dense network of charging points Ingolstadt, March 18, 2024 – When designing and developing the high-voltage (HV) battery for the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), Audi prioritized both range and charging performance. Sophisticated thermal management for the battery, an 800-volt electrical system, and a wide range of efficiency measures around the new electric motors make driving and charging a carefree experience. The Audi charging service and, last but not least, the Audi charging hub fast charging network in urban environments, which is becoming increasingly dense, also contribute to this.
2024 will be a demanding year for the Audi Group. The challenging market environment and supply bottlenecks, especially for V6 and V8 engines, had a particularly negative impact on operating profit in the first quarter of the year. The company also has to manage numerous product ramp-ups. Revenue reached €13.7 billion in the first quarter of the year, while operating profit amounted to €466 million. The operating margin was 3.4 percent. In the first three months of the year, the Brand Group Progressive delivered 402,048 automobiles to customers – a decline of 4.7 percent. The demand for fully electric models, however, increased by 3 percent. Audi registered a significant increase of 13.7 percent in China, with 156,082 models delivered.
The Four Rings opened their first Audi charging hub outside Europe on April 26, 2024. In Tokyo, the capital of Japan, drivers of electric cars of all brands can now charge at four fast-charging points, each with up to 150 kilowatts (kW) – an excellent figure for charging power in Japan. Thanks to a buffer storage unit, the Audi charging hub places low demands on the local power grid. The seventh Audi charging hub overall only uses electricity from renewable sources.
The course for Audi’s Formula 1 project continues to be set. Following the announcement of the complete takeover of the Sauber Group to accelerate preparations for the brand’s entry into F1, the first driver has now been confirmed: Nico Hülkenberg has signed a multi-year contract with Sauber and will start for the Audi factory team in 2026. He will be driving for Sauber as early as 2025 and accompany the transformation to the factory team, as the Swiss company announced today.
Audi gives the electrified Q7 and Q8 a facelift with updated battery technology and more efficient driving modes. The exterior design was also reworked as part of the model upgrade and features new front and rear aprons to highlight the strong character of the two models. For the first time, both plug-in hybrids are available with all-wheel steering for an increased degree of safety and comfort. Electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS) guarantees even more dynamic handling. Prices start at 85,500 euros (Q7 55 TFSI e) and 92,900 euros (Q8 55 TFSI e).