Audi steps back from full EV switch

Audi plans to go EV-only by 2033 but believes there will be increased demand for PHEVs before such time. For that reason, and because of slowing EV sales, Audi is expanding its hybrid offerings over the coming years.

It will still achieve all-electric status in 2033 but now intends to offer a combustion and EV option in each of its core segments. Audi is already doing this with its Q5 and Q6 E-tron.

It is not alone in this subtle change of tack, for BMW, Ford, BYD, Kia, Mercedes and Stellantis have all recently said they are prioritising hybrid powertrains for the time being.

Audi CEO, Gernot Döllner, told Autocar UK that the firm’s strategy is somewhat open-ended for the next decade. He can see an extended transition period from combustion to electric vehicles.

He added that the VW Group saw plug-in hybrids as critical to the transition. At Audi that bridge seems to be longer than the firm initially thought. The company has now engineered a new family of combustion engines for its next generation of PHEVs. The plug ins will be able to travel up to 100km on electric power alone thanks to bigger batteries. 

The new PPC versatile architecture that the latest A5 uses can also accommodate range-extender powertrain systems. That said, Audi has yet to confirm plans in this area. 

Döllner is convinced that EVs will become mainstream eventually. “We see right now a slowly negative trend in battery-electric vehicles but….we believe, especially with the gradient of the innovation in the battery-electric segment, that the battery-electric vehicle is superior” and will prevail long term.

For the next 10 years or so Audi will offer ICE drivetrains, plug-in hybrids for China and USA primarily, and battery-electric vehicles. “The positive message is that we are flexible.”

Döllner said Audi’s “first-generation” electric car line-up will be complete in 2027. Its final combustion model will likely be the next-generation Audi Q7 that is currently in testing. 

Audi has four EVs on sale at the moment and will soon reveal the new A6 e-tron. The A4 e-tron is expected to launch next year, and electric equivalents to the A3 and A8 are also in development.