The 3,500 metre-squared facility took two years to complete, and is based in Gaimersheim, two kilometres from Audi’s plant in Igolstadt. It employs around 100 newly-hired electronics experts, and is home to Audi’s electromobility partners including Panasonic, aiming to promote collaboration between the parties involved.

Michael Dick, member of the board of management for technical development, said: ‘The new high-voltage battery project house is another major step toward electric mobility for our company. Here we are building up important development and manufacturing expertise for high-voltage batteries with a view to future model series. At the same time, we are ensuring that they meet Audi’s exacting quality requirements.’

Last December, the carmaker announced it was launching a three-year state-funded research project in Germany, aimed at developing manufacturing expertise for electric vehicles. In preparation for its e-tron range model launch, the company said it would invest £10.7bn (€13bn) on its property, plant and equipment ready for its electric and hybrid range, with £6.4bn (€8bn) earmarked for its sites at Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm in Germany. An A3 e-tron trial has also just begun in the United States.