The Audi E-tron will be the first of 12 electric models to launch from Audi by 2025. Alongside the E-tron SUV, the E-tron Sportback SUV coupe will be revealed next year, while a four-door E-tron GT, rivaling the Tesla Model S, will arrive in 2020.
Also confirmed is a compact model, an electric equivalent to the Audi A3, coming in 2020 and five more SUVs.
Another possible car is a production version of the PB18 concept, shown last month, which could preview a Audi R8-esque electric sports car.
All of the electric cars will be standalone models rather than electric versions of existing cars. Audi added that the zero-emission line-up would include “classic body layouts” such as Avant and Sportback, and that the range will cover every segment from compact to large.
Audi E-tron revealed: full details here
All of the electric models will be based on one of four platforms.
The E-tron and E-tron Sportback are based on Audi’s modular longitudinal platform, called MLB, capable of Quattro all-wheel-drive, while the E-tron GT will be based on the same J1 architecture as the upcoming Porsche Taycan EV. A concept of the E-tron GT will be revealed at LA Motor Show in November.
Another shared platform between Porsche and Audi, called Premium Platform Electric (PPE) will be introduced by 2022 and will cover B-segment to D-segments of the market [A1 to A4-sized], said Audi.
Audi technical development boss Ulrich Widmann said PPE will be able to use both “high floor and flat floor solutions” (essentially SUV and standard models). He added: “This will be perfect to generate the full portfolio needed in the marketplace.”
Finally, Audi will also use Volkswagen’s modular electrification platform (MEB), which is being used for VW’s range of ID electric models. The MEB will be the basis for Audi’s 2020 compact model, as well as a China-only EV. Audi describes China as “the single most important market”.
Audi has also confirmed that there will be 10 plug-in hybrids launched by 2025.
Peter Mertens, Audi’s technical development boss, described the E-tron as “a highlight in the history of our company and the starting signal for our electrification strategy”.
“In the future, virtually every market segment will include models powered by a combination of electric motors and a combustion engine, and that can be charged at an electric outlet”.
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got it wrong, Autocar!
No, you got it all wrong from the Audi PR paper.
PPE platform will be used on B segment (A4), C segment (A6) and D segment (A8). You know what? A4 cars have internal code B something, A6 cars C something and A8 cars D something... you know that, don`t you Autocar-the oldest motoring magazine.
Then, there is the MEB platform: it will be used to bring out an A3 altenative with full electric powertrain.
Now calling B segment "supermini" and then writing A segment high volume sales segment... I got lost on your reasoning.
I bet you will tell me I am wrong, sight!