Audi debuts MHEV plus technology in combustion engine vehicles
Audi is introducing its new MHEV plus technology, enhancing efficiency and comfort in combustion engine vehicles. The 48-volt system aims to reduce emissions and improve performance.
Ingolstadt – Audi has launched its new MHEV plus technology, integrating it into the latest A5 and Q5 series models built on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). This evolution of mild-hybrid technology utilizes a 48-volt electrical system to support the combustion engine, reduce carbon emissions, and simultaneously boost performance and driving comfort.
The core of the MHEV plus system is a new powertrain generator (PTG), which functions as an electric motor. It works in conjunction with a belt alternator starter (BAS) and a lithium iron phosphate battery. The PTG enables partially electric driving modes, thereby reducing fuel consumption and contributing to a smoother driving experience. This technology has been implemented in Audi's new A5 and Q5 models.
Geoffrey Bouquot, Audi's Board of Management Member for Technical Development, stated that the MHEV plus technology is tailored to customer needs and strengthens Audi's electrified product portfolio. It complements the range of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles with efficient combustion engine options. The system offers functionalities such as partially electric driving states, electric boosting, and enhanced efficiency and comfort.
The technology is projected to significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. For instance, the A5 2.0 TDI model could see savings of up to 0.38 liters per 100 km, or 10 g/km of CO2 emissions. In the more powerful 3.0 TFSI V6 variant, projected savings are up to 0.74 liters per 100 km and 17 g/km of CO2 emissions, according to WLTP measurements.
The powertrain generator (PTG) in the MHEV plus system can deliver up to 18 kW of electrical power and 230 Nm of torque at the transmission output, available from the start of driving. The liquid-cooled components ensure optimal operating conditions across various driving scenarios. The system is designed for integration into different Audi models on the PPC platform, including front-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive configurations.