Audi’s new A6 E-tron is not only one of the sleekest cars on the market but also the most aerodynamically efficient car the company has produced. With a drag coefficient of 0.21, it rivals the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and falls just below the Tesla Model S and Mercedes EQS. This focus on aerodynamics is essential for achieving the car’s impressive range of 466 miles.
Moni Islam, Audi’s head of aerodynamic and aeroacoustic development, explains that around 40% of a car’s energy is expended in overcoming air resistance, rising to nearly 60% at motorway speeds. With electric vehicles, this becomes even more significant as a third of the battery’s energy is used to overcome wind resistance. However, EVs also present new opportunities to tackle this challenge.
Compared to vehicles with combustion powertrains, EVs have much higher thermal efficiency. In traditional cars, a large portion of the fuel is expended as heat, with only 10% used to overcome aerodynamic drag. This stark difference in efficiency highlights the importance of aerodynamics in electric vehicles. Additionally, EVs benefit from having a flat floor, making it easier to optimize aerodynamics compared to ICE cars, where components need to be exposed for cooling purposes.
Audi has been actively involved in the development of its new PPE platform, which is used by the A6 and Q6 E-tron. By working closely with designers and engineers, Audi maximizes the efficiency of these vehicles. Several features contribute to the A6 E-tron’s aerodynamic performance, including active shutters that close when the radiator does not need cooling, diverting air over and beneath the car to add more than seven miles of range. Air channels in the front wings also ensure efficient airflow around sharp corners, optimizing interaction with the wheels.
Wheel design is another crucial aspect of aerodynamics. Islam explains that wheel aerodynamics are not necessarily intuitive, and a featureless flat disc would not be optimal. Instead, the A6’s wheels are designed to maximize brake cooling and unblock part of the flow from under the body. Additionally, the A6 E-tron offers optional side cameras, which are significantly slimmer than standard mirrors and add an extra 4.3 miles of range.
The A6 E-tron also incorporates air suspension, which drops the car by 20mm at speeds above 75mph. This not only smooths the airflow over the body but also brings the body closer to the wheels, reducing turbulence inside the wheel arches. Hidden Gurney flaps at the rear of the floorpan and mini spoilers for the rear wheels further enhance aerodynamics.
In a Q&A session, Audi CEO Gernot Dollner acknowledges the challenge of balancing SUVs, which are popular among customers, with the need for aerodynamic efficiency. He highlights that SUVs account for a significant portion of the market and that Audi must cater to customer demand. However, he also emphasizes Audi’s commitment to improving efficiency and range, which he believes sets them apart from competitors.
When asked about competition from Chinese rivals in the EV market, Dollner acknowledges the strong competition but expresses confidence in Audi’s values of design quality, classical driving functions, efficiency, and range. He notes that Audi is catching up in areas such as in-cabin experience and automated driving.
Regarding Audi’s future lineup, Dollner confirms a strong future for Audi in the A3 segment. He also reveals plans for an entry-level battery-electric vehicle that will be produced in Ingolstadt and positioned at the lower end of the A3 segment.
Overall, Audi’s focus on aerodynamics in its new A6 E-tron showcases the company’s commitment to maximizing efficiency and range in electric vehicles. By incorporating various aerodynamic features and working closely with designers and engineers, Audi has achieved impressive performance in terms of both aerodynamics and range. This dedication to innovation and efficiency positions Audi as a strong competitor in the EV market, even in the face of increasing competition from Chinese rivals.