Audi Reveals Plans For Second EV Following E-Tron Quattro

Sep 19, 2015 04:32 PM EDT | John Nassivera

While this year's Frankfurt Auto Show said Audi show off its e-tron Quattro SUV, the automaker doesn't plan on stopping its electric car push there.

Scott Keogh, president of Audi's operations in America, said in an interview at the event that the company intends to launch a second EV after the Quattro becomes available globally in 2018, according to Automotive News. Audi will follow a similar strategy as that of big-time EV player Tesla Motors, as it will attempt to produce electric cars that provide long driving ranges, high design and performance while satisfying consumer demand.

"Unlike a lot of other people we feel quite optimistic that if we build the right [battery-electric car], there will be a market," Keogh said.

Audi first announced the Quattro's unveiling at the Frankfurt Auto Show back in August as competition for Tesla's Model X SUV. The all-electric vehicle current stands at a tough challenge for the Model X, as it can travel around 310 miles on a single charge, while the Model X can go about 270 miles on a single charge, Quartz reported.

The Quattro will also be the same size as Audi's Q7 SUV.

Rupert Stadler, CEO of Audi AG, also spoke about the Quattro at the event, saying that the company has yet to make a decision on whether it will be a stand-alone model or will introduce a new model line that will include internal-combustion models, Automotive News reported. However, Stadler believes that a stand-alone model will be the better choice.

"There is still some way to go but if you ask me, it's the icon. It's the start for Audi into a new decade of auto-mobility and maybe it should be called the 'e-tron,'" he said. "For me, it's a statement."

Keogh sees electric cars making up for one-third of Audi's U.S. sales by 2030, according to Quartz.

"Our number one thing is not to build a compliance car but to build a cool, desirable car, because that's what's going to help our brand and our customers are going to like it," he said.

Details on Audi's second electric vehicle remain vague.

"We will need and are actively looking at what is the second" battery-electric vehicle, Koegh said. "There will be more, without a doubt."

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