Audi is gunning for fleet sales with raft of exciting new EVs in pipeline

electric. At the same time we are in the middle of developing a new generation of petrol TFSI and TDI diesel engines, which remain popular choices with a broad spectrum of our customers. Plug-in hybrid vehicles will also remain a key part of our product offering.

Company Car & Van: The supply delays that have hampered Audi are now easing and our readers can expect a six-month order window for their new car. Slowly but surely, new Audi electric products are emerging. What can you tell us about your latest electric models, and when can we expect to see them in the UK?

Warren Richards: We are on the verge of the biggest product initiative in our history – 20 new models by the end of 2025, more than 10 of which will be all-electric.

The first to arrive in the UK in 2024 will be the Q6 e-tron and this is the first model to be based on the VW Group’s new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) technology, featuring an 800-volt electrical system, powerful yet efficient motors combined with an innovative battery and charging management system. It heralds the next leap in electrification and digitalisation of the Audi model range.

CC&V: For many SMEs, plug-in hybrid is a more attractive way to achieve a greener fleet and lower BIK than full-electric. You have a number of PHEVs in the form of your TFSI range. How important are these plug-in models for Audi as we await a raft of new electric models?

WR: Our plug-in hybrids continue to provide the stepping stone to full electric and enable our customers to get used to ‘charging’ without worrying about range, and we’ll definitely see these drivers more seamlessly transition to full electric in their next change cycle.

CC&V: With the EU back-tracking on the sell-by date of combustion engine cars, does Audi have any new plug-in and petrol models in the pipe line that will attract corporate customers?

WR: By the end of 2025 we will launch no fewer than 20 all-new models, over half of which will be fully

CC&V: With new Chinese electric car competition, especially at the entry level in the sector, will Audi be looking to add a sub-35k electric model to the range anytime soon?

WR: By 2027 we aim to have an electric model offering in every major product segment. This includes a new battery electric vehicle that will sit below today’s Q4 e-tron.

Q5. To what extent can Audi’s fleet specialists in your corporate dealer network help SMEs when it comes to choosing the right car for their business?

WR: Audi launched Fleet Agency in 2018 and this means price transparency for our fleet customers but also ensures a level playing field for our dealer network. All of our Market Area Partners have a team of Audiaccredited Local Business Development Managers who can provide expert advice to fleet customers.

Q6. SMEs are still suffering from range anxiety and access to charging points. While full-electric has to be the way forward, what can we do in the short term to make electric motoring easier for fleets?

WR: Audi has a suite of ‘on boarding’ communications that we send to customers who are transitioning to a fully electric vehicle. These are designed to provide essential information on topics such as home and public charging, factors that impact vehicle range and braking recuperation technology.

Below, Warren Richards: “By 2027 we aim to have an electric model in every major product segment.”