Audi confirms it will become an EV-only brand in 2033, but not in China

After multiple reports, Audi has confirmed plans to gradually retire the internal combustion engine. Speaking at the Berlin climate conference, company CEO Markus Duesmann revealed the final new model to have a gasoline or diesel engine will be introduced in 2026. From that point forward, all of the models launched are going to be pure electric vehicles. It effectively means mild-hybrids and plug-in hybrids are also on their way out.

Audi’s head honcho went on to say the last car with a combustion engine will be produced in 2033. However, the Four Rings project demand for ICEs will remain strong in China even 12 years from now, which is why local production of conventional powertrains is expected to continue past 2033 to satisfy customer requirements in the People’s Republic. Elsewhere, the Ingolstadt-based marque will be selling only EVs. It’s part of the company’s strategy to become carbon neutral by the middle of the decade.

Until 2033, Audi will be gradually phasing out combustion engines and it is believed that the final new car to have one will be the next-generation Q8. The large luxury SUV is expected to be sold alongside a fully electric Q8 E-Tron version before the gasoline/diesel-fueled model will be phased out. With 2026 set in stone, it means some of the existing models such as the A1 and A3 won’t have conventional engines in the next generation.

The next A4 and A5 coming before 2026 will still have ICEs under their hoods, but are likely to be complemented by electric equivalents. It should be the same story with the larger A6, A7, and A8, while the SUVs could follow a similar strategy. As for the TT and R8, the two sports cars are widely expected to bow out without direct ICE-powered replacements.

By 2025, the German premium brand will have more than 20 fully electric vehicles in its portfolio. Duesmann mentioned during the Berlin climate conference that “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.”

Source: Audi