RSQ E-Tron is Audi's 671-HP Offroad Racer
Audi aims to bring the electric drive RSQ E-Tron to Dakar and put it to the test against gasoline-powered competition in the most extreme conditions.
History In Racing
With Audi's ultra-successful history in rally racing, and their recent investment in EVs and Formula E, bringing an electric-powered off-road racer to the mix at Dakar seems like a natural direction for the company. But the manufacturer isn't taking the conventional route into the competition. And the futuristic look of the RSQ E-Tron further prove that point.
RSQ E-Tron
The Audi RSQ E-tron is engineered to highlight the advantages of the company's electric drive capabilities. However, given the fact that there are no charging stations in the middle of the desert, they had to figure an alternative charging method into the vehicle. And that comes courtesy of a trusty old internal combustion engine.
>>Join the conversation about this RSQ e-tron right here in the Audi World Forum!
Electric Motors and Internal Combustion
In addition to having a 50kWh battery and one electric motor for each axle, the race car also comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder motor. This unit is borrowed from the RS5 Turbo DTM. The electric motors are carried over from the formidable Audi E-Tron FE07 Formula E race car.
>>Join the conversation about this RSQ e-tron right here in the Audi World Forum!
Looking For Efficiency
The engine serves as a generator for the battery. It activates the third motor, which in turn adds electricity. This electricity regeneration motor also works as a energy recovery system while braking. Instead of letting the kinetic energy dissipate into heat under braking, the system will harness that energy and return it to the battery to be used by the driving motors.
>>Join the conversation about this RSQ e-tron right here in the Audi World Forum!
Advantages of Electric Power
It may seem like an uphill battle for Audi at first glance. In reality, the electric drive system actually brings massive advantages to the table. Most importantly, the lack of traditional axles and differentials means the output to the wheels can be adjusted electronically. This allows the engineers to program the car to be operating more efficiently and more intelligently throughout the race. Plus, the system saves a lot of weight.
>>Join the conversation about this RSQ e-tron right here in the Audi World Forum!
