Electric vehicles are locally considered greener in terms of CO2 and other emissions compared to combustion-powered cars, meaning they are cleaner during operation. However, electric energy for EVs doesn’t necessarily come from more environmentally friendly sources, but that’s a different topic of conversation. Regardless of the engine type, however, all vehicles generate fine dust from their brakes and tires and from road abrasion. Is there a solution to reduce the amount of particulate pollution? Not yet but Audi is working on it.
The German automaker has a new pilot project being developed with parts supplier Mann + Hummel and the two companies are designing new particulate filters for electric cars that collect particles from the environment. The filter works similarly to a stationary air filtration system for the home, although being installed at the front end of a car means it can collect particulates produced by the same car.
Launched in 2020, the pilot project will run until 2024 when results will be evaluated. The filter is mounted to the vehicle’s frame located on the front fascia in front of the radiator, meaning that only minor modifications to the design were required. The filter is controlled by a replaceable cooling air inlet, which keeps fine dust particles from sticking to the filter. Audi has tested the new technology on the E-Tron test vehicle.
The system works in two modes. While the vehicle is in motion, it passively filters as air flows through the filter system and the smallest particles are captured. During stationary charging, a fan built into the front end of the vehicle circulates ambient air through the filter. Audi explains that the second mode is ideal for use in urban areas when charging at public stations.
Initial tests so far have shown that the filter has no negative effect on the way the electric E-Tron test vehicle operates after approximately 31,068 miles (50,000 kilometers) of endurance testing. Evaluations in the German city of Stuttgart also showed the E-Tron test vehicle was able to completely filter out its own particles. The German automaker is now working with its partner Mann + Hummel to link the filtration system with existing sensors such as weather stations to make the technology more efficient.
