Audi Q5 HFC Hybrid Fuel Cell Revealed

Audi’s vision in terms of future mobility is being presented these days in Berlin, as the brand is participating at the 11th Michelin Challenge Bibendum. The automaker has entered no less than five different vehicles with alternative drivetrains. in the event’s rally races and test drives, including the Q5 HFC (short for Hybrid Fuel Cell).

This is, in fact, a technical study the brand with four rings is using to examine the potential offered by fuel-cell power systems technology on board the Audi Q5.

The concept car relies on synergies and consequently uses many technical components from the future hybrid models. The automaker says there are two high-pressure cylinders store hydrogen at a pressure of 700 bar.

The polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell outputs 98 kW (133 hp). The lithium-ion battery has an energy content of 1.3 kWh. The drive is provided by two electric motors close to the wheels; together the motors produce a combined peak output of 90 kW and up to 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft) of torque.

The Audi Q5 HFC with a fuel-cell power system participated in the InterCity Rally yesterday, an event that covers 300 km (186 miles) in the German state of Brandenburg. This is a long-distance competition for passenger vehicles and also includes safety tests. There have been three other Audi vehicles joining the Q5 HFC in this quest, namely the A3 TCNG powered by natural gas, the Q5 hybrid quattro and the Audi A8, which features the new 3.0 TDI generating 150 kW (204 hp).

“The brand is establishing a portfolio of sustainable sources of energy – starting with wind power. This portfolio will be rounded out by electricity, hydrogen and methane. Tomorrow’s electric, fuel-cell and methane vehicles will thus be made mobile and clean. The dual electricity/gas principle can aid the energy-supply industry in solving the problem of how to store electricity generated via renewable energy,” the company explains.