Audi’s R8 e-tron Possibly Doubles Battery Energy Density

Dean Sigler Electric Powerplants, Sustainable Aviation Leave a Comment

Autoblog.com provides an early view of Audi’s newest electric supercar and material from Audi’s press release regarding the vehicle.  Although much positive PR has been generated about the car’s new battery and its improved energy density, closer examination shows it’s about what we might expect, and close to what Tesla already offers. Audi’s latest iteration of its R8 e-tron uses a “multimaterial Audi Space Frame,” variable geometry wheels which open and close to ventilate and streamline, and a battery pack which occupies the same space as the earlier model’s but which has twice the energy storage capacity. The space frame includes a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) rear-section module which comprises the luggage compartment, but also provides rear crash protection through corrugated walls.  This may also be a way to maintain security for the battery pack, which forms a “T” with the top bar forming a high wall behind the car’s two seats.  Battery modules stacked four-high might form a …