The VW Group is pulling no punches when it comes to its electric ambitions. The German giant is preparing to overtake Tesla in terms of EV production and, while many thought that would never happen, industry experts think otherwise. However, it seems software-related issues may throw a spanner in the works for the mighty automaker.
According to Automobilwoche, the Cariad software division is behind schedule in terms of development. This is threatening several new models, such as the Porsche Macan EV and its Audi-badged sibling, the Q6 e-tron. Both battery-powered SUVs are expected to debut in 2023, but the electric twins may arrive later than planned. Audi's range-topping Artemis EV, which will reportedly be based on the Grandsphere concept below, has been pushed back to 2027 - three years later than its planned introduction. We'll just have to be satisfied with the RS e-tron GT for now.
Audi's halo EV was intended to debut with Cariad's 2.0 software. This would have made it capable of Level 4 autonomous driving. Initially, Artemis was supposed to launch in 2024, but sources told the German publication it will only launch in 2026 at the earliest. Volkswagen's Trinity sedan will hit the scene first.
Ingolstadt will reportedly introduce another electric flagship for the time being. It will take on a higher SUV-like body and arrive in 2025 - but without the all-important autonomous tech to sway customers from Mercedes-Benz and Tesla. Because of Cariad's delays, it will utilize the 1.2 version of the software. Understandably, this has caused frustration amongst Porsche and Audi executives - some have even demanded a reworked plan for Cariad.
Porsche's Macan EV has already started pre-series production, but the software delays are causing problems. An insider told Automobilwoche that "the hardware is great...but the software is still missing." Audi is hoping to do the same with the Q6 e-tron, but Cariad's slow development is a problem. "We need the software for this now," said an Audi manager.
This doesn't just affect the German brands. Bentley's 2030 electric ambitions are also up in the air now. Sources told the publication that the transition is looking very unlikely, as the software required for Crewe's battery-powered vehicles is also affected by the delay. However, we're guessing the Volkswagen Group won't allow these obstructions to hinder their plans.
Nothing has been said about Lamborghini, but we imagine this may push back the Raging Bull's electric plans, too. The company's grand tourer EV is supposed to arrive before the end of the decade.