We cannot put enough stress on the oil problems in the world. Skyrocketing fuel prices and rapid consumption have been a worry for everyone. So, automobile manufacturers are trying their bit to give a probable solutions to this problem.
For instance, German automobile manufacturer, Audi plans to have a plug-in hybrid variant of each of its key models by the year 2020. Speaking at the launch of Audi’s A3 Sportback e-tron, the firm’s research and development head Ulrich Hackenberg revealed the details about the implementation of this plan.
Hackenberg said that Audi had decided to prioritise plug-in hybrids over other forms of alternative powertrains, because “they meet all of our customers’ expectations”.
He said that Audi is developing two plug-in hybrid powertrain families and future models based on the MQB platform would be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This would feature an electric motor sited between a transversely mounted 1.4 TFSI petrol engine and a specially developed six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which will send the power to the front wheels.
He also hinted a possibility of adding the same feature to the four-wheel-drive versions of MQB-based models. He said that four-wheel-drive cars might also be offered using the petrol-electric set-up to drive the front wheels and an electric motor mounted on the rear axle.
Bigger Audi cars mounted on the new MLB-Evo platform and with longitudinal engines would also use a similar system, with the electric motor mounted between the engine and gearbox.
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Source: Autocar UK