German automotive manufacturer, Audi is set to be working with supplier MANN+HUMMEL on a pilot project, to develop a filter for electric cars that collect particulate matter from the surrounding area. It is to already help improve air quality in cities during the first pilot phase both while driving and charging. The new technology will be demonstrated at the GREENTECH FESTIVAL in London. The pilot project was launched in 2020 and will run for a period of four years, together with the supplier MANN+HUMMEL, Audi has developed a filter for the front end that can collect particulate matter from the smallest dust particles, hardly noticeable to the naked eye, which is only a few micrometers in size.
Fabian Groh, Project Manager in Attachment System Development at AUDI AG, explains: “This particulate filter is an example of our pursuit of innovation for everyone’s benefit and successful collaboration with specialized suppliers. We are already doing a lot today on our own initiative. We anticipate it will also become a legal requirement in the future.”
The filter is included in the vehicle’s current air vent in front of the radiator so that only a few modifications to the car are necessary, minimizing expenses. The filter component is controlled by means of the switchable cooling air vent and its mechanical capability is similar to that of a vacuum cleaner. By a similar concept, the fine residue particles stay trapped in the filter and the air can still pass through it. Up to this point, the filter has been utilized in Audi e-Tron test vehicles. While driving, it passively filters by means of the movement of the vehicle; air passes through the filter framework, which catches even the tiniest particles. Another chance is filtering during fixed charging. A fan that is already built into every electric vehicle conveys ambient air through the radiator – the system takes advantage of this process and can thus actively filter the air flowing through it, using the fine dust filter, ensuring the smallest particles are absorbed, even when stationary. This is ideal for use in urban environments, where particulate matter pollution is much higher than in rural areas.