In a highly anticipated unveiling, Audi has finally taken the wraps off its Q6 e-tron, the first fully electric model developed on the long-awaited Premium Platform Electric (PPE). Marking a significant milestone, the Q6 e-tron represents the German automaker’s first in-house developed electric vehicle, signaling a new era for Audi’s EV ambitions.
While the Q6 e-tron’s sleek aesthetics and innovative architecture are sure to captivate attention, the true star of the show is the vehicle’s cutting-edge battery technology. Developed with the aid of robotic automation, Audi’s redeveloped high-voltage (HV) battery system is a game-changer in the realm of electric vehicles.
In an exclusive interview with IE, Bernhard Rieger, a lithium-ion cell integration expert at Audi in Munich, Germany, shed light on the groundbreaking features of the PPE’s battery technology and why it represents a significant step forward for the automaker.
“For me, it’s fascinating how these lithium-ion cells are running. And now, it’s very cool to help get these into the cars,” Rieger, who studied mechanical engineering before earning his Ph.D. in lithium-ion technology, said.
At the heart of the Q6 e-tron’s impressive performance lies the 800-volt battery system, boasting a maximum charging capacity of 270 kilowatts (kW). This cutting-edge technology enables the vehicle to excel in short charging stops, with the ability to recharge up to 255 kilometers (158 miles) in just ten minutes at fast charging stations.
Rieger highlighted the innovative approach to charging, stating, “For the first time, if a charging station works with 400-volt technology, bank charging is possible. The 800-volt battery automatically divides into two batteries of equal voltage. These can then be charged in parallel with up to 135 kW.”
Delving deeper into the battery’s chemistry, Rieger revealed that the ratio of nickel to cobalt and manganese in the cells is approximately 8:1:1, a composition that not only enhances performance but also benefits the environment by reducing the proportion of cobalt.
Thermal management, according to Rieger, is one of the most critical components of the new PPE battery system. “Thermal conditioning of the battery is predictive during driving,” he explained. “So if you approach a charging pipe, for example, then the battery is conditioned to its optimal starting temperature.”
This predictive thermal management system relies on user navigation, route information, departure timers, and usage behavior to anticipate when the battery needs cooling or heating, ensuring optimal performance at all times.
Rieger also addressed the importance of testing the batteries in higher temperatures, stating, “The nearer you get to the physical limit, the better you need to understand and control the system.” With the Q6 e-tron’s charging power approaching 270 kW, compared to the previous 150 kW, the battery’s sensitivity to external factors increases, necessitating more detailed temperature and power control.
“We believe that the PPE platform is a major step in terms of Audi usage for the electric vehicle system,” Rieger concluded. “This is because it provides a very good range, efficiency, and huge charging performance. So basically, all parameters that are relevant for our customers are improved with the PPE system.”
With the unveiling of the Audi Q6 e-tron, the German automaker has firmly established itself as a frontrunner in the electric vehicle realm, showcasing its commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in battery technology.
