The implementation of this technology to create renewable fuel is a result of the firm’s push towards decarburization and carbon neutrality within its model’s lineup before 2030.
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 decarburizing 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. The Ingolstadt automaker has stated that it will continue to produce more models that are able to utilize hydro treated vegetable oil going forward.
The powertrains like the R4 TDI found in vehicles such as the A4, A6, A7, and Q5 were approved in Sweden for the use of HVO since the middle of last year. HVO is a renewable biofuel manufactured using residual or waste materials such as vegetable oils used in the food industry, or residual agricultural material. These materials are then combined with hydrogen to convert the substance into aliphatic hydrogen. The resulting aliphatic hydrogen is suitable for use in diesel engines. This renewable fuel can be used to supplement fossil elements in fuel, can be combined with traditional diesel fuel, or can be implemented on its own as a pure fuel.
Some advantages of using HVO include reduced CO2 emissions compared to conventional diesel motors, cleaner combustion, as well as improved combustion efficiency. Matthias Schober, Head of Powertrain Development for V-TFSI, TDI, and PHEV at Audi, pointed out. While Audi has taken significant measures to further its carbon neutral efforts, other manufacturers such as Porsche and McLaren have already made strides in their race for the perfect synthetic fuel.
