Audi today released an important announcement on battery suppliers for its all-electric SUV with more than 500 km (310 miles) range NEDC. We expect to see the concept version of this SUV at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.
There will be two battery suppliers – LG Chem and Samsung SDI.
And for the very first time, lithium-ion battery cells for Audi will be produced in Europe.
Bringing cell production to Europe must mean that Audi expects high-volume, at least high enough to produce cells locally.
The first question that arises is why are there two battery cell suppliers for one electric SUV? Whether LG Chem and Samsung SDI will develop and produce cells jointly or one of the two will fade at later stage of the race is unknown? Or maybe there will be two battery-sizes available, one consisting of cells from one company, and the second consisting of cells from the other company? Or maybe there will be more than one model, not yet announced? Lots of questions…few answers.