Audi CEO reveals timetable for brand to become electric-only

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Rob
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Audi will end development of new internal combustion engine models by the end of 2026 and focus solely on full-electric drivetrains, German media reports said.

After 2026, the automaker will only develop battery-powered models, according to Automobilwoche, a sister publication of Automotive News Europe, and a report in German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung

The decision was announced by Audi CEO Markus Duesmann at a management meeting at the automaker's headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany, on Thursday, according to the reports, which cited company sources.

Although Audi plans to stop production of new gasoline, diesel and hybrid cars, its new models launched by 2026 will continue to be built and sold until the early 2030s. After that time, Audi will become a purely electric car maker.

According to Automobilwoche, the A3 and A4 will not have combustion-engine successors but will be replaced by the battery-powered A3 e-tron and A4 e-tron. The electric evolution of Audi's A5 and A6 models will follow a similar timetable, German industry paper Handelsblatt said.

The last internal combustion engine model built by Audi will likely be the Q8, which will launch in 2026 alongside an electric variant, the Q8 e-tron. The internal combustion engine Q8 will then be produced until 2032, Handelsblatt said, citing unnamed sources within Audi.

In April, Audi announced plans to sell the A6 e-tron full-electric car alongside the standard A6 internal combustion engine models when it goes on sale in early 2023. An A6 e-tron concept unveiled at the Shanghai auto show in April has a 100-kilowatt-hour battery that will allow a range of over 700 km (435 miles) in production form.

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Rob
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Full press release here:

Production of Audi’s final newly-developed combustion engine model will start in just four years. And beginning in 2026, the premium brand will only release new models onto the global market that are powered purely by electricity. As part of its strategic realignment, the company is accelerating the transition to e-mobility. The manufacturer will be gradually phasing out the production of internal combustion engines until 2033. Audi aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.

“Through our innovative strength, we offer individuals sustainable and carbon-neutral mobility options,” Duesmann continued. “I don’t believe in the success of bans. I believe in the success of technology and innovation.” The exact timing of the combustion engine’s discontinuation at Audi will ultimately be decided by customers and legislation. The company expects to see continued demand in China beyond 2033, which is why there could be a supply of vehicles there with combustion engines manufactured locally. At the same time, Audi will significantly expand its range of all-electric models. With the new e-tron GT*, RS e-tron GT*, Q4 e-tron*, and Q4 Sportback e-tron* models, Audi is already launching more electric cars than models with combustion engines this year. By 2025, the brand aims to have more than 20 e-models in its lineup. “With this roadmap, we are creating the clarity necessary to make a decisive and powerful transition to the electric age. We’re sending the signal that Audi is ready,” said Duesmann.

The expansion of a widespread charging infrastructure and renewable energy sources is also crucial for the ramp-up of e-mobility and its acceptance by society. Audi is actively involved in both areas. For example, just a few weeks ago the company from Ingolstadt unveiled the Audi charging hub pilot project as its own premium charging solution with a reservation system and lounge. On top of that, the carmaker has partnered with energy suppliers to promote the expansion of renewable energy sources.

Audi will also be investing all its efforts in the development of the combustion engine right up to its final discontinuation, further improving existing generations to achieve greater efficiency with major customer benefits. As such, one thing is for sure: “Audi’s last internal combustion engine will be the best we've ever built,” Duesmann said.
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