Audi is expected to show an all-electric crossover concept at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show, and this week the company revealed that the eventual production EV will boast a 310-mile (500-km)-range battery built on cells from LG Chem and Samsung SDI. That battery will be integrated neatly into its new MLB platform, which will be dressed in new design language.
Audi spoke of plans to launch a 310-mile+ electric SUV at its annual press conference back in March.
"In early 2018, we will launch a battery-powered sports activity vehicle in the large premium segment with a range of more than 500 kilometers," Audi technical development board member Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg said at the conference.
That's almost certain to be an electric Q6 crossover seated cozily between the Q5 and Q7. It'll be built atop the newest iteration of MLB architecture debuted on the new Q7 and is expected to get its looks from the Prologue concepts that Audi's been parading around since last year's LA Auto Show.
Today, Audi revealed that the 2018 production model will reach the 310-mile goal using a battery pack developed from high-performance cell modules from LG Chem and Samsung SDI. The companies will supply Audi from their European production plants.
"With our first battery-electric Audi-SUV, we are combining an emission-free drive system with driving pleasure," Hackenberg says. "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 new Q6 e-tron will follow the all-electric R8 e-tron revealed at this year's Geneva Motor Show. That coupe relies on a T-shaped 92-kWh lithium-ion battery pack to deliver an impressive 279-mile (450-km) range, as estimated by Audi.
Audi's e-SUV will have a heavyweight competitor when it launches three years from now: Tesla's Model X. In his second quarter shareholder letter last week, Elon Musk said that Tesla will launch the Model X next month.
Gizmag is eager to attend what's shaping up to be an exciting Frankfurt Motor Show. Stay tuned for our coverage starting September 15.
Source: Audi
