Battery and charging technology developed by Audi for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles

Audi battery technology

Sustainable mobility continues to advance steadily, and Audi is one of the brands that strongly backs all the alternatives that new propulsion technologies offer.

On the outskirts of the main Ingolstadt plant, Audi is developing new technologies for electric mobility at its high-voltage battery technology center in Gaimersheim. The battery structure follows a uniform modular concept, so the batteries can be used in all models and brands of the Volkswagen Group.

The so-called battery module can house three different types of cells: cylindrical, prismatic, or long flat cells. It is cube-shaped and slightly smaller than a shoebox. It weighs around 13 kilograms thanks to its aluminum-coated polymer composition, and it has a system through which the coolant circulates.Audi e-tron quattro concept

Flat cells and prismatic cells are ideal for plug-in hybrid vehicles. They can be configured specifically for maximum power output, maximum energy density, or a combination of both. Cylindrical cells are suitable for electric vehicles, since they store more energy, but their power output is lower.

One of the things Audi is working on at the technology center is the rigidity of the battery system and its behavior in a crash. The Audi e-tron quattro concept car shown at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show features a 95 kWh battery located under the cabin floor, lowering the center of gravity. It is the basis for Audi for a possible precursor to a future electric sporty SUV.

The batteries designed by Audi have a service life of 150,000 kilometers and a minimum of eight years in operation. At the end of the vehicle’s useful life they still retain a large part of their nominal capacity, so the Ingolstadt brand is working on converting used batteries into stationary energy storage. When the energy storage capacity of the batteries drops below 10 percent, the recycling process begins.Charging stations

Charging systems are crucial for vehicles powered by alternative fuels, whether direct or alternating current. Their development and evolution benefit customers. In addition, with the 150 kW direct-current charging technology, the Audi e-tron quattro concept car would be able to charge its large battery for a range of about 400 kilometers. A full charge would take about 50 minutes.

With an adequate infrastructure of high-performance fast-charging stations, electric cars could become a highly relevant alternative in the automotive sector. Another charging method is the Audi wireless charging (AWC), or wireless charging system. This technology allows inductive charging using alternating current, scheduled to reach the market in early 2017.

The first generation of wireless technology can be used at home or in parking areas of office buildings. A later version could be integrated into the asphalt of roads and car parks.Monitoring charge status via smartphone

The charging process can be interrupted at any time, stopping automatically when the battery is full. Because the field is only generated when the vehicle is over the plate and the coil is active, there is no risk to people or animals. The small gap between both coils during charging means the magnetic field does not interfere with electronic devices.

Source | Audi