Audi to produce final ICE model by 2025, new cars to be EV only one year later

Audi is working on its last ever internal combustion engine, with plans for production to start in four years time and the brand to introduce only fully-electric models by 2026.

By 2033, the German carmaker says it will have phased out production of its internal combustion engines with the aim of being net zero by 2050 as part of its transition to ‘e-mobility’.

Speaking at the Climate Neutrality Foundation conference this week, Audi CEO Markus Duesmann claimed "Audi's last internal combustion engine will be the best we've ever built”.

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"Through our innovative strength, we offer individuals sustainable and carbon-neutral mobility options. I don't believe in the success of bans. I believe in the success of technology and innovation,” the CEO said.

The exact timing of the combustion engine's demise at Audi, it says, will ultimately be decided by its customers and varying legislation around the world.

The company says however, it 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.

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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.

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

"With this roadmap, we are creating the clarity necessary to make a decisive and powerful transition to the electric age. We're sending the signal that Audi is ready," said Duesmann.

In March this year, Audi announced it will no longer invest in research and development of new internal combustion engines due to increasingly strict Euro 7 emissions standards.

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At the time, Audi confirmed it “will no longer develop a new internal combustion engine, but will adapt [its] existing internal combustion engines to new emission guidelines”.

Even before the premium German marque goes full EV, it can already count itself as one of the most invested brands when it comes to electric vehicle offerings. Its run of E-Tron models such as the E-Tron SUV and the newly-announced E-Tron GT spearhead the brand’s shift to electrification, while it also sells plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid petrol engines.