Alfa Romeo to switch to electric power by 2027, but most models will be done by 2025

Alfa Romeo's petrol-powered era is expected to come to a premature end – almost 10 years before strict emissions regulations in Europe ban the introduction of new petrol cars.

Unless there is a radical U-turn by regulators.

That's the claim from the top executive at Alfa Romeo in charge of the company's future model strategy.

Daniel Guzzafame, the global head of product for Alfa Romeo, told an online conference call with Australian media this week the future for Alfa Romeo is electric unless there is a sudden shift in the rollout of the new emissions regulations.

"I'll ask ... the European Commission to tell me (when petrol cars are banned). That will depend on the regulation.

"I want to be very, very honest. Possibly (the EU) will get something clear in their mind soon, because we don't have much time left.

"(We believe) no company will invest (in petrol engine development) to meet Euro 7.

"So that means only one thing, you can draw the line from there. It's just not sustainable (to continue development of new petrol cars).

"So, it will depend on the regulation. It will depend on how the market evolves, and if we can find a path to have something which is accepted and not fought back at the worldwide level."

When asked if the company's upcoming limited-edition Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (pictured above and below) will be the last newly-developed petrol supercar for the Italian marque, the executive said:

"I should say that this will be the last, yes. Whether it will be the last (new petrol car entirely) for Alfa Romeo, it depends on the legal issues.

"From 2025 onward, we will be (electric) only on the core models ... and from 2027 (we will have) a 100 per cent electric line-up."

The executive said there was a slim chance the company could reverse that decision if regulations changed to made further development of petrol cars more viable, however he expected that was unlikely.

"Then again, we have the luck of being in a company like (automotive conglomerate) Stellantis, which has a capability on (multiple engine options).

"So if in two years (the European Union) will change their mind, we will need to spend money, but at least we would have the capability to add (petrol power).

"But for now, that's not absolutely the main plan. The plan is 100 per cent ... electric lineup from 2027."