Audi has introduced an assortment of electric vehicles in the past few months – including the e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron – and it appears the company will be going EV-only in the near future.
Citing comments by Audi CEO Markus Duesmann, Germany’s Sueddeutsche Zeitung is reporting the automaker will stop introducing new vehicles with petrol and diesel engines in 2026.
Internal combustion engines will apparently stick around after that date, presumably in existing models, but they would eventually be phased out. There’s no word on when specifically, but the publication says a “few years later [after 2026] there will only be electric cars.”
Also Read: Audi Reportedly Wants To Go EV-Only In The Next 10-15 Years
The phase out of internal combustion engines will reportedly coincide with the elimination of hybrid powertrains. Citing the publication, Reuters reported “there would also no longer be any hybrid models” from 2026.
That remains unconfirmed, but a number of automakers are moving away from plug-in hybrids and fully embracing electric vehicles. However, some companies are committed to plug-in hybrids as they see them as a ‘bridge to the future’ as they believe consumers might not be ready to go fully electric quite yet.
We’ve reached out to Audi for comment, but it’s worth noting the company has released a flurry of eco-friendly communications today. They focused on everything from expanding the use of renewable energy at charging stations in Europe to using artificial intelligence to maximize sustainability in their supply chain.
Update: Audi declined to confirm or deny the report, saying “we do not comment on future projects and planning.”
