Audi A2-H2 Fuel Cell Hybrid Prototype Emits Nothing but Water

A new hydrogen-powered prototype, based on the pioneering Audi A2 hatchback is the latest advance from Audi. Based on the exceptionally fuel efficient, 94mpg Audi A2 1.2 TDI, the A2-H2 fuel cell hybrid emits pure water and nothing else.

Having competed recently in the Challenge Bibendum contest in Shanghai - the world’s biggest competition for sustainable drive and energy concepts - the Audi A2-H2 combines an environmentally sound fuel cell propulsion unit with a high performance storage battery. The PEM fuel cell utilizes an electrochemical process that converts oxygen and hydrogen to water vapour, an electric current and heat. The electric current is either stored in the air-cooled NiMH traction battery or supplied to the synchronous electric motor, where it is then converted to traction energy.

During normal drving conditions the fuel cell supplies current to only the electric motor. When agressive acceleration is required the electric motor supplies current from the fuel cell and the traction battery at the same time for maximum power output. Even making up to 150PS and 425Nm of torque available for brief periods.

Simulation testing suggests the Audi A2-H2 is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62mph in less than 10 seconds, can attain a top speed of 109mph and can also cover up to 137 miles before its three hydrogen storage tanks need to be refilled with up to 1.8kg of hydrogen. Equivalent to around 1.5 gallons of gasoline, this provides the Audi A2-H2 a consumption figure equivalent to approximately 94mpg.

The current gasoline and TDI-powered Audi A2 models are still the only volume production cars to feature a body shell built solely from aluminium, reducing their weight by over 40 per cent compared to an equivalent steel-bodied counterpart. Combined with a very low drag coefficient of just 0.28, this greatly benefits comfort, handling agility, fuel economy and performance.

The latest Audi A2 range now features just two new Special Edition models powered by 1.4-litre gas and TDI engines with 75PS and features extra standard equipment.