The characteristics of the Dakar Rally present the engineers with special challenges. The marathon event lasts two weeks, and the daily stages are up to 800 kilometers in length.

Because there are no charging opportunities in the desert, Audi has chosen an innovative charging concept: onboard the Audi RS Q e-tron, there is the highly efficient TFSI engine from Audi’s DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) that acts as a generator to charge the high-voltage battery while driving. Since the combustion engine is operated between 4,500 to 6,000 rpm, its consumption is well below 200 grams per kWh.

Meanwhile, the drivetrain of the Audi RS Q e-tron is electric. The front and rear axles are both fitted with a motor-generator unit (MGU) from the current Audi e-tron FE07 Formula E car which has been developed by Audi Sport for the 2021 season. Only minor modifications had to be made to use the MGU in the Dakar Rally.

A third MGU, of identical design, is part of the energy converter and serves to recharge the high-voltage battery while driving. In addition, energy is recuperated during braking. The battery weighs about 370 kilograms and has a capacity of around 50 kWh.

The maximum system power of the e-drivetrain is 500 kW or around 680 horsepower. How much of this may be used during the Dakar Rally is still being finalized by the organizers. The electric drivetain offers many advantages. The electric motors can be controlled extremely precisely and can thus ensure good drivability. In addition, braking energy can be recovered.

The Audi RS Q e-tron only needs one forward gear. The front and rear axles are not mechanically connected, as is also common in electric vehicles. The software developed by Audi takes over the torque distribution between the axles and thus creates a virtual and freely configurable center differential, which has the positive side effect of being able to save the weight and space that would have been required by propshafts and a mechanical differential.

Visually, the Audi RS Q e-tron also differs significantly from conventionally-powered Dakar prototypes.

Audi’s Dakar Rally entry is being run in conjunction with Q Motorsport whose team principal compares the project’s challenges to the first moon landing.

The prototype of the Audi RS Q e-tron had its first roll-out in Neuburg at the beginning of July. An intensive test program, and the first test entries at cross-country rallies are on the agenda from now until the end of the year.