2018 Audi A8 To Feature Mild-Hybrid Tech

With the Audi A8, the automaker is bringing a 48V electrical system to its luxury limousine. The car will also feature a mild-hybrid technology, which will improve the performance as well as the fuel efficiency.

It includes a liquid-cooled belt alternator for starting up the car, in addition to the regular starter motor, which will fire up only during cold starts. A 10 Ah Lithium-ion battery in the boot accumulates the electrons. It charges up when coasting to capture the wasted energy and adds extra torque when accelerating.

The auto start-stop feature in the A8 turns on the engine smoothly if the car is stopped and the air conditioning needs to maintain the cabin temperature. The system is also predictive and detects the movement of the car in front. If the vehicle in front starts to roll, the engine comes on instantly even if the foot is on the brake pedal.

The mild-hybrid technology will help the car save about 700ml of fuel for every 100km. Falling into the hybrid category may also benefit Audi as it could get the car into the lower tax slab. Currently, there's no concession given to hybrids of any kind, mild or otherwise. But, the government has said that they'd reconsider the tax slab for hybrids.

The upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class is another car that's making the switch to the 48V electrical system. The biggest benefit of the higher voltage is for hybrid and electric cars as they already have a high power electric motor that runs on 48 volts. Getting the high-voltage component cost down before going all-electric will help keep the costs of greener cars low.

Also Read: Audi Confirms Self-Piloting A8 For 2018