Audi has started production of the e-tron electric SUV at its factory in Brussels, ahead of the first deliveries due by the end of the year.

Peter Kössler, board member for production and logistics (right) with Patrick Danau, managing director of Audi Brussels.

Due to be revealed on 17 September, the E-Tron offers a range of 400km and can regain most of that range in around 30 minutes using a high-power 150kW on-board charger. The first compatible units are already live in Europe, though the e-tron will be able to use existing 50kW charging points.

It follows a major process of modernisation at the Audi Brussels factory, which had previously produced the A1 supermini – now being built alongside the Seat Ibiza in Martorell, Spain. The carmaker said it has rebuilt the body and paint shops and assembly line, and now has on-site battery production too. Renewable energy and carbon offsetting means this is the world’s first certified CO2-neutral mass production car in the premium segment, Audi added.

Patrick Danau, managing director of Audi Brussels, said: “Audi built up numerous competencies in-house for the Audi E-Tron and developed both the battery technology and the actual drive system itself. And employees rethought, planned and implemented many stages of production.”