Audi will release final petrol and diesel cars in 2026 and sell its last models with internal combustion engines in Europe in 2033 (but continue to do so in China)

[Steve Q]

• Last new petrol and diesel powered Audis to enter the market in 2026
• Bosses say these will be the 'best internal combustion engines we've ever built'
• From 2033, only pure electric vehicles will be sold in European showrooms
• Petrols and diesels will continue to be made available in China, where Audi says the market will continue to grow after 2033 

Bosses at German car firm Audi have today confirmed plans to phase-out petrol and diesel models, with a deadline of 2026 set for the release of its final vehicles with an internal combustion engine.

After that date the brand will cease development of fossil-fuelled cars and redirect attention to pure electrification. 

By 2033, Audi says it will no longer offer petrol and diesel-engined models into its European showrooms - though it will continue to sell them in China. 

 

Audi became the latest in a host of car makers to outline their intentions to do away with the internal combustion engine over the course of the next decade, following the likes of Fiat, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and Volvo, as well as exotic brands including Bentley and Lamborghini.  

Like many rival manufacturers, Audi's goal is to be net-zero carbon by 2050 - the same carbon-neutrality target set by parent group VW.

Part of this process will see the end of development of internal combustion engines come in five years' time. 

From 2026 there will be no investment into evolving its petrol and diesel offering and all models removed from sale some seven years later. 

But while there won't be any new engines coming to market, Audi says it will continue to build its existing fossil-fuelled powertrains for China, as the market is expected to continue growing after 2033.

For Europe, the schedule for winding-down availability of petrol and diesel models begins with immediate effect, as the German car maker plans to launch 'more than 20' electric 'e-tron'-badged vehicles before 2025.

Its latest electric car, the e-tron GT, has received rave reviews and is, despite a high starting price of £79,900, experiencing high demand.

Already due to launch next year is the large Q6 e-tron SUV, while an electrified version of the A6 luxury saloon is also due in 2023. 

Speaking at the Climate Neutrality Foundation conference on Wednesday, CEO Markus Duesmann said: 'Audi is ready to make its decisive and powerful move into the electric age.

 

Through our innovative strength, we offer individuals sustainable and carbon-neutral mobility options.'

Commenting on the proposed ban on sales of new petrol and diesel passenger cars in different countries - with the UK setting a deadline of 2030 - Duesmann added: 'I don't believe in the success of bans. I believe in the success of technology and innovation.' 

Audi believes that the exact timing of the combustion engine's discontinuation will 'ultimately be decided by customers and legislation' combined. 

'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,' the Audi boss continued.  

And in something of a two-finger salute to law makers, Duesmann added: 'Audi’s last internal combustion engine will be the best we've ever built.' 

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