Audi working on lithium-ion powered Q5 hybrid, Q7 hybrid put on hold

Michael Dick, Audi’s head of R&D, says that the Q7 Hybrid has been indefinitely put on hold as the German automaker shuffles its engineering sources into developing it lithium-ion battery technology. Speaking with AutoCar, Dick said that Audi has put its nickel-metal hydride Q7 hybrid plans on hold and is working on a hybrid version of the new Q5 instead.

“We have decided to make lithium ion a priority,” Dick told AutoCar. “It’s clear this technology will become increasingly important in coming years and we want to make sure we are at the forefront when it comes to market.”

The Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, both which share components with the Q7, will go on with hybrids model as planned. Dick said that Audi will build a very limited number of Q7 hybrid models for internal testing and won’t be sold to customers any time soon.

The Q5 hybrid, according to Dick, will be build around its...
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quizz - 7/30/2008 5:36:17 PM

+1 Boost

NiMH sucks the big one and is a 15 year old technology. Even Li-Ion is 10 years old, but at least it is the best technology in terms of affordability and value.

NiMH is both heavier and less efficient than its Li counterpart. Li may be a little more expensive, but as with all things, if given the scale and volume, prices will come down.

Any car manufacturer that releases a NiMH in its next generation of hybrids is really behind the curve. Needless to say, it looks like GM/Ford is still on the NiMH bandwagon, while Toyota/Honda and now VW-Audi is on the Li supertrain.

ghosthunter - 7/30/2008 7:04:20 PM

+3 Boost

NiHM sucks because it is 15 years old technology. but the first gen prius and insight was about 10 years old when they started using it.

anyhow. Li-ion is extremely unstable when exposed to oxygen. it is highly flammable and can explode, there is no solution to it yet, and giving its chemical component, there probably never will.

I am not supporting NIHM over Li-ion, i am just trying to state some facts before people get all hyped up about Li-ion.

EnnNorak - 7/30/2008 8:18:11 PM

+1 Boost

I hate hybrids and hope that Audi makes a diesel version of the Q5.

EnnNorak - 7/30/2008 8:19:57 PM

+1 Boost

BTW quizz, I think the Li-ion is better than NiMH, which in turn is better than Ni-Cd for most applications.

993Turbo - 7/31/2008 6:48:40 AM

+1 Boost

Almost like a pushrod V8

aarononymous - 7/30/2008 8:37:38 PM

+1 Boost

Makes more sense to me. Is this going to be the diesel hybrid I wonder? Lets get something else over here soon Audi!

LUXCAR32 - 7/31/2008 1:03:53 AM

+1 Boost

Ok the question is, is this coming to the U.S.???
I know the Q7 hybrid got denied for the U.S. but could we get the Q5 hybrid PLEASE.
Lexus is currently dominating the luxury hybrid market! When are Audi, Mercedes, and BMW going to wake up and start sending us the engines with better fuel economy! give the people what they want already!!!

VISO - 7/31/2008 6:55:26 PM

+1 Boost

You will see a Q5 Hybrid and TDI around 2010 if the reports are correct.