Audi has collaborated with its supplier Mann+Hummel to create an innovative air purification technology that works for electric vehicles by gathering ambient particulate matter while driving and charging. It has demonstrated that it improves air quality in the cities where it has been installed during the initial pilot phase.
It has been determined that road, tyre, and brake abrasion account for 85% of the fine dust produced by vehicular traffic. The WHO has suggested lower particulate matter limits for the tiny dust particles, which have a diameter of only 10 micrometres.
The way this innovative air filtration system operates allows it to capture both particles released by other vehicles as well as the car's own particulate emissions, like those on the Audi e-Tron.
Only a few modifications are necessary, lowering expenses, and the filters are integrated into the airflow of the car in front of the radiator. The filter's mechanical operation is similar to that of a vacuum cleaner and is likewise regulated by a switchable cooling air inlet.
After more than 50,000 kilometres of testing on the Audi e-Tron, it has been shown that the filters have no negative effects on the operation of the EV, even during hot days or during quick charging. According to Audi, it is so effective that it can capture the dust from three vehicles. In order to interact with current sensors and build logic into the vehicle that will let passengers know when the system is engaged and how effective it has been, Audi is collaborating with Mann+Hummel.