Learning Electric

Like OEMs everywhere, Audi is working hard to electrify its offerings, whether this means hybridized or fully electric vehicles.

Electric Audi A3 e-trons

The company recognizes that while this is a huge transformation, chances are good that its powertrain development engineers probably know more about mechanics and combustion than electrification.

Consequently, the company has developed, along with professors from the Technical University of Ingolstadt (THI), a course to help its engineering staff learn both through courses and self-learning.

The course lasts three and a half months and the first group of participants from the Powertrain Development Dept. will complete it in January 2017.

Among the modules are “Electric Machines and Power Electronics” and “Concepts for Electrified Vehicles and Energy Storage.”

A model of the electric machine for the Q7 e-tron quattro

Oliver Hoffmann, who heads Powertrain Development at Audi, puts it quite succinctly: “We are working hard to accelerate the electrification of the Audi fleet. That’s why we need experienced employees with the best qualifications to support this transformation.”

If this program works out as planned, Audi will work with THI to develop other training programs for its employees.