Audi shows hydrogen technology in Detroit

AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
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presented at the NAIAS a new concept that demonstrates the introduction of alternative technologies. The h-tron quattroAudi h-tron quattroGermany, 2016 > 2016 is a hydrogen fuel cell SUV, whose technology, including platform, electric motors architecture and batteries was based on the e-tron quattroAudi e-tron quattroGermany, 2015 > 2015 concept.

 

Allowing zero emission mobility and the ability to be refueled in just four minutes, the Audi concept has a range of 600km. Moreover, the wheel drive vehicle can achieve 100km/h in less than seven seconds and a maximum speed (limited) of 200km/h. Within the city and at lower speeds, the vehicle can be driven only with front wheel drive.

 

The construction of the h-tron quattro was made according to the fifth generation of the fuel cell stack that is being developed in Ingolstadt. Its introduction should happen when Audi launches the production version of the h-tron quattro, scheduled for 2020. The concept is 4880mm long, 1930mm wide and 1540mm high.

 

The new fuel cell stack is supplied with hydrogen which is stored in three reinforced carbon fiber plastic. Able to provide electricity equivalent to 150hp the new cell stack was placed in the same spot where the engine is usually in. According to Audi, the new technology is 60% more efficient than the one it replaced.

 

The hydrogen system feeds two electric motors, one with 122hp placed on the front axle and another with 190hp installed on the rear axle. All sumed up the h-tron quattro has a combined output of 285hp.

 

The driver can also opt for a more efficient driving by using the driving modes 'gliding' or 'coasting' to recover energy. The aerodynamic efficiency is optimized at constant speeds through the use of an adaptive suspension, with two operating modes.

 

The interior of the h-tron quattro is strongly inspired by the PrologueAudi PrologueGermany, 2014 > 2014, concept unveiled in 2014 in Los Angeles. With capacity for four passengers, each entitled to an individual seat, the concept has as one of the main features OLED screens that will be introduced in the fourth generation of the A8Audi A8Germany, 1994 > present3 series
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to be launched in 2017. Due to hydrogen tanks, the luggage storage capacity was reduced to 500 liters, 115l less than the e-tron quattro.

 

Audi also decided to give a small sample of what we can expect in the future from the brand when it comes to autonomous driving technology. Included in the Piloted Driving program, the h-tron quattro features technologies such as radar sensors, stereo cameras, ultrasonic sensors and laser scanner. All these systems are controlled via a central system called zFAS. With the information obtained from the diferent sensors the car can perform driving tasks at speed up to 60km/h.