Audi's New Project Could See EVs Become Mobile Air Purifiers

Audi is working with one of its suppliers Mann+Hummel to develop a new air particulate filter for its EVs. However, unlike regular air filters that work to improve quality inside the vehicles, the Urban Purifier project filter tech will help clean up the air around the EV it is fitted to. The project was recently demonstrated at the recently concluded Greentech Festival in London.

So just how exactly does this system work? Audi states that the new filter is integrated into the vehicle's existing airflow in front of the radiator so that only a few modifications to the car are necessary which helps keep costs down.

The filter element is controlled via the switchable cooling air inlet and according to Audi, its mechanical function can be compared with that of a vacuum cleaner. After being sucked in, the fine dust particles remain stuck in the filter while the cleaned out air can still flow through it.

The filter works passively while the EV is on the go and will also work when the vehicle is being charged. A fan built into the EV switches on and pulls air through the radiator, which the filter continues to clean up as the vehicle charges up its battery pack.

According to Audi, 85 per cent of the fine dust in road traffic, regardless of a vehicle's propulsion system, is caused by brake, tire, or road abrasion. These micro dust particles, which are invisible to the eye can be easily inhaled and can cause serious health issues.

Audi's Urban Purifier pilot project, which was launched back in 2020 and will run for a total of 4 years, is looking to help deal with these particulates to ensure that people get better air quality levels. After over 50,000km of testing Audi was also able to determine that the filter had no negative effect on the operation of the electric vehicle, including on hot summer days or during fast charging.

Audi claims that the filter is quite easy to maintain and only needs to be replaced at regular service intervals. Analysis of the system has shown that it will account for 14.9kg of CO2 equivalents over its lifecycle. The filter uses 15 per cent recycled materials and the entire system is 60 per cent recycled.

Thoughts About Audi's Urban Filter Project

Audi's Urban Filter project looks quite promising. If it does end up going into Audi's production EVs then we should expect slightly more breathable air whenever an EV with Audi's five rings at its front passes by us or when we pass by one that is plugged into a charger.