Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 17, Audi FAW New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd. (Audi FAW NEV) officially began operation at its manufacturing factory, according to a post on the company's WeChat account. The first model produced here is the Audi Q6L e-tron, followed by the China-spec Audi A6 e-tron shortly.
Located in Changchun city, the new production factory has an annual output capacity exceeding 150,000 vehicles and is expected to create approximately 3,000 new jobs. The facility encompasses the entire automotive manufacturing value chain, including stamping, body welding, painting, and final assembly. Additionally, high-voltage batteries for PPE (Premium Platform Electric)-based models tailored for the Chinese market are also produced on-site.
Markus Duesmann, CEO of AUDI AG, remarked, "Beginning mass production at Audi FAW NEV's factory underscores our commitment to the Chinese market and represents a significant step in our electrification strategy. The models produced here will play a pivotal role in our local product portfolio, further strengthening our position in this crucial market."
Aligned with Audi's Mission: Zero environmental program, the new manufacturing factory operates on green energy, features extensive photovoltaic installations, and employs waste recycling and closed-loop wastewater management systems to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. The surrounding area will be landscaped with local factories and outfitted with artificial bird nests, insect hotels, and beehives to support local biodiversity.
Audi FAW NEV is also advancing the development of its local supply chain. Upon achieving the upgrades, there will be around 50% of its suppliers located within a 30-kilometer radius of the new factory. A dedicated industrial park for suppliers has been planned by the local government to attract more businesses, enabling Audi FAW NEV to improve its share of componented sourced locally.
The Audi Q6L e-tron, the first model riding on the PPE platform, is positioned as a premium mid-sized SUV. It measures 4,884 mm in length, 1,965 mm in width, and 1,687 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,995 mm, 105 mm longer than the overseas version.
In terms of powertrain, the model will be offered as a rear-wheel-drive version with an output of 255 kW and a quattro all-wheel-drive with 345 kW. It is equipped with a 107 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, providing a range of up to 700 km under CLTC conditions. Thanks to the 800V technology and a DC charging capacity of up to 270 kW, short charging stops are possible with the Audi Q6L e-tron. Up to 260 kilometers of range can be recharged in just ten minutes at an appropriate charging station (High Power Charging, HPC). The State of Charge (SoC) will be increased from 10% to 80% within 25 minutes.
