More efficient, cheaper, and less polluting. Audi’s hybridization lesson.

Audi is charting its electrified path and is accelerating its new MHEV Plus mild hybrid technology.

Audi has unveiled its new MHEV program, short for “Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle,” a technology that combines an internal combustion engine with slight electric assistance. Basically, this system acts as support during acceleration phases, allowing for a modest reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. But with its new MHEV Plus version, Audi is advancing this technology to achieve even greater efficiency and performance.

The core of the MHEV Plus technology lies in the addition of the powertrain generator (PTG), a compact yet powerful electric motor. Unlike previous Audi MHEV systems that only used a belt-driven starter-generator (BAS), the PTG introduces new capabilities. Directly integrated into the transmission, it provides up to 18 kW of electrical power and a maximum torque of 230 Nm, allowing for immediate assistance from start-up and partially electric driving up to 140 km/h.

Thanks to this configuration, the PTG supports the internal combustion engine, reducing CO₂ emissions while increasing agility and driving comfort. During deceleration, it can also recover up to 25 kW of energy, optimizing the vehicle’s energy management.

Audi has designed the MHEV Plus technology to meet modern drivers’ expectations. It facilitates cleaner and more economical urban driving through features such as:

• Partially electric driving, particularly for maneuvers and low-speed phases.
• Reduction in consumption through optimized operation of the internal combustion engine.
• Electric air conditioning, ensuring comfort even when the engine is off.

The lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP), with a capacity of 37 Ah, plays a central role in this system, efficiently storing and redistributing energy based on needs. The PTG also enhances vehicle responsiveness, particularly by providing immediate electrical torque during accelerations. At low speed, the system prioritizes silence and efficiency, while at higher speeds, it maximizes performance in harmony with the internal combustion engine.

In summary, the MHEV Plus marks a significant advancement in the mild electrification of Audi vehicles. It addresses current emission reduction challenges while enhancing the driving experience. This technology aligns with the brand’s overall strategy, which seeks to provide a future for its combustion engines without falling behind in the electrification trend.

READ ALSO: A bit excessive, surely, but we love this Audi concept!