Audi Q9 Gas SUV Arrives as EV Incentives End

It follows reports that one of the most appealing EV ownership incentive programs appears poised to conclude in a matter of days.

Audi’s new jumbo-sized SUV will start rolling off production lines next year. The German marque recently abandoned its ambitious target of becoming EV-only from 2032. Instead, in 2026, the firm will introduce its largest Q model so far – the Q9.

According to Audi’s development chief Geoffrey Bouquot, the model will debut alongside a refreshed Q7. However, Bouquot remained tight-lipped regarding the vehicles’ technical details. Both new models will share the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) with the current A5, Q5, and A6.

Those used to particular perks provided by the program will need to be cautious about their driving patterns, or face $400 fines merely for being in the incorrect lane. It was revealed earlier this year that the federal government would not renew its Clean Air Vehicle Decal scheme, which permitted lone EV drivers to use carpool lanes.

The program will terminate at midnight on September 30. Stickers do not have to be removed, but displaying them on a vehicle will confer no extra advantages once the program expires. This will require the thirteen states that took part in the scheme to stop issuing new decals and begin ticketing solo EV drivers who occupy carpool lanes during restricted hours. In most states, these restricted hours match local rush periods, typically around the 6 to 9 am and 4 to 7 pm windows.

Solo drivers, whether or not they’re in an EV, caught in these lanes during restricted times face fines of $400 or more depending on the specific state. States where decal holders received reduced or waived tolls or bridge fees, such as California, will be ending those benefits as well. Affected states include Arizona, Colorado, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia.

Some state law enforcement bodies will exercise discretion initially to “weigh severity, safety, and context,” according to Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesperson Bart Graves.

This development follows President Donald Trump and his administration announcing the end of federal tax credits for buying an EV earlier this year. The United States Senate also set the stage for a confrontation with California’s aim to have 100% of new model cars sold in the state be EVs by 2035 by blocking the state’s plan to phase out petrol-powered vehicles.

Automakers are likewise distancing themselves from self-imposed and externally mandated EV targets, whether in the entry-level or luxury sectors.