A7/S7/RS7 Audi A7 H-Tron Quattro Concept

Rainer271 · Nov 19, 2014

Audi A7 H-Tron quattro concept to be revealed at LA
Packs a hydrogen fuel cell.
The 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show will witness the world premiere of the Audi A7 Sportback H-Tron quattro concept that will preview the German brand’s development in hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Billed as a “technology demonstrator”, the hybrid concept is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell system, previewing the capabilities and feasibility of a hydrogen-powered Audi. So far, no performance details nor efficiency details have been divulged by the VW-owned brand but more details will be available once the veil comes off the concept.

Audi A7 H-Tron quattro concept to be revealed at LA

ThroughandThrough · Nov 19, 2014

More information:

Audi A7 Sportback h-tron quattro concept debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show
By Adrian Padeanu

Has a 500+ km range

Following yesterday's announcement, Audi has taken the wraps off the A7 Sportback h-tron quattro concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Looking virtually identical as the conventional-powered model, the A7 h-tron quattro concept is actually a fuel cell hydrogen vehicle with a plug-in hybrid setup. The complex system consists of a fuel cell stack installed under the hood where there are 300 individual cells featuring a polymer membrane which has a platinum-based catalyst on both sides. These fuel cells operate in the 230 to 360 voltage range and the main auxiliary assemblies feature a turbocharger that forces the air into the cells, a recirculation fan returning unused hydrogen into the anode, along with a coolant pump.

When used in fuel cell mode, the Audi A7 h-tron quattro concept needs around 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of hydrogen for each 62 miles (100 km) which represents the equivalent of 3.7 liters (one gallon) / 100 km. The four hydrogen tanks grant the vehicle with a range of more than 310.7 miles (500 km) and once depleted, a full refill takes approximately three minutes.

The fuel cell system works with an 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack sourced from the A3 Sportback e-tron installed beneath the trunk and granting a 31.1 miles (50 km) electric range. It can be recharged either by recuperation or using a power socket which takes two hours (360 volts) or four hours (230 volts).

There are also two front & rear electric motors driving both axles independently, with each providing a maximum output of 85 kW (114 kW if the voltage is temporarily raised) and 199 lb-ft (270 Nm) of torque. Due to the added hardware, the concept weighs a hefty 1,950 kg (4,299 lbs) but the 228 bhp (170 kW) 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) combined output rockets the vehicle to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 111.8 mph (180 km/h).