Audi denies reports of dispute with Volkswagen over EVs

Audi A1 e-tron

Audi denied reports coming out of Germany that it plans to launch sales of a series production electric version of an A1 with a range-extending rotary engine against the wishes of parent Volkswagen. Financial Times Deutschland reported on Monday that Audi plans to go its own way on electric-cars by developing for production an A1 powered by a lithium ion battery and a small gasoline combustion engine.

The newspaper said that Audi wants to sell a rotary engine EV to give it a stand-out competitor to BMW’s upcoming Megacity vehicle.

Denying the reports, anAudi spokesman told Automotive News Europe: “There is no problem between VW and Audi.”

Audi unveiled the A1 e-tron concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, calling it a “near-series production vehicle.”

Refresher: The Audi A1 e-tron is a “near-series” vehicle based on the A1 and is powered by a synchronous electric motor that produces a continuous output of 61-hp with a peak output of 102-hp available in short bursts. On a full charge of the lithium-ion batteries, the Audi A1 e-tron can travel 31 miles in city traffic. After the battery has been depleted, the A1 e-tron uses a Wankel engine as a range-extender along with an electrical generator with a charge rating of up to 15 kW. That allows it to travel an additional 124 miles. Top speed comes in at 81 mph.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)