The B2B platform for full-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Product News

In Frankfurt last year Audi presented the first heat pump to appear in a EV in its e-tron concept model. With its second concept e-tron, presented at the Detroit Autoshow, Audi emphasised the superior efficiency heat pumps have. Hence, it is time to have a closer look at the technology that heats the interior of the car while saving energy and extending the range.

The Audi e-tron Detroit Show car incorporates an innovative technology. Presented as a “revolutionary detail” by Audi, the heat pump is designed to boost efficiency and range of the EV.

To address the problem of keeping high performance batteries cool in hot conditions or preheat the drive system in cold conditions, Audi features hi-tech heat pumps combined with a thermal management system in the e-tron models. The heat pump is used as an efficient means of heating up and maintaining the interior temperature. The drive system, power electronics and battery have innovative thermal management, which is crucial for maintaining a high operating range coupled with interior comfort.

First heat pump for efficient EV heating and cooling

Unlike a combustion engine, the electric drive system generally does not produce enough waste heat to effectively heat the interior. Audi explains in its press release that other electric vehicles are equipped with electric supplemental heaters, which consume a relatively large amount of energy. The heat pump used by Audi, and commonly used in buildings, is a highly efficient machine that uses mechanical work to provide heat with a minimum input of energy.

The Detroit Show car is a two-seater and a variant of the e-tron concept where the heat pump made its first appearance in an automobile. According to the press release a high-efficiency climate control system is used to cool the interior. It works together with the thermal management system to also control the temperature of the high-voltage battery. This is because the battery, power electronics and electric motors must be kept at their respective ideal operating temperatures to achieve optimal performance and range.