. Other turns towards the hybrid way of life are evident in a rumored alliance between Audi and the Japanese electronics company Sanyo, sparking talk of future Audis featuring battery and electronics produced by the company. 

Audi is evidently looking to join the ranks of the hybrid and eco-car movement without sacrificing the power and luxury they are know for. It can be a tenuous balance, considering the mileage of Audi hybrids are still not on par with their compact car counterparts, but it is a hopeful beginning for the automotive giant.