Audi has confirmed it will put the Audi A1 e-tron electric car into production in 2012.
The concept car, which has been unveiled at the Geneva motor show, has an all-electric range of more than 31 miles in city traffic, which can be extended to 124 miles.
It has a peak power output of 101bhp, and when the battery runs flat it is charged by a compact "range extender" consisting of a single-rotor Wankel engine and an electrical generator with a charge rating of up to 15 kW. Emissions are rated at 45g/km and average economy at 149mpg.
The Audi A1 e-tron electric car is being displayed to highlight Audi's growing plans to introduce electric cars "where it is appropriate for specific model lines and markets".
Rupert Stadler, Audi chairman, said: "In future our customers will be able to choose from an increasingly broad range of driveline technologies. To accompany our high-efficiency TDI and FSI engines, we shall offer electric power in the best possible forms for a wide range of mobility needs. The hybrid driveline will be followed by all-electric vehicles.
"Just as "quattro" has become a synonym for all-wheel drive, so "e-tron" is to be the Audi brand name for electric mobility."
Audi also confirmed it is continuing to invest in fuel cell and hydrogen technology. In addition, Audi has confirmed the Audi Q5 hybrid will go on sale in 2010, powered by a petrol engine and electric motor.
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Re: A1 e-tron concept car - details
What a fascinating car. I have to say that I am genuinely excited by these series hybrids, be it the Fisker, the Proton or the Evora and will in all likeliness hold out until they come to market until getting a new family car. Let's hope that manufacturers can be brave enough to design cars that exploit the packaging opportunities that they offer and not just give us standard boxes with the drivetrain replaced.
Re: A1 e-tron concept car - details
It's often made me wonder how long it would be before someone used a gas-turbine or a wankel engine as a hybrid's battery's generator. In the space of a week we've had both on these very pages!
I like how they've fitted this into a current model's monocoque. The emphasis on light weight and low power for the wankel engine/ battery combination is paricularly refreshing. I would expect that the powertain is reasonably cost effective to design and manufacture when compared with other hybrids too.
Hopefully some privilaged journalist will get a chance to test it soon so we can learn more about this.
Re: A1 e-tron concept car - details
In that case, maybe they should call it an NSU...