Audi is currently engaged in examining the feasibility of battery stacking as a potential solution for further enhancing the driving range of its electric vehicle lineup. The company is exploring this innovative approach to tackle the challenge of range anxiety and cater to its customers’ evolving needs, who are increasingly shifting towards sustainable mobility options.
In the past, lithium-ion cells were formed into a “jelly roll” structure, which restricted the use of the interior volume of prismatic cells. However, Audi has found a way to stack individual electrode sheets into larger stacks, allowing for better use of physical space per cell and increasing cell capacity. With this method, electric vehicles can achieve higher overall energy density and improved range.
For example, the Q8 e-tron SUV and Sportback models now come with a battery pack with approximately 20 kilowatt-hours more gross capacity than the older models. This battery offers 114 kWh without requiring more space and leads to a 30% increase in range for new Q8 e-tron. Despite the slower production process and higher costs, Audi has prioritized the advantages of the stacking method.
At their battery test center located in Gaimersheim, Germany, they design, develop, and test battery cells and components. The upcoming version of the battery technology aims to integrate cells even more into the battery pack, bringing down costs and improving battery design, leading to higher vehicle efficiency. Audi is genuinely committed to pushing the limits of electric vehicle range and performance through their pursuit of battery stacking technology.
Audi Media Center: “Audi TechDay: Battery Technology”
