- Audi is turning its attention to plug-in hybrids, following slower than expected electric vehicle adoption.
- The company is reportedly working on an assortment of different plug-in hybrids that will have up to 62 miles of range.
- While the automaker expects a long transition period, they’re still aiming to go EV-only by 2033.
Audi’s electric revolution is faltering and the company is looking to kill the Q8 e-tron sooner than expected following a drop in demand. Given that, it’s not surprising to learn the automaker is now placing a greater emphasis on plug-in hybrids.
According to Autocar, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner recently revealed the Volkswagen Group sees plug-in hybrids as a bridge to an electric future and believes this will take “longer than we initially thought.” Because of this, the four-ring brand will reportedly offer more plug-in hybrids in the future.
More: Audi Wants To Kill The Q8 E-Tron, May Shut Brussels Plant
While the company is still said to be targeting an all-electric lineup by 2033, alternative powertrains will be sticking around until then. To help ease the transition, Audi has reportedly created a new “family of combustion engines” for future plug-in hybrids. Details are limited, but the publication said these upcoming models will have a larger battery pack that will enable them to travel up to 62 miles (100 km) on electricity alone.
Döllner appears to have faith in this lightly revised plan and he expects the next decade will be a “transition phase with three relevant drivetrains.” These include internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrid powertrains, and fully electric vehicles.
Despite this, it sounds like Audi is still planning to launch its last new vehicle with an engine in 2026. It would then stick around until the electric changeover in 2033.
Of course, plans can change and a number of automakers are throttling back their EV ambitions in the wake of slower than expected adoption.
