Audi Aiming To Have One Electric Model In Every Series

March 15th, 2015 by James Ayre

Audi is aiming to have at east one plug-in electric vehicle (100% electric or a plug-in hybrid) in every model series within a few years — as part of its broader push towards “sustainability” — according to a Member of the Board of Management at Audi AG for Technical Development by the name of Professor Ulrich Hackenberg.

The comments were made by Hackenberg during a speech at Audi’s Annual Press Conference in Ingolstadt — where he also noted that natural gas vehicles and battery electrics would be a part of that push towards “sustainability,” and the achievement of targeted CO2 emissions reductions.

Hackenberg of course noted that the company has already launched (or is preparing to launch) a number of plug-in vehicles — the A3 and the Q7 come to mind, for instance.

And, for that matter, the company is now offering a rather impressive fully electric model as well — the R8 e-tron. Hackenberg commented on that model, noting that the “Audi R8 e-tron continues to be our technology carrier for future electric cars.” While making that comment, he also noted the impressive range of the model — estimated at around 280 miles (European testing cycle).

One of the most interesting comments to come out of Hackenberg’s mouth during the speech was his reference to a new battery-electric model that he expected to be launched in 2018 — one that will, reportedly, possess a range of more than 310 miles (500 kilometers).

“It will have a new, very attractive design, which we are developing especially for the e-tron range and for battery-electric vehicles. This sports activity vehicle will be built on the second generation of the modular longitudinal platform. From the very beginning, this tool for optimal drivetrain diversity implementation has been designed for a broad variety of concepts.”

Hmm…. As tends to be the case with Audi, it certainly sounds interesting — but I’ll believe it when I see it.

Image Credit: Audi









Appreciate CleanTechnica’s originality? Consider becoming a CleanTechnica member, supporter, or ambassador — or a patron on Patreon.

Sign up for our free daily newsletter or weekly newsletter to never miss a story.

Have a tip for CleanTechnica, want to advertise, or want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.

Latest Cleantech Talk Episode