There is a reduced demand for EVs in multiple markets across the world, and Audi is reacting to this demand. Their plan is to focus on updating their hybrid portfolio in the following time. Audi joins the long list of automotive giants like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Kia and Porsche that have made a shift in strategy after observing the slow transition from combustion engines to EVs.
Long-Term Plan Unchanged
The German giant said they will still stick to their plan of being a fully electric company by 2033, but now the transition will be more gradual. Up to that point, they would sell a range of combustion, hybrid and electric powertrain cars in their lineup. This would equip them to be prepared for both a rising and declining demand for EVs. For now, models like the A3, the A6, A7 and A8 sedans, along with the SUV portfolio of the Q3, Q5, Q7 and Q8, are available with a hybrid powertrain. On the EV front, they have four models internationally: Q4 e-tron, Q6 e-tron, Q8 e-tron and the e-tron GT lineup. An addition to these would be the A6 e-tron in a short while.
New Audi Hybrid Powertrain
Audi is not only focusing on their present products for the hybrid segment. They are also working on a new set of hybrid powertrains for their future cars. These will have batteries with a higher capacity and an electric-only range of 100 km. These will find their base in Audi's Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. This platform was developed alongside the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) that will underpin Audi's future electric cars. It has the capability of higher range powertrains to be equipped in it. We saw its first execution in the new A5. We are yet to see any hybrid cars from Audi enter the Indian market.
Audi's EV Plans
Audi plans to stick to the electric plans that they announced before. Starting in 2026, Audi will exclusively launch fully electric models. By 2027, Audi aims to have an electric vehicle in every core segment. The plan for electrification includes gradually ending the production of combustion engine vehicles by 2033. They have also planned a new plant for completely electric models in China. With an annual capacity exceeding 150,000 vehicles, the production site will significantly contribute to electrifying Audi's product lineup in China starting at the end of 2024.
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