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Friday, June 25, 2021
Tesla sued, another Nürburgring record, AMG Black Series of boats
Audi CEO reveals timeline for brand to go all-EV
If you have trouble reading this message, view it in a browser. This week Ferrari unveils a plug-in hybrid, Ford announces EPA range estimates for the Mach-E GT, and the Lordstown saga continues. But first: Audi is no stranger to EVs with and a number of models on sale and more scheduled to arrive soon, having had an early start among the Volkswagen AG brands. And earlier this week the automaker's CEO Markus Duesmann shed some light on just when the Ingolstadt-based luxury and performance brand plans to turn exclusively to battery-electric vehicles. That turn will come sooner than expected: Audi plans to only release new battery-electric models starting in 2026, and will gradually phase out production of internal combustion engines until 2033. This timeline is slated to transform Audi into an EV maker sooner than many other companies, including German ones that still see a role for gas-engined models to play beyond 2030. "Through our innovative strength, we offer individuals sustainable and carbon-neutral mobility options," Duesmann said. "I don't believe in the success of bans. I believe in the success of technology and innovation."
The Audi Q4 e-tron is on the way, along with a twin. Audi pointed out that this year it is already launching more new battery-electric models than new internal combustion-engined ones, and plans to have more than 20 battery-electric models in its lineup by 2025. But Audi will also leave itself some room to maneuver in the long term, with the company indicating that it expects to see demand for internal combustion engines in China beyond 2033. We can think of a few other markets where Audi sells cars that are currently far more averse to EVs than China, and they're practically on Germany's doorstep. So Ingolstadt's hedging is perhaps warranted given the fact that 2026 is not that far over the horizon at all. "Win on Sunday, sell on Monday," as the old mantra goes. Will it hold true for EVs? When it comes to going electric, plans by automakers aren't the only parts of a changing automotive landscape. Electric and electrified vehicles are making their way into motorsport, and they're not confined solely to Formula E — the evolution that's taking place right now is much more complex, and many in racing are beginning to wonder just how long the majority of the various series can remain powered by internal combustion engines. A plug-in hybrid from Ferrari is on the way, with the 296 GTB slated to be the marque's new mid-rear-engined berlinetta. The model will be powered by an aluminum V6 paired with a 7.45-kWh battery, with this powertrain producing a combined 818 hp. Two hot versions of the Mach-E are on the way this fall, and they won't trade much range for performance. Ford has revealed the EPA range estimates for the Mach-E GT and GT Performance Edition, landing at 270 and 260 miles, respectively. Here's what these two versions will offer. Spread the word: If you know someone interested in staying on top of the rapidly growing EV segment, feel free to pass this newsletter along.
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