What do you get when you combine plug-in hybrid technology with a fuel cell vehicle? Audi unveiled the answer at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Meet the new A7 h-tron quattro, a powerful grand coupe with zero emissions.
The car's lithium-ion battery pack can charge in approximately two hours via a 240V station, while the four hydrogen tanks (total capacity of 130 litres) can be filled in just five minutes. No word about range, however.
In terms of performance, the Audi A7 h-tron quattro produces a combined 230 horsepower and sprints from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.8 seconds.
The benefit of combining these two technologies is that each system can be made smaller and lighter. Also, the A7 h-tron quattro can be used even with no hydrogen refuelling station nearby, as long as you keep it plugged in between trips.
Will this advanced Audi concept enter production some day? That remains to be seen, but with more and more automakers showing interest in fuel cell vehicles (Toyota just announced the hydrogen-powered Mirai sedan), the chances are better than you may think.
Source: thedroitbureau.com