Audi, the luxury division of the Volkswagen group, initially had big plans for electric vehicles (EVs), with gasoline and diesel engines taking a backseat in their discussions about the future. However, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner and his team have had a change of heart and have now embraced the hybrid phase. They see plug-in hybrids as the “bridge” to a fully electric future, especially in important markets like China and North America.
The decision to prioritize hybrids has been influenced by the success of companies like Honda and Toyota in selling hybrid vehicles. Other automakers, including Mercedes, BMW, and Kia, have also adjusted their plans to focus more on hybrid power. Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, even stated that hybrids are no longer just a transitional technology, as many of them are now more profitable than their non-hybrid counterparts.
Audi has taken steps to support their hybrid strategy by developing a new family of combustion engines for their next generation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models. These new models will feature larger batteries that will enable them to travel up to 62 miles on electric power alone. The recently introduced A5, which replaces the A4 sedan, is built on a new architecture called Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), which is expected to be used in future models as well.
While Audi is focusing on hybrids for now, they still have their sights set on an all-electric lineup. Döllner has stated that Audi’s “first-generation” electric car lineup will be complete by 2027. The company is set to release the new A6 E-Tron later this year, giving customers a glimpse of what’s to come.
Overall, Audi’s shift towards hybrids is a strategic move to adapt to changing market demands and ensure a smooth transition towards full electrification. By embracing hybrids as a bridge to an electric future, Audi demonstrates flexibility and a commitment to sustainable mobility. As other automakers also prioritize hybrid power, it’s clear that hybrids are here to stay and will play a significant role in the automotive industry’s evolution.