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Audi is planning to revolutionise the market for electric SUVs in Europe by launching a new battery-only crossover that it claims will have a one-charge range of 500km. Although it's not officially admitting it, the new car will be the Q6 e-tron crossover, based on the new Q7 and it will make a debut (in concept form) at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Audi has announced that it's setting up a three-way joint venture with electronics giants LG and Samsung to develop and build the high-capacity batteries for the Q6 in Europe.
"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. The cell modules are to offer particularly high performance. "This will allow us to supply a technology solution that makes electric cars even more attractive for our customers."
"With our first battery-electric Audi-SUV, we are combining an emission-free drive system with driving pleasure," said Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Menagement of Audi AG for Development. "We will optimally integrate the innovative cell modules developed with LG Chem and Samsung SDI into out vehicle architecture, thus achieving an attractive overall package of sportiness and range."