04/08/08

Audi chooses lithium technology and Travolution

The first for hybrids, the second for traffic management

To complete the puzzle of sustainable mobility is not enough to have less polluting cars, but in addition infrastructures should optimize the flow of cars. Audi is working on both of these issues: despite the purpose of an hybrid Q7 with nickel metal hydride battery has been canceled, the german brand opted for the lithium-ion technology, to be among the first when it’ll hit the market. Audi R&D Boss Michael Dick confirmed to the british magazine Autocar that the reason is tha they were unsatisfied with the poor cold weather performance and limited capacity of NiMH batteries. Dick therefore expects to debut with the Q5 as the first hybrid model, equipped with a lithium-ion battery.

Audi has spent the past two years developing its Travolution project, whose tests have ended at Ingolstadt. Due to an investment of about €1.2 million in the project, has been designed an optimization of the flow of traffic through networked communications between traffic lights and cars, reducing stopping times, braking and downshifting.

The Travolution system was tested at 46 traffic lights with communications modules and on an Audi A5 and an A6 Avant with an on-board computer. Traffic lights sent the time for the next green-light phase to the cars and the driver were informed through the Audi MMI system at what speed he should travel not to be stopped.

With the successful completion of the test trials, Travolution is to be expanded by another 20 cars and 50 traffic light installations. In addition, up-to-the-minute traffic information for the city will keep drivers better informed.