Audi and SAIC further strengthen their partnership to develop new EV technology.
According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Audi and Chinese state-owned automaker Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) have reached a collaborative agreement through which to develop new electric vehicles, specifically for the Chinese market. Competition among EV manufacturers in the region is at a fever pitch, and each automaker needs the other to gain an edge.
“All stakeholders agree that the Chinese auto market is in the midst of the biggest transformation in its history; therefore, we will jointly work on a strategic approach that guarantees our future success,” said SAIC.
This news came as Audi was reportedly searching for a new Chinese partner to develop its EV technology with and use its EV platform. However, SAIC did not confirm the details of the agreement.
The brand originally planned to use the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture from its parent company, Volkswagen Group, for its upcoming electric vehicles. The Audi Q6 e-Tron will use the platform, shared with the Porsche Macan EV.
Meanwhile, the 1,700-horsepower-capable Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) is the next step, reportedly enabling a 12-minute charging time and Level 4 hands-free driving.
However, due to ongoing delays in software development, including the critical E3 2.0 operating system, Audi reportedly had to reconsider this plan and began discussions with SAIC, the owner of MG Motor, to explore the possibility of sourcing an electric vehicle platform from the Chinese group's IM Motors brand as an alternative solution.
China is a leader in the development of electric vehicles, but also the adoption of these alternatively fueled cars, as evidenced by the Tesla Model Y being the top-selling vehicle in the world, with a significant portion of sales coming from the country. Ford is already aware of this, and now Audi appears to be close to getting its own personal inside line on the development of next-gen research and technology.
In addition to its collaboration with SAIC, Audi has established joint ventures with another Chinese automaker, FAW, again specifically focusing on EVs, allowing the German automaker to increase the number of locally-produced models.
Keyword: Audi Confirms Chinese Battery Expertise For New EVs