Korean battery maker LG Chem has struck a deal with German automaker Audi to supply lithium-ion batteries for its next generation hybrid vehicles.
The 48V batteries will be used in Audi’s new plug-in hybrid and micro-hybrid vehicles. The lithium-ion batteries are to replace currently integrated 12V lead-acid batteries.
LG Chem said that it also seeks to provide batteries for other carmakers in order to become the biggest maker of mid- to large-size EV batteries by 2018. Six out of global top ten automotive companies are now customers of LG Chem. The company’s batteries could also be used for the Volkswagen e-Golf as it shares the same platform as Audi’s A3 E-Tron.
“Although we have successfully sealed supply deals with top automakers since we started producing mid- to large-size electric batteries 10 years ago, we must continue going forward to become the solid No. 1,” said LG Chem president Kwon Young-soo.
Audi operates under the Volkswagen Group, which aims to generate 3% of its total revenue from EV and become the world’s biggest EV maker by 2018.
LG Chem recently announced that it is to build a lithium battery plant in Nanjing, China.