In order to achieve Audi’s goal of decarbonization and carbon neutrality within its model’s lineup before 2030. The company has announced that its six-cylinder turbo-diesel engines generating up to 210 kW will be compatible with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). Back in March of 2021, Audi has also announced it was halting the development of new combustion engines.
Audi vehicles chosen for decarbonization
According to a press release, the most popular models of its lineup – the A4, A7, Q7, and Q8 equipped with the V6 TDI powertrain – have been prioritized for this next step towards decarbonizing their fleet. Audi has announced that all of the selected models that have been manufactured from the middle of February 2022 are able to be filled with HVO. Oliver Hoffman, Development Officer at Audi, said; ”We’re optimizing our existing combustion engine portfolio for more efficiency and lower emissions. One way we’re doing this is by creating the requisite technical foundations for the use of sustainable fuels such as HVO.”
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The Ingolstadt automaker has stated that the powertrains like the R4 TDI found in vehicles such as the A4, A6, A7, and Q5 were approved in Sweden since the middle of last year for the use of HVO. In Europe, renewable fuels like HVO are more prevalent than in any other nation. Currently, renewable fuel is available at over 600 filling stations in Europe which is not a very high amount. But, still, it is a positive step in the direction of eradicating highly polluting fossil fuels. Matthias Schober, head of powertrain development
Advantages of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO)
HVO is a renewable biofuel created from excess or waste materials such as vegetable oils from the food sector or agricultural residue which is beneficial for reduced CO2 emissions, cleaner combustion, and increased combustion efficiency instead of conventional diesel. Matthias Schober, Head of Powertrain Development at Audi, pointed out; ”As the cetane rating of HVO is around 30 percent higher, the combustibility of the engines is enhanced. The positive effects of this are particularly noticeable when the cold starts. We tested the effects on various components, the performance, and exhaust emissions in specific validation run before granting approval.”
Source: Audi Media Center
