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Audi Touts Plug-In Hybrid Technology
Audi CEO Rupert Stadler tells Automotive News Europe that plug-in electric hybrid technology will be the best option for the next 5-6 years to meet tightening emission standards.
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Audi CEO Rupert Stadler tells Automotive News Europe that plug-in electric hybrid technology will be the best option for the next 5-6 years to meet tightening emission standards.
Stadler says all current and future Audi models are designed to accommodate such systems, which can be built into its cars on existing production lines. "Audi is well prepared," he declares.
He suggests electric vehicles could begin to replace plug-ins by about 2020. But doesn't think that will occur until batteries are able to provide a range of 300 km or more during a European winter.
Stadler dismisses the ability of Tesla Motor Inc.'s Model S EV to deliver that range now using consumer-type battery cells. He tells ANE that Audi expects better performance will come from the "automotive" cells it is using.
Stadler confirms the company's goal of reaching annual volume of 2 million units by 2020, including 200,000 in the U.S., to become the world's best-selling premium brand. Last year Audi said it would spend about €11 billion on product and technology development between 2013 and 2015 to achieve its target.
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