Audi has announced plans to expand and upgrade its hybrid offering in the coming years, as the transition from combustion cars to electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to take longer than initially anticipated. The company will continue with its goal of having an all-electric model range by 2033, but will gradually expand its lineup by offering both combustion and EV options in each of its core segments until then. This strategy is being adopted by other major automakers such as Mercedes, BMW, Ford, BYD, Kia, and Stellantis, who have also expressed long-term commitments to hybrid powertrains.
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner stated that the company’s strategy is “future-proofed for the next 10 years” and recognizes the extended transition phase between combustion and electric vehicles. He explained that Audi had recognized early on that plug-in hybrids were a relevant project technology within the Volkswagen Group. However, they now realize that the bridge to full electrification is longer than initially anticipated.
To meet the increased demand for hybrids, Audi has developed a new family of combustion engines for its next generation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models. These new PHEV models will feature a significantly larger battery, enabling them to travel up to 62 miles on electric power alone. The new PPC versatile architecture, starting with the recently revealed Audi A5, can also accommodate range-extender powertrain arrangements.
Despite Audi’s renewed focus on hybrids, Döllner emphasized that the company’s long-term view is that EVs will become mainstream. While there is currently a slightly negative trend in battery-electric vehicles, Döllner believes in the superiority of EVs due to the ongoing innovation in this segment. He stated that for at least the next 10 years, there will be a transition phase with three relevant drivetrains: highly efficient internal combustion engines (ICE), plug-in hybrids (particularly important in China and North America), and battery-electric vehicles. Audi aims to remain flexible to adapt to market demands.
Döllner also revealed that Audi’s “first-generation” electric car lineup will be complete by 2027, a year after the launch of its final combustion model. Based on estimated launch timings, this final combustion model is likely to be the next-generation Audi Q7, which has been spotted testing recently. Currently, Audi offers four electric cars, and they plan to reveal the new A6 E-tron later this year, followed by the A4 E-tron next year. Electric equivalents to the A3 and A8 models are also in development.
In conclusion, while Audi recognizes the extended transition period between combustion and electric vehicles, they remain committed to their long-term goal of an all-electric model range by 2033. The company will gradually expand its hybrid offering in the meantime, developing new PHEV models with larger batteries. Despite the current slight decline in battery-electric vehicle growth rates, Audi believes that EVs will ultimately prevail due to ongoing innovation in the segment. They aim to have a flexible approach and adapt to market demands, while completing their first-generation electric car lineup by 2027.