---
title: "Audi Q6 H-tron Hydrogen CUV Gasses Toward Detroit"
description: "Fuel cells push out batteries, but Quattro remains."
date: "2015-12-21"
modified: "2015-12-21"
authors:
  - name: "Danny Choy"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/danny-choy"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/1391/audi-q6-h-tron-hydrogen-cuv-gasses-toward-detroit"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Audi"
  - "detroit auto show"
---

# Audi Q6 H-tron Hydrogen CUV Gasses Toward Detroit

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/archive-images/122115_audiq6_hero.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

An Audi spokesperson announced that a "concept car with new drive technology" will be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Instead of introducing another one of those lithium ion all-electric cars, Audi is switching things up with a hydrogen fuel-cell crossover dubbed the [Q6 h-tron](<https://www.autoblog.com/2015/12/18/audi-hydrogen-q6-detroit-report/>).

The [Audi Q6 h-tron](<https://www.autoevolution.com/news/audi-could-be-bringing-a-fuel-cell-q6-called-h-tron-to-naias-2016-103112.html>) is expected to be based on the Audi E-tron Quattro Concept unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. While the Q6 H-tron may only receive minimal changes from the E-tron quattro in exterior design, the new hydrogen CUV is completely reworked underneath.

The anticipated Q6 H-tron replaces the lithium-ion battery array with a new hydrogen fuel cell mounted to the floor for optimal balance. While Audi has yet to share exactly how the new hydrogen powertrain in the Q6 H-tron will work, *[Autocar](<https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor-shows-detroit-motor-show/audi-q6-h-tron-concept-set-detroit-show-debut>)* reports that the engineers at Audi have high faith in its hydrogen tech, which utilizes wind turbines that "crack" water into hydrogen and oxygen particles.

On paper, the [Audi Q6 H-tron](<https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/audi-q6-h-tron-concept-to-debut-in-detroit-21-12-2015/>) will compete against the likes of the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell, a hydrogen variant Toyota Mirai, and the Honda FCV Clarity. Should Audi actually bring the Q6 H-tron to market, expect it to be built alongside the E-tron Quattro as well as traditional gasoline and diesel-engined Audi Q6 variants.

The Q6 E-tron is expected to go on sale by 2018 to compete against the [Tesla Model X](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/369/sorry-friends-but-the-tesla-model-x-isnt-progress>). At least in concept form, the Q6 features three electric motors combining to produce 429 horsepower as well as a claimed driving range of 311 miles.

![122115\_audiq6\_art\_1.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content/archive-images/122115_audiq6_art_1.jpg>)

![122115\_audiq6\_art\_2\_0.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content/archive-images/122115_audiq6_art_2_0.jpg>)

![122115\_audiq6\_art\_3.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content/archive-images/122115_audiq6_art_3.jpg>)

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