Audi is working on a concept for quick-charging for premium-level electromobility in Germany. A pilot project, in the second half of the year, will provide a practical test for a possible serial roll-out.
The concept will offer high-power charging (HPC) stations that can be reserved in advance to provide a high level of planning security. A lounge area directly nearby will provide an premium place to pass the time.
Cubes form the foundation of the Audi charging hub. The flexible container cubes house charging pillars as well as used lithium ion batteries for energy storage.
The six high-speed charging stations, which have a charging output of up to 300 kW, only need a standard 400 volt high-voltage hook-up. That makes output starting at 11 kW per cube sufficient to be able to fill the three storage modules with a total capacity of 2.45 MWh continually and to charge them overnight.
Photovoltaic modules on the roof will provide additional green energy.
The search for a location in Germany for the charging hub pilot project and talks with possible partners are currently underway.
Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board for Technical Development of Audi AG. says: “The charging hub embodies our aspiration for the electric era and highlights Audi’s commitment to ‘Vorsprung durch Technik.’ A flexible high-performing HPC charging park like this does not require much from the local electricity grid and uses a sustainable battery concept. Our customers benefit in numerous ways: from the ability to make exclusive reservations, a lounge area and short waiting times thanks to high-performance charging. This is consistent with the premium concept.”
The Audi e-tron GT reaches a charging capacity of up to 270 kW. That allows it to charge enough energy for up to 100 kilometers in about five minutes, with a charge from 5 to 80 percent taking roughly 23 minutes under ideal conditions.
