Ingolstadt’s carmaker plans three pure electric models by 2020
Following e-tron quattro concept’s debut at 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi announces the birth of e-tron moniker describing its future lineup of electric vehicles.
As Autocar reports, Audi’s boss Rupert Stadler confirmed the e-tron name, without any model designation – a move that reminds us of the iconic 1980’s quattro model. This happens shortly after the German carmaker buried the R8 e-tron electric sportscar.
Stadler stated that, in the long term, the e-tron moniker would appear in combination with Audi’s conventional nomenclature, “for example A6 e-tron, A7 e-tron, A8 e-tron and so on.”
The first three EV models will try to cover the most sought-after niches. Besides the SUV hinted by the e-tron quattro concept, Audi is working on a saloon directly aimed at the American Tesla Model S, and a small hatchback to suit the urban lifestyle.
However, the pure-electric executive sedan will not meddle in Audi’s plans for the A9, so expect to see Ingolstadt’s rival for the Mercedes S-Class Coupe soon, as well.