Audi Reportedly Cutting E-tron SUV Production Due To Battery Shortage

The e-tron Sportback has reportedly been pushed back as well.

Audi e-tron production slowed due to battery shortage
Audi tested its e-tron SUV at Pikes Peak last year. [Photo: Audi]

Audi is allegedly reducing e-tron production by 20 percent.

Belgian outlet L’Echo points to problems with Audi e-tron production. Audi’s plant in Forest, Belgium has allegedly revised forecasts several times over due to a lack of battery parts, according to internal documents. Originally, Audi planned to produce 55,830 e-trons in 2019, but have since had to cut that figure by more than 10,000 units. Now, production figures have been revised to 45,242 units.

L’Echo‘s sources state the problem comes from LG, which provides the battery cells. With so many manufacturers moving into the electric car market, suppliers are being inundated with orders. Now, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group and others have to compete for access to the parts they need to build their new electric models. According to the report, discussions are underway with Samsung to supply the necessary parts as well.

At this point, no one has been laid off due to slowed production. However, the production runs on six-hour shifts, rather than the usual eight, to account for the available parts. The workers also work four day weeks rather than five, with a furlough day on Fridays.

Naturally, slower production means slower deliveries. A customer told L’Echo, “My delivery time has been extended by two months.” However, Audi Belgium said that 6-7 month deadlines are nothing exceptional for new models.

Over time, Audi allegedly plans to lift production figures to 293 per day by the end of September. As such, workers will also have their full working shifts reinstated when the company hammers out its battery supply issue. As there are reported growing pains with the e-tron, Audi also plans to introduce new models in the coming months. L’Echo‘s report suggests e-tron Sportback production has been pushed back from the end of this year into 2020.