Audi follows in Tesla's footsteps with upcoming small, all-electric SUV

Audi is planning on launching a compact, all-electric SUV this year around the same time that Tesla is expected to introduce its own version of the same type of model, the Model Y.

By AFP Relaxnews / 15 Jan 2019

AFP Relaxnews, Audi, Tesla

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On Thursday during the launch of the Audi e-tron in the Netherlands, the Head of Exterior Design Andreas Mindt revealed the company's plans to launch a compact SUV in just a couple of months, according to AutoWeek Netherlands. This came as a bit of a surprise considering that the e-tron Sportback hasn't received a release date any more specific that sometime within 2019.

A concept model of the design will be on display at the Geneva Auto Show from March 7 to March 17; meanwhile, last year Tesla CEO Elon Musk gave March 15 as the reveal date for Tesla's Model Y although he later broadened the window for the launch to take place sometime through mid-year. Production of the Model Y, however, is not believed to begin until the end of next year.

Beside the upcoming Audi EV model, a handful of other auto manufacturers are choosing the Geneva show to debut their own electric vehicles; the 2020 Automobili Pininfarina Battista is expected to make its world debut at this event, as well as Volvo's Polestar 2 and SEAT's e-Mii.

With SUV popularity on the rise, especially electric compact models, it's only natural that Audi has jumped at the opportunity.

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AFP Relaxnews, Audi, Tesla