All notable car brands are pushing to take EV production to a whole new level and launch new models that out-beat the current trendy models in the market. In recent news, Audi is stepping up its game in the electric vehicle (EV) market with plans to introduce several significant upgrades to its EV platforms throughout 2024 and 2025.
These upcoming changes will focus on the creation of more “software-defined vehicles” (SDVs), with the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron serving as a flagship model for this new era of technology. The German luxury car brand is positioning itself to become a dominant player in the EV industry, which is poised for further growth and transformation in the coming years.
Audi Planning on Major EV Upgrades for 2024 and 2025
Although the EV market in Europe is currently facing some challenges, including increasing competition and infrastructure concerns, Audi is planning on releasing at least 20 new vehicle models in the space of two years – viewing these market fluctuations as temporary hurdles in its long-term strategy.
In the meantime, Audi’s existing models, such as the popular Audi A3, continue to maintain their strong foothold in the market. Known for its sleek design, the A3 is often praised for its durability and solid build – especially when it comes to the Audi A3 bumper, which adds a more rugged appeal to the car’s aesthetics.
Audi to Launch Over 20 New Products by 2025
Audi has announced plans to introduce over 20 new models in 2024 and 2025, with a strong focus on electric vehicles. “In 2024 and 2025, we will strengthen and rejuvenate our portfolio with a number of new products. All in all, we’re planning to launch more than 20 new models. The focus will be on our future-oriented electric cars. At the same time, we’re putting ourselves in a strong position for the coming years with a completely new generation of combustion engine models and plug-in hybrids,” says Gernot Döllner, Audi’s CEO.
Döllner also reaffirmed that Audi is on a path toward becoming a fully electric car brand, stating, “Our portfolio strategy is set out clearly. We will transform our product portfolio and switch completely to electric vehicles.”
These words of Dollner indicate the German brand’s long-term strategy to phase out traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in favor of battery-powered alternatives. Of course, this will mean that the brand will upgrade chassis platforms, and so, Audi is heavily investing in software technologies that will become the backbone of its future EV models. In the company’s words, they are working on building “Software-Defined Vehicles” (SDVs).
Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs)
Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are the future of the automotive industry, and Audi is making a bold move by developing this technology now. These are vehicles that will rely heavily on software programs to control and optimize key functions. In essence, Audi’s new EV models may just be able to receive over-the-air (OTA) updates, similar to how smartphones and other smart devices operate.
With this technology, Audi can roll out software upgrades throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle, adding new features, improving performance, and addressing any bugs or security concerns without requiring a visit to the dealership. Döllner emphasized that Audi is collaborating with Volkswagen Group’s software unit, CARIAD, to hasten the development of these software systems for its EV lineup.
SDVs will be more connected and technology-driven, which appears to be the future of the EV market. Hence, Audi getting in on time would give the brand a solid edge when the technology is full-blown.
To start things up, Audi has already launched the Q6 e-tron and A6 e-tron3, which are both based on the brand’s all-new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) chassis; this new platform will be used for a couple more new models the brand intends to launch this year. However, the Audi A5 and Q53 will launch on a different Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), which would be the new standard platform for Audi’s subsequent ICE vehicles.
CEO Dollner said, “The PPE shows how we pool expertise within the Volkswagen Group and thus make electric mobility scalable. Thanks to the PPE, we’re able to launch a wide variety of models with sophisticated technology.”
