Audi will soon add new electric cars to its lineup.
In the past two years, Audi revealed two electric car concepts it plans to bring to market: the e-tron quattro and the e-tron Sportback.
The German automaker, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, also has a third electric vehicle in development. This model will likely compete with Tesla’s upcoming Model Y.
Audi also intends to introduce a smaller SUV in the “A” segment, similar in size to today’s Q3. This vehicle will ride on the VW Group’s MEB electric platform, which was designed specifically for electric cars. Audi has not announced when it will reach North America, but the company said it will follow the e-tron quattro and e-tron Sportback. That means a likely debut around 2020, though no firm date is set.
Audi plans to launch its e-tron quattro SUV in late 2018 and the e-tron Sportback in 2019. Both vehicles will share the same powertrain and have many similarities. The third SUV will be smaller and based on the modular MEB platform. While no price was shared, it should compete in the Q3 segment, where prices start at about $31,000.
Tesla also plans to launch its Model Y, a compact SUV, within the same period. Analysts expect pricing to fall in a similar range. Other automakers, including Volvo and Ford, also intend to bring smaller electric SUVs to market by 2020.
Audi has promised major investments in electric cars after the VW Dieselgate scandal. CEO Rupert Stadler stated the brand will offer all three EVs by 2020. By 2025, Audi expects 25% of its sales to come from battery-powered models.
The company is not stopping with all-electric vehicles. Audi also plans to expand its hybrid lineup and is considering several new plug-in hybrid applications for future markets.