Audi has officially announced the reversal of its decision to cease internal combustion engine (ICE) production by 2033. The automaker now suggests that ICE vehicle production could continue until around 2035, or even longer, depending on customer demand and market developments. Previously, Audi had stated plans to stop selling ICE vehicles by 2026 and discontinue ICE production entirely by 2033.
In the first quarter of 2025, Audi's pure electric vehicle (EV) deliveries increased by 30.1% compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, a new compact electric vehicle, positioned alongside the Audi A3, is set to launch in 2026. Production of this model will take place at the Ingolstadt plant, and its projected lower price point is expected to accelerate EV adoption. Speculation suggests the new model could be named the A2 e-tron or A3 e-tron and will form a standalone lineup, sold alongside the ICE-powered A3.
In comparison, within the trio of premium German automakers (Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz), Mercedes-Benz had initially targeted achieving full electrification in certain European markets by as early as 2030 but has since walked back on this goal. Meanwhile, BMW has never committed to a specific timeline for phasing out ICEs, citing concerns over the lagging development of charging infrastructure.
