Audi frunk heater patent 2026: how the electric and gas module works

Audi has filed a patent for a frunk-mounted heating module that runs on electricity or gas to warm the cabin or a camping tent without draining the battery.

Author: Polina Kotikova

12:53 01-08-2026

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Audi has filed a patent for a module that fits into the frunk of an electric vehicle and supplies the standard climate system with heat or external electricity. In one configuration, the device plugs into an outlet; in another, it uses a gas cylinder, burner, and heat exchanger. The main goal is to heat the cabin or an attached tent without draining the traction battery.

Application DE102025126126A1 was filed on July 4, 2025, and published on July 2, 2026. The removable unit can draw power through a 3-pin CEE plug and a built-in converter. The alternative version feeds heat from the gas burner directly into the car’s climate system.

Such a system could help offset winter range loss. However, the patent document narrows that framing considerably: the primary scenario is camping, overnight stays, and heating a poorly insulated tent attached to the vehicle. Wood pellets, methanol gel, liquid fuel, and any specific range boost are not mentioned in the filing.

While parked, the gas module is meant to run with the frunk lid open so combustion byproducts can escape. For use while driving, vents are provided at the bottom of the compartment. The gas cylinder can include a safety valve that shuts off gas flow under strong vibration or in a collision. The heater is designed to be controlled through the car’s standard thermal management system.

How useful this setup turns out to be depends on the scenario. For an ordinary winter drive, it’s more efficient to preheat the battery and cabin while the car is still plugged in — something SPEEDME.RU has covered before when looking at prepping an EV for use at around −20 °C. Battery temperature also determines how much fast-charging power is available, so preheating matters for more than just passenger comfort.

Audi has not announced any plans to put the module into production. The patent protects the technical idea but doesn’t guarantee a gas heater will show up on future Q6 e-tron, A6 e-tron, or other models from the brand.