Audi presents A6 L e-tron PHEV concept at Auto China in Beijing

Audi is presenting the Audi A6 L e-tron concept at Auto China 2012 in Beijing. The plug-in hybrid has an all-electric driving range of 80 km (50 miles), and was specifically designed for the China market. Audi says that with its first e-tron technology study in the luxury class, it is showing what a locally produced New Energy Vehicle from Audi might look like. The A6L e-tronPHEV concept.Click to enlarge. The basis for this study is the new A6 L, Audi’s bestselling model in China. Audi produces this business sedan at the Changchun plant in a joint venture with FAW. The A6 L e-tron features a parallel hybrid system combining a 2.0 TFSI that outputs 155 kW (211 hp) and an electric motor with 70 kW (95 hp) peak power. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is located in a collision-protected space at the rear of the vehicle. In electric mode, the Audi A6 L e-tron concept can travel up to 80 km at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph). At any given moment, the hybrid control module chooses the best suited operating mode with the focus on driving range. This technology platform can be operated with only the internal combustion engine, only the electric drive, or in hybrid mode. In addition, it can recover energy during deceleration, or it can boost output power for strong acceleration by combining the two drives. The Audi A6 L e-tron concept delivers sporty performance. Audi has already launched electrified drive systems in volume production with full hybrid models with lithium-ion battery technology. The Q5 hybrid quattro, A6 hybrid and A8 hybrid can drive up to 3 km (1.9 miles) on electric power. In combined mode, which uses the internal combustion engine and electric motor, customers experience sporty driving performance and better fuel economy. The power steering, like the brake booster and the air conditioning compressor, utilizes an electromechanical drive. The body of the A6 L e-tron concept is identical to that of the Audi A6 L. Consisting of approximately 10% aluminum, it weighs about 15% less than a comparable all-steel design. Aluminum components in the load-bearing structure and exterior skin, as well as the high-tech steels used in the occupant cell, make the body significantly lighter. Each new future Audi model will be lighter in weight than the previous model. This makes the brand a frontrunner in reversing the upward weight spiral. In designing car bodies, developers will intelligently use new combinations of materials, including carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). e-tron. The term Audi e-tron refers to technologies ranging from PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) to range extenders and finally vehicles powered purely by electric batteries or fuel cells. Audi is using A1 e-tron and A3 e-tron test vehicles to acquire important customer feedback, which can be incorporated in later production cars. The first product will be the A3 e-tron in 2014. It will be followed by other New Energy Vehicles. In this way, Audi intends for e-tron to become established as a further attractive drive technology option alongside TDI and TFSI. Source: Green Car Congress