Audi increases electric ante

Audi lands the first right-hand drive e-tron GT models in New Zealand in July, adding to the existing e-tron SUV and e-tron Sportback models.

“Locally, we are staying on course and bringing to the market our EV range as soon as possible,” Audi New Zealand general manager Dean Sheed says.

Starting in 2026, Audi will only launch new all-electric models on the global market.

“To be clear, we are still building and selling internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles from the 2026 date, however no new development of ICE vehicles will happen after this date,” Sheed says.

Audi chief executive Markus Duesmann announced the accelerated transition to e-mobility at the Climate Neutrality Foundation Conference in Berlin on June 21 and 22, adding that Audi will phase out ICE production by 2033.

“Audi is ready to make its decisive and powerful move into the electric age,” he says.

It aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Through our innovative strength, we offer individuals sustainable and carbon-neutral mobility options,” Duesmann says.

The company expects to see continued demand in China beyond 2033, which is why there could be a supply of vehicles there with combustion engines manufactured locally. At the same time, Audi will significantly expand its range of all-electric models.

With the new e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron, and Q4 Sportback e-tron models, Audi is already launching more electric cars than models with combustion engines this year.

By 2025, the brand aims to have more than 20 e-models in its lineup.

The expansion of a widespread charging infrastructure and renewable energy sources is also crucial for the ramp-up of e-mobility and its acceptance by society, Audi says.

It is actively involved in both areas. For example, the company from Ingolstadt recently unveiled the Audi charging hub pilot project as its own premium charging solution with a reservation system and lounge.

Audi has partnered with energy suppliers to promote the expansion of renewable energy sources.

Berlin also hosts the fourth Transport and Climate Change Week (June 21-25) online.