Audi to Build First EV SUV in 2018

Audi will begin production of its first battery-electric vehicle, a "sport SUV," at its Brussels, Belgium, assembly plant in 2018, the automaker has announced.

The plant will also produce batteries for the vehicle, according to Audi.

Audi will shift production of its A1 car to Martorell, Spain, to make room for the vehicle at the plant. The Audi Q3, which is built in Spain, will move to Gyor, Hungary at a future date. The factory in Hungary now produces the A3 sedan and other vehicles.

The new vehicle will be closely based on the Audi e-tron quattro first shown at the 2015 Frankfort Motor Show. The vehicle will slot between the Q5 and Q7 in size. It will offer about 310 miles (500 kilometers) of range and allow fast charging.