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Audi A1 e-tron – zero-emissions in the city PDF Print E-mail
Written by Pete Wilson   
Wednesday, 03 March 2010 09:39

New Audi A1 e-tron makes its debut

Audi is expanding its new e-tron model family step by step. The A1 e-tron, which Audi is showing at the Geneva Motor Show, is an innovative Mega City Vehicle (MCV). Like its sports car brothers, it has an electric drive system. The A1 e-tron has a range of more than 50 kilometers (31.07 miles) in city traffic, and its peak output of 75 kW (102 hp) also makes the it very fun to drive. A compact internal combustion engine recharges the battery when its energy is depleted.

The powerful front-mounted, transverse electric motor thrusts the A1 e-tron forward with authority. The car sprints from a standing stop to 100 km/h
(62.14 mph) in only 10.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of more than
130 km/h (80.78 mph). The compact MCV is a zero-emissions vehicle for the first 50 kilometers (31.07 miles) that it is underway, such as in city traffic. The battery comprises a package of lithium-ion modules mounted in the floor assembly in front of the rear axle.

A small, single-rotor Wankel engine is used in this near-series concept vehicle to increase the range in exceptional circumstances. This “range extender” powers a generator that produces 15 kW of charging power. If the range extender is used to recharge the battery, the A1 e-tron can cover an additional 200 kilometers (124.27 miles) of range. According to a draft standard for the computation of fuel consumption for range extender vehicles, this represents a fuel consumption of 1.9 l/100 km (123.80 mpg) – a CO2 equivalent of only 45 g/km (72.42 g/mile).

Thanks to its grown-up, sporty yet comfortable character, the Audi A1 e-tron drives like a car from a larger class. The concept car rolls on 18 inch alloy wheels. Many fine details in the interior document the Audi philosophy: The new electric mobility requires absolute no sacrifices in terms of sportiness or comfort – on the contrary – it stands for an innovative and smart form of driving fun.

 
 

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