Audi’s first-ever electric SUV, the e-tron, will be late to arrive in showrooms by four weeks due to a software development issue, stated a spokesman for the brand this past weekend.
Apparently, the issue is with a piece of software that was modified during the development process, for which the German automaker now needs new regulatory clearance before it can begin sending its new EV crossover to showrooms around the world, reports Automotive News Europe.
The e-tron was launched globally last week in San Francisco, part of Audi’s effort to expand the market for all-electric premium vehicles, while also positioning itself to take the fight to Tesla, which had been operating unencumbered in this sector for years.
Reports of the e-tron’s four-week delay first surfaced in German newspaper Bild am Sonntag, citing sources close to the company. It’s been reported that delivery for the new model could be delayed by several months due to this software issue.
The newspaper also claims that Audi is currently renegotiating its deal with LG Chem, their South Korean EV battery supplier, which apparently wants to increase prices by roughly 10% because of such high demand. LG Chem is a supplier for the VW Group, but also Daimler.
Meanwhile, an LG Chem official declined to comment, citing client confidentiality. The Audi spokesman also didn’t offer any clarification with regards to any price negotiations with the South Korean company.
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