South Korean high tech companies LG Chem and Samsung SDI will invest in European battery cell production for Audi, with the brand’s upcoming electric SUV to be the first beneficiary of the new battery.
The EV SUV will have a driving range of more than 500 km (311 miles), thanks to the powerful cell modules from LG Chem and Samsung SDI which are said to offer “particularly high performance.”
The two Audi partners plan to invest in the cell technology in Europe and will supply the German luxury car manufacturer from their European plants.
“Together with our South Korean development partners, we are bringing production of the latest battery‑cell technology to the EU and strengthening European industry with this key technology,” stated Dr. Bernd Martens, Member of the Board of Management of Audi AG for Procurement. “This will allow us to supply a technological solution that makes electric cars even more attractive for our customers,” the executive added.
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management of Audi AG for Development, said the brand’s first battery‑electric SUV will combine an emission-free drive system with driving pleasure.
“We will optimally integrate the innovative cell modules developed with LG Chem and Samsung SDI into our vehicle architecture, thus achieving an attractive overall package of sportiness and range,” the executive said.
Audi didn’t reveal the name of the upcoming electric crossover, but reports say it could be called Q6 e-tron. The model is expected to arrive in early 2018 as a rival for Tesla Motors’ Model X.
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