What does Audi's mild hybrid system mean?
4 Answers
Audi's mild hybrid system refers to a type of powertrain system in vehicles. Cars equipped with this system generally have a starter-generator, which can provide a certain amount of kinetic energy via a belt (this is the essence of the mild hybrid system). Additionally, the system includes an extra 12V lithium-ion battery to power this starter-generator and receive the generated electricity. Below is an introduction to Audi cars: 1. Brand Introduction: Audi is a renowned car developer and manufacturer, with its logo featuring four interlocking rings. Currently, it is a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany. 2. Audi Models: The main models include Audi A1, Audi A3, Audi A4, Audi A5, Audi A6, Audi A7, Audi A8, Audi Q1, Audi Q2, Audi Q3, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi Q8, Audi TT, Audi R8, as well as the S and RS performance series.
Audi's mild hybrid system is essentially adding an 'electric buff' to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. I've driven several cars equipped with the 48V mild hybrid, and the most noticeable improvement is the quieter start-stop function. At red lights, the engine completely shuts down, and when starting again, the motor silently gets the car moving, much smoother than the old start-stop systems. When coasting with the throttle released, the dashboard shows energy recovery, replenishing the battery like charging a phone. In city driving, it can save about half a liter of fuel. The key benefit is that components like the starter and air conditioning compressor are now powered by the motor, so the AC stays cool even at red lights. However, this system doesn't allow the car to run purely on electricity; it's just there to assist the engine.
Basically, it's about installing an enhanced battery (48V battery) and a small electric motor in an Audi. I've studied its principle—that motor called BSG is mounted next to the engine belt, functioning both as a generator and a starter. When you floor the accelerator, the motor provides extra power, giving a slight push-back sensation. The most practical part is energy recovery, converting wasted kinetic energy into electricity when braking downhill. Audi has hidden this system very discreetly, adding no extra maintenance items, though the battery takes up some space under the trunk. In my opinion, this technology is best suited for those often stuck in traffic—fuel saving is secondary; the real highlight is the significant improvement in driving refinement.
After driving an Audi A6L with mild hybrid, I discovered three great features: First, the auto start-stop is no longer useless, with the engine restart being almost imperceptible; Second, coasting feels as smooth as being in neutral; Third, the initial acceleration is noticeably more agile. This system relies on the coordination of a 48V lithium battery and a drive motor, recycling braking energy to store and power the air conditioning at traffic lights. Don't expect to drive purely on electricity, but it does make a big-displacement engine like the 3.0T much gentler in the city, with the fuel consumption display showing about 0.7L lower.
