Audi made its message clear: starting 2026, all of its global models will be powered by electricity.
As part of its "strategic realignment," the company is accelerating the transition to e-mobility. Audi will be gradually phasing out the production of internal combustion engines (ICE) until 2033, while it aims to achieve zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.
“Through our innovative strength, we offer individuals sustainable and carbon-neutral mobility options,” Audi CEO Markus Duesmann said at the Berlin climate conference.
“I don’t believe in the success of bans (of ICE). I believe in the success of technology and innovation,” Duesmann expressed.
"The exact timing of the combustion engine’s discontinuation at Audi will ultimately be decided by customers and legislation," Audi said in a statement.
So while it awaits the decision, Audi said it will invest all its efforts in the development of the combustion engine up to its final discontinuation. It will improve existing engines to achieve greater efficiency, and other customer benefits.
“Audi’s last internal combustion engine will be the best we've ever built,” Duesmann promised.
The company expects to see continued demand in China beyond 2033, which is why there could be a supply of locally-built ICE-powered vehicles there.
At the same time, Audi will 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 electric 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,” Duesmann said.
The expansion of a widespread charging infrastructure and renewable energy sources is also crucial for the ramp-up of e-mobility, Audi said. That includes the society's acceptance of e-mobility.
To make an impact in those areas, the company from Ingolstadt unveiled the Audi charging hub pilot project, which includes 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.
Photos from Audi
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