Audi patents cost-cutting and odor reduction in electric vehicles. Chassis without acoustic insulation, fluids with an electrosmog smell

Audi engineers are pushing the limits of what’s possible to save the brand. In a patent application filed in early October, Audi outlined a range of solutions designed to make electric cars more traditional. A keen observer, however, would note that a key goal of some of these mechanisms is to sell people the idea of cost cuts, so they’re willing to pay extra for them, enjoy them, and even thank for them.

Audi Ahead Thanks to Technology

The patent application was filed at the end of February 2025, a time when Audi was just beginning its aggressive cost-cutting measures. That same year, Audi’s president admitted the company was working on a virtual gearbox and sound effects because they “add something” when driving an electric car. The goal was to avoid “losing the emotions and character” associated with driving a gasoline vehicle, while also highlighting the “presence” of electric cars in their surroundings, as they can be difficult to notice due to their inherently quiet nature.

Schematic of the Audi Q6 e-tron. In the future, a pipe from the turbocharger might run directly to the driver’s seat via welding (c) Audi

Audi A6 Avant e-tron, illustrative photo (c) Audi

There is also a mechanism to simulate gear shifts, of course with paddles, to give the driver “control.” There’s even an absurd proposal like a spark generator at the bottom, which is supposed to be simply a piece of metal rubbing against the surface. Impressive electric arcs on the outside were not overlooked either. But within this entire smoke screen, there are also mechanisms to block Chinese electric cars: blinking headlights and pulsing light strips on the body, that is, lights with visual effects (compare: Tetris in the Aito M9; video below).

Audi also considered a mechanism for releasing calming scents while stuck in traffic jams. And if there was a need for stimulation and excitement, the same system could generate an “electromagnetic smog scent resembling a toy train.” It’s worth noting that these toy locomotives emit a smell similar to the smoke from the chimneys of old factories (source), although some claim it’s simply the stench of overheating batteries/electronics. Everything works by heating a suitable fluid, so there’s little chance of spreading exhaust-like odors in the surroundings.

Editor’s note from Elektrowozu: If this helps promote electric vehicles more widely, then why not? On the other hand, those who have ridden in a typical electric vehicle with its quiet operation and lack of gears rarely want to return to the noisy presence of traditional engines...

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