General notes
Hybrid drive is a combined powertrain concept that automatically switches between a combustion engine and an electric motor or combines the two.
All work on the high-voltage system must be carried out solely by qualified high-voltage technicians in authorised workshops according to Audi's regulations.
The high-voltage system is comprised of a high-voltage battery, power electronics, an electric motor, a high-voltage air conditioner compressor and orange-coloured high-voltage cables.
High-voltage battery
The high-voltage battery is located under the floor panel in the luggage compartment and cannot be serviced by the user. For more information about the high-voltage battery, refer to Link.
The maintenance connector for the high-voltage battery is also located under the floor panel beneath an orange cover. The maintenance connector is only intended for qualified technicians and must not be unplugged by untrained people.
WARNING!
The voltage of the high-voltage system is extremely high - danger of death! Touching damaged high-voltage components could cause you to be fatally electrocuted. A warning sticker is attached to the different parts of the high-voltage system. This is intended to warn you of the high voltage.
- Never perform work on the orange-coloured high-voltage cables or the high-voltage components yourself. Work on the high-voltage system may only be performed by authorised workshops that have been approved for this type of work.
- Never open or remove the cover of the maintenance connector in the middle of the luggage compartment.
- The orange-coloured high-voltage cable must never be damaged, modified, removed or disconnected from the high-voltage system.
- The Audi regulations must be adhered to during all work on the high-voltage system and the high-voltage components.
WARNING!
When using the electric motor, the Audi A8 produces significantly less sound (both when moving and when stationary) than when the combustion engine is running. It is therefore difficult or impossible for other road users, such as pedestrians and children, to notice the Audi A8 when it is running on electric power. This can lead to accidents and injuries; areas with little traffic, parking manoeuvres and reversing are particularly dangerous in this respect.
WARNING!
Never leave the Audi A8 unattended when the drive system is active. The Audi A8 can begin to move if the accelerator pedal is pressed even if the combustion engine is switched off. This can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries. When the Audi A8 is ready to be driven, the status message hybrid ready appears briefly in the instrument cluster display and the needle in the power meter moves to READY Link.
- Before leaving the Audi A8, ensure that the selector lever is in position P, the ignition is switched off and therefore that the hybrid system is also off.
Caution!
- The high-voltage system can be damaged if the underside of the Audi A8 makes heavy contact with the ground. Drive to a qualified workshop without delay and have the Audi A8 checked.
- Do not transport liquids in open containers in the luggage compartment. Spilt liquids could get under the floor panel. This could damage the high-voltage system.