Its become common knowledge that EVs don’t need a front grille to feed air into an engine. Even so, you might see Audi electric vehicles with a front grille.
EVs don’t require air fed into the engine to operate properly. The electric motors are usually attached directly to the axles, with the batteries located in the floors of new cars. Why, then will we see Audi models with a grill on the front? Could this simply be to give us a consistent appearance because the brand doesn’t want to retool?
Doesn’t a Grille Require More Parts?
One of the greatest benefits of an EV is that there are fewer moving parts and less maintenance required for these vehicles. We see many electric cars offered with either a plate across the front where the grille would have been or a front end that brings the bumper and hood area together to give the front area a much cleaner look. It seems that Audi is working on something different that might not be in concert with what we expect from EVs. What does Audi have up its proverbial sleeve?
A New Audi Air Purification System
Even though Audi electric vehicles don’t require a front grille, we will see them on future models. These grille areas will bring air into a purification center and expel clean air into the atmosphere. That means a new Audi will not only be an electric model that rides without expelling any pollutants from an exhaust pipe, but these cars will also clean up the air all around us. While it’s unknown how impactful these luxury vehicles can be when cleaning up air when there are only a few of these cars in a particular city, but something is always better than nothing.
How Has this New Air Filtration System Been Developed?
In a pilot project with auto supplier MANN + HUMMEL, Audi vehicles could have a front-end air filtration system to collect particulate matter while driving and charging. If you charge your Audi in the garage, you might have the cleanest air of any garage in the neighborhood. The reason for developing this program is the goal of Audi to become net-carbon-neutral. This new air filtration system will reduce emissions wherever possible, which means improving air quality near busy roads and in congested cities.
Most of the Road Dust Isn’t Emissions-Based
While harmful gases are expelled into the atmosphere from internal combustion vehicles and become part of the air around us, most of the fine dust on the roads we drive on is not from the exhaust fumes. Audi reports that up to 85% of this fine dust comes from brakes, tires, and road abrasions. These tiny particles can be inhaled and lead to lower air quality, especially on busy roads and in city areas. The Audi electric vehicles will begin to clean up these areas and provide cleaner air while driving on every road.
Can We Reach the World Health Organization Recommendations?
This organization recommends much lower particulate matter limits, which don’t seem possible in city areas. The more vehicles that are in an area, the worse the air quality. If you’re familiar with the smog that has settled over some low-lying cities of the world, you know that air quality is directly associated with exhaust expelled from vehicles. Some experts don’t think the WHO recommendations can be met in urban areas, but if more EVs begin to adopt the air filtration system offered in the new Audi models, we could see that change.
Audi Works to Improve Air Quality Everywhere
Audi is part of the Volkswagen Group, and the focus of the entire group has been on sustainability, which includes improving air quality. While the new filtration system offered for the EVs is impressive, Audi is also looking at ways to lower emissions and improve air quality around its factories. The goal of becoming net-carbon-neutral is one that Audi takes seriously. This could mean we see large versions of the air filtration systems affixed to the factories around the world that build these Audi vehicles. Working this way almost feels like Audi is reverse engineering ways to clean the air.
This New Pilot Program Isn’t So New
Adding this air filtration process to Audi electric vehicles isn’t something new for this brand. This pilot program began in 2020 and will continue until 2024. The way this process works, the existing airflow of most vehicles, which comes in through the front grille, is captured and filtered before being sent back into the atmosphere. The filter in the radiator area collects the dust and particles to clean them out of the air before expelling clean air for all to enjoy and breathe much easier.
The System Works Actively and Passively
While the EV is on the road driving, the air flows naturally into the grille to be filtered. This is the passive version of how this air filtration system operates. The vehicle doesn’t have to run a motor or perform any tasks; it simply filters dirty air and expels clean air. When the vehicle is stationary and being charged, a fan runs to bring air into the grille and through the filter system. The fine dust is purified out of the air to offer cleaner air around the EV while charging. This could be a big deal when you charge your Audi in your garage.
Audi Expects These Filters to Become a Requirement
Even though this is an Audi pilot program and the Audi electric vehicles will be the first models on the roads with this system, the brand expects this feature to become a legal requirement. To date, Audi has driven over 31,000 miles using this filtration system with zero negative effects on the performance of the EV. This is an important part of ensuring the new system doesn’t impact the vehicle’s operation, especially since there isn’t a direct benefit to the vehicle and the owner.
If Audi electric vehicles are offered with these air filtration systems, will you buy one and make it the vehicle you proudly drive? This process is a step in the net-carbon-neutral goal of Audi, and it can be your goal as well.
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