South Korean electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturers LG Chem and Samsung SDI are planning to begin joint production of battery cells and models for use in Audi's upcoming electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), reports local publication the Korea Herald. The German automaker's electric SUV is expected to offer a range of 500 kilometres on a single charge. The financial terms of the proposed partnership are yet to be made known.
Significance: Audi first revealed its intention to launch a "sporty SUV with electric drive in the upper mid segment" at the company's annual general meeting held in May. This vehicle is intended to be launched in 2018. The EV battery suppliers are planning to invest in the cell technology in Europe and will supply the automaker from their European plants. Samsung SDI already supplies EV batteries for Audi's Q7 plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV.
