Audi Q6 SUV to get an all-electric range of over 500 km

Looks like the cat is out of the bag! Audi has announced that it is developing an electrically-powered sport utility vehicle on the basis of powerful cell modules from South Korean suppliers LG Chem and Samsung SDI. As we reported earlier, we reckon it is going to be used in the upcoming all-electric Audi Q6.

Apparently, the two Audi partners are planning to invest in the cell technology in Europe and will supply Audi with the new battery. Get this folks, this new technology will give the Audi sport utility vehicle a range of more than 500 km on a full charge.

“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,” he added.

“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 Management of AUDI AG for Development. “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,” he emphasised.

Just for a quick recap, the five-seater SUV, internally coded as C-BEV, is said to be in the final stage of development to go up against the Tesla Model X all-electric crossover. Sales of the Audi Q6 is expected to begin during the second half of 2018.

Rumours that are swirling around in terms of the vehicle’s drivetrain is nothing short of sensational. It is believed that the vehicle may come with three electric motors, with a pair on the rear axle, while a third one will sit within the transmission. Power figures are expected to hover around the 500 hp mark with 700 Nm of torque on tap. This revolutionary vehicle is also expected to have autonomous driving and design architecture akin to the next-generation Audi A8 flagship sedan.