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Audi CEO Duesmann at Berlin climate conference stated the company’s plan of accelerating its transition to e-mobility.
Audi will only launch new all-electric cars on the global market beginning in 2026. Audi plans to discontinue production of its last internal combustion engine by 2033. Duesmann, CEO of Audi, states at the Climate Neutrality Foundation conference “Audi is ready to make its decisive and powerful move into the electric age.”
Ingolstadt, June 22, 2021: Audi's final newly developed internal combustion engine model will start production in just four years. Starting in 2026, the premium will only launch new models that are purely powered by electricity to the global market. As part of its strategic adjustment, the company is accelerating its transition to e-mobility. Audi has planned to phase out the production of internal combustion engines by 2033. Audi's goal is to achieve net zero emissions no later than by 2050.
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Duesmann stated “Through our innovative strength, we offer individuals sustainable and carbon-neutral mobility options,” Duesmann continued. “I don’t believe in the success of bans. I believe in the success of technology and innovation.”
Customers and legislation will ultimately decide when the combustion engine will be phased out at Audi. The company anticipates ongoing demand in China beyond 2033, which might lead to a supply of vehicles using locally manufactured combustion engines.
At the same time, Audi's all-electric car line-up will be greatly expanded. Audi is already launching more electric cars this year than models with combustion engines, with the new e-tron GT*, RS e-tron GT*, Q4 e-tron*, and Q4 Sportback e-tron* models. The brand intends to have more than 20 e-models in its line-up by 2025. “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,” said Duesmann.
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The establishment of a widespread charging infrastructure and renewable energy sources is also essential for the adoption of e-mobility by society. Audi is indulged in both of these sectors. For example, just a few weeks ago, the Ingolstadt-based company unveiled the Audi charging hub pilot project, which serves as its own premium charging solution, with a reservation system and lounge. Furthermore, the automaker has collaborated with energy suppliers to support the spread of renewable energy sources.
Audi will also commit all of its resources to the development of the combustion engine until its final discontinuation, enhancing existing generations to achieve higher efficiency with significant benefits for the customer. As such, one thing is for sure: “Audi’s last internal combustion engine will be the best we've ever built,” Duesmann said.