Is it simply a coincidence, that two global corporations introduced their fuel cell and Hydrogen powered vehicles only a few days apart from each other? Where for years, hardly a word has been said about these propulsion methods. To stick to the facts, the Toyota is a finished product, which will already be delivered in Japan in 2014 and even in Europe in 2015, whereas the Audi is still a prototype.
Nevertheless, there's nothing stopping us from comparing the data. According to the manufacturers, just like the Toyota Mirai, the Audi also manages 500 kilometres. The Audi, with its 4,97 m, is longer the 4,89 m of the Toyota, although it is a sort of coupé, even though it has five doors. Of course, Audi is more or less compelled to offer their car as a quattro, i.e. two independent electric motors, one for the front axle and one for the rear.
What are the disadvantages? The tare-weight of the Audi, with its 1.950 kg, is 100 kg heavier. Indeed, the performance efficiency of its two 85 kW motors, which can even be increased by raising the voltage level, is also higher, compared with the 113 kW Toyota. The Audi, with its range of 50 kilometres, can also used as a plug-in hybrid.
Apparently, a buffer-battery is necessary with fuel cell operation, because the generated energy does not correspond to the energy which is being used at the moment. In the Audi the battery is pretty big, the reason may be the strong electric motors. Whatever the case may be, the Audi will probably be considerably more expensive than the Toyota.
So, at least in the Audi, the battery savings won't be that much. Of course, from December onwards, the Toyota Mirai will have to confirm all the advertised values. From this point of view, the Audi's projected consumption of 1 kg Hydrogen per 100 km, which would mean less than one Euro, will also have to prove itself. 11/14