Audi To Use Aicon EV For Autonomous Pilot Fleet In 2021

Audi intends to use the upcoming Aicon all-electric saloon as a basis for a fleet of autonomous cars it plans on launching in three years’ time.

Speaking at the global launch of the Audi Q8, company boss Rupert Stadler confirmed the news.

“Our vision of the new premium is why – in just three years from now – we will present our first autonomous pilot scheme. This fleet will be based on the Audi Aicon,” Stadler said.

The automaker had previously revealed that the Alcon would indeed reach the production line, but failed to offer additional details about its plans for the vehicle. While discussing the Aicon with Auto Express, Stadler again didn’t offer a huge number of details about the fleet other than the fact that it will be launched in 2021.

In any case, the is expected to come equipped with level 5 autonomous driving functionality.

As a matter of fact, the Aicon concept didn’t feature a steering wheel or pedals, indicating just how serious the German marque is about making it fully autonomous. The rest of the concept’s interior was very minimalist and incorporated front seats that could swivel up to 15 degrees and move up to 50 cm back and forth.

Power for the concept came in the form of an electric motor at each wheel for a total of 349 hp and 550 Nm of torque. Interestingly, Audi was able to mount the brakes further from the wheels and closer to the electric motors to reduce unsprung mass.

While it remains to be seen if the same technology will feature on the production model, there’s no doubt that the road-going Aicon will be the German brand’s most advanced vehicle.