Audi A4 EV Delayed Until 2029 as Problems Mount

The Short-Lived Name Change

It wasn’t that long ago when Audi decided to implement an odd-even naming scheme for its cars. Combustion-powered models were to be odd-numbered, while even-numbered models were to be electric. It’s the very reason why the A5 became what it is today, even sprouting an Avant model.

But just when people were starting to wrap their heads around the idea, Audi quickly reverted to the familar, tried and tested naming convension. Still, that did mean the company had a full lineup of EV models planned, and the A4 was to be an electric compact executive sedan.

And Now, a Roadblock

Audi announced plans to introduce an electric A4 years ago, even before BMW launched the i4 and Mercedes teased the C-Class electric. Today, the i4 has been succeeded by the Neue Klasse i3, while the C-Class EV followed suit in no time. As for Audi, it’s missing in action.

Now, amidst parent company Volkswagen’s financial troubles, the electric A4 has reportedly been pushed back by a couple of years. That’s according to British publication Autocar, saying that the Scalable Systems Platform that was supposed to underpin the model has been further delayed. It was originally planned for a 2026 rollout, but the magazine has mentioned 2029 as the premiere of the battery-powered A4.

Barrage of Challenges

Cost isn’t the only reason why the so-called A4 e-Tron won’t be out for a few more years. The software system that was supposed to power everything in the car has hit several development difficulties. Cariad, Volkswagen Group’s in-house software company, was put in change with setting up the framework, but one revision after another had significantly slowed down progress.

Another curveball was thrown when it was decided software development was to be passed on to Rivian. The platform itself also presented challenges as Audi wanted footwells in the chassis instead of the usual flat floor found in many EVs. That has forced engineering teams to rethink battery and motor packaging, further delaying matters. The company also wanted to move up to a 48v electrical system instead of 12v sometime during the course of development.

Should there be no more delays, the A4 e-tron’s rivals would already have been out in the market for at least two full model years by then. With the way things are going, the car can’t afford any more setbacks, or else its key rivals will simply run away with all the sales.