Audi is jumping on the electric bandwagon, saying it will make three distinct electric models by 2020.
Two will be crossovers, while the third will be a compact car. They will join an ever-expanding range of plug-in SUVs. The first has already been confirmed — the e-tron SUV is set to go on sale next year with a 300-mile range. Audi is looking to take on the Tesla Model X with its luxury e-SUV.
The second will be called the e-tron Sportback, in the best Audi tradition. Like the Q8, it will combine a high driving position — albeit lower than the e-tron SUV — with coupe-like styling. Expect to see this one in 2019. Finally, Audi plans on using VW’s MEB platform to create a compact EV of its own. Set to launch in 2020, following the introducing of the VW I.D., the car could be good for up to 370 miles per charge.
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But that’s not all. Audi plans to continue with the EV models, adding an EV variant to each of its core models. Though based on the core models, they will have EV-specific design cues to differentiate them from the rest. Audi anticipates that EVs will make up one-third of its sales by 2025 and the brand hopes to make them desirable, saying that its EVs will be “must haves.”
These will join more plug-in hybrids, said Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, like the coming Q5 and A6L e-tron, both already in the pipeline.
The electric push does not come without cost, though. In order to pay for its electrification, Audi plans to reduce the number of transmissions, body style variations and internal combustion engines by 40 percent.
