Audi: Car cleans the air

Regardless of whether it's an old combustion engine or an electric car, all vehicles generate considerable amounts of particulate matter through braking and tyre and road abrasion, for example. While alternative forms of propulsion such as electric or hydrogen engines represent at least a partial solution to the problem of polluting vehicle emissions, the problem of indirect generation of particulate matter remains fundamentally unsolved. And it is precisely for this reason that Audi has launched a new project together with the supplier and project partner Hummel + Mann 2020. The goal? A new type of particulate filter for electric cars, which - installed in the front of the car - is supposed to capture fine dust from the surrounding air. 

The filter is similar to air filter systems for houses, with the not insignificant difference that it is designed for active use in road traffic. The filter is mounted on the existing frame of the vehicle in the front apron in front of the radiator, so that only minimal design adjustments are necessary. A switchable cooling air inlet will control the filter system. The real special feature of the innovative air filtration system, however, lies in the two modes in which the system operates. While the vehicle is moving, fine dust particles are passively filtered by the air flowing through the filter and thus letting small particles out behind it. When the vehicle is stationary, such as during stationary charging, the filter system is also able to fulfil its purpose and continue to clean the ambient air. A function that could be particularly advantageous in urban areas with high traffic volumes around charging stations.  

The first test runs with the fully electric Audi-e-Tron car equipped for test purposes have shown that the filter does not have a negative impact on driving behaviour. However, additional tests will take place until the end of the project phase in 2024 to make the technology more efficient. These will include testing the possibility of connecting the filter system to existing sensors such as weather stations in order to specifically optimise the filter effect. 

If the air filter system proves successful in the next two years, it could be a game changer for the car industry and the transport sector. Because where there are cars, there is traffic - and where there is traffic, there are harmful exhausts and particulate matter. Finding a solution for this - which captures at least part of the environmentally harmful particles directly and on site - could have a positive effect in connection with other emission-reducing measures, such as low emission zones. At the same time, the Audi and Mann + Hummel project could give the right push to research, test and put into action similar and improved technologies. In the end, he said, every idea, every project that could ultimately contribute to the fight against climate change should be welcomed with open arms - for the benefit of citizens and the environment.