Audi will launch a new small electric vehicle which is anticipated to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s as-yet-unreleased, next-generation EV platform.
“We have set the course to go 100% electric,” said CEO Markus Duesmann, at Audi’s annual media conference today. “By 2027, we seek to offer an all-electric vehicle in each core segment. We recently decided to launch an additional electric entry-level model below the Audi Q4 e-tron as well.”
Although the executive did not reveal any more details, the new model is expected to serve as a replacement for the A3.
Read: Audi RS E-tron GT Project_513/2: A Camo’d Special Edition Mimicking The Prototype’s Looks
The new entry-level EV is expected to be offered as a four-door hatchback and a four-door sedan, Autocar reports, citing unnamed sources.
The model is expected to be based on Volkswagen’s next-generation SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) architecture, which is currently code-named Project Trinity, though separate reports suggested that the platform was in trouble. VW said in the past that the SSP architecture will be an improvement over the current MEB platform, offering a driving range of up to 435 miles (700 km).
The platform will also be capable of charging speeds of 270 kW, which should enable EVs based on it to get up to 80 miles (129 km) of extra range in just 10 minutes. The entry-level electric Audi will benefit from VW’s new “Unified Cell” battery technology but will also be compatible with solid-state batteries.
Duesmann added that Audi plans to unveil 20 new models, more than half of which will be all-electric, by 2025. Audi’s electric A3 replacement will likely follow the arrival of the Q6 e-tron, the first model based on the also new and higher-end Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture.
