Audi to develop solar-embedded panoramic roof with China's Hanergy

BEIJING (Reuters) - Audi , Volkswagen's main profit driver, on Wednesday said it was working with China's Hanergy Thin Film Power Group <0566.HK> to integrate solar cells into panoramic glass roofs for an upcoming Audi electric vehicle (EV). Alta Devices, a unit of the Chinese solar cell firm Hanergy, will design the solar-embedded vehicle roof that will eventually help increase the range of EVs by feeding solar energy into internal electrical systems, such as air conditioning and other appliances, Audi said in a statement. The prototype of the vehicle with a solar roof will be built by end-2017, the automaker added, without giving any details on investment and estimated time frame for mass-production. Audi, which has been grappling with car recalls, prosecutor investigations and persistent criticism from unions and managers over an emissions scandal and its performance post-dieselgate, is currently looking to shift its focus to EVs. Last month, Audi said it aimed to cut costs by about $12 billion by 2022 to help fund the shift. It is also looking to free up funds for investments in zero-emission technology by developing a new production platform with Porsche, allowing both VW brands to save money by sharing components and modules. In its statement on Wednesday, Audi said it plans to make three battery-electric models by 2020 and aims to cover one third of its vehicles with fully electric drivetrains by 2025. At a later stage, Audi said it hopes to be able to use solar energy to directly charge the traction battery. "That would be a milestone along the way to achieving sustainable and emission-free mobility," said Dr. Bernd Martens, Board of Management Member for Procurement at Audi. Hanergy presented four solar-powered EVs last year, and has been seeking to cooperate with car producers to mass produce its solar devices. (Reporting by Muyu Xu and Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Himani Sarkar)