Audi Isn't Abandoning Gas Engines for EVs by 2033 Like It Planned
Audi is removing its planned 2033 all-EV deadline, according to a report by Autocar.
Last year, the company decided to put more funding into developing hybrid technology.
Sure to please Audi performance fans, there's the potential for future gas-powered RS models.
Last year, Audi softened its plans to wind down a transition to an entirely electrified lineup, suggesting that plug-in hybrid technology was worth developing as a bridge to EVs. Still, the company's official stated plan was a full EV range by 2033, so no more internal-combustion-powered Audis. Now, as reported by Autocar, that deadline is off the table.
The EV Deadline Is Dead
Citing an interview with Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, Autocar notes that the decision to continue developing combustion engines is part of keeping the company's lineup "flexible." The new short-term plans include a new lineup of gas-powered vehicles, hybridized or not, to be rolled out by next year. There's no new deadline for full electrification, but Döllner said he expects Audi to still be producing gas-powered cars past 2033.
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Michael Simari
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Car and Driver
These plans are likely dependent on the market, as EU laws have a set target date of full electrification by 2035. On this side of the Atlantic, about 12 percent of Audis sold in the United States were EVs. Globally, that percentage rises to 30 percent, with total figures slightly ahead of Mercedes but lagging BMW.
Audi will still be putting R&D money towards its all-electric vehicles and no doubt benefiting from the Volkswagen Group's broader strategy. However, there's perhaps a little hope here for those who weren't quite ready to throw in the towel on gas-powered performance Audis.
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New Gas-Fed RS Models?
Indications are that RS versions of gas-powered Audis will still be on the table. Audi's performance division has delivered some hugely characterful motors over the years, from the RS6's twin-turbo V-10 to the TT RS's snorty turbocharged inline-five.
Speaking of the Audi TT, Döllner didn't entirely close the door on speculation that it might return, perhaps accompanied by its big brother, the R8. He said it was too early to talk about such things, but that there might be a chance to be surprised in the future. Don't hold your breath, but the gas-powered four-ring circus hasn't left town yet.
Brendan McAleer
Contributing Editor
Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. Read full bio
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