Audi shows off its new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle

January 14, 2016 1 By Stephen Vagus

Audi has unveiled its new concept car, which is equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell

Audi has recently revealed its first fuel cell vehicle, called the h-tron quattro. The vehicle currently exists as a concept car, with Audi showcasing its technology and capabilities at the Detroit Auto Show. The technology behind the vehicle may be used in a future production vehicle, especially as Audi becomes more interested in clean transportation. The vehicle is equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell, which consumes hydrogen to produce electrical power. This process does not result in the creation of harmful emissions.

New vehicle will have higher range and better performance

According to Audi, the new fuel cell vehicles boasts of high range, swift refueling, and high road performance. The h-tron is an SUV, with its hydrogen fuel cell producing some 110 kilowatts of electrical power. The vehicle is also equipped with a battery, which provides 100 kilowatts of energy. Audi notes that the fuel cell vehicle can accelerate up to 62 miles-per-hour in under seven seconds, showcasing the performance capabilities of hydrogen fuel cells and how they can be used in performance vehicles.

Fuel cell vehicles have some benefits over battery electrics

The main benefit of the fuel cell vehicle is its long range and low refueling time. Vehicles equipped with hydrogen fuel cells can be fueled in the same amount of time as their conventional counterparts, which makes them somewhat more attractive than vehicles using batteries. Battery-powered vehicles require several hours to be fully charged. Fuel cell vehicles can operate for longer periods of time before needing to be refueled, which provides them an edge against battery electrics.

Auto industry is showing strong support for hydrogen fuel cells

Audi is one among several automakers that are planning to launch fuel cell vehicles in the future. The auto industry has taken a major interest in hydrogen fuel cells, with several companies investing in the development of this technology in order to make fuel cells less expensive and more efficient. Large automakers have already released fuel cell vehicles in prominent markets, but they have concerns regarding the lack of a comprehensive hydrogen fuel infrastructure.

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