Charging on the road

Countless different providers with a variety of card-based or app-based billing models make public charging confusing and inconvenient for consumers.
Audi has created simple solutions and attractive options to provide its customers a premium e-mobility experience – such as Audi charging. In this case, a large number of charging point operators are bundled into a single contract.

e-tron Charging Service

Audi’s e-tron Charging Service is a premium offering that makes charging simple and straightforward. Through its charging service, the brand with the four rings unlocks access to 300,000 charging points from over 500 providers in 26 EU countries. Whether AC or DC charging, eleven or up to 350 kW – users can start the charging process with a single card. Many charging points can also be activated simply by using a smartphone to scan a QR code with the myAudi app. All that users need to do ahead of time is complete the one-time sign-up process for the e-tron Charging Service in the myAudi portal and select the charging plan that best suits their individual needs. All charging sessions are then automatically billed collectively at the end of the month. Users can view their current charging history and invoices and manage their plan at any time via the myAudi portal. Other benefits of the e-tron Charging Service include the preferential terms when using the IONITY network’s high-power charging (HPC) points with up to 350 kW – charging only costs 31 cents per kilowatt-hour on the Transit plan, which is equivalent to the cost of charging at home in Germany. Customers with an all-electric e-tron model can even charge for the first year without paying a monthly account maintenance fee. This makes the e-tron Charging Service a real alternative for customers who are either unable or cannot charge quickly enough at home. In addition, the local rates also apply abroad without any extra charges.

Please visit the following link for more information:
https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/press-releases/mobility-without-boundaries-audi-e-tron-charging-service-completes-range-of-charging-options-10689

e-tron route planner

In the battery electric models, the Audi e-tron route planner complements the Audi MMI’s familiar navigation features and helps to optimally manage the demands of e-mobility, especially when driving medium and longer distances. It calculates the fastest route, takes traffic and route data into account, considers the driver’s driving style, calculates how long it will take to charge the vehicle, and includes it in the total driving time. Users are also shown basic information such as the charging power or charging connections and the plug type of the respective charging points. The system also dynamically displays availability, such as whether charging stations are available or occupied. The focus is always on reaching your destination quickly. For example, two short stops to charge at a station with high-power charging points can save time compared to one long stop at a charging station with lower power charging points. Alternative routes with better charging infrastructure are also considered when calculating the ideal total travel time.

The Audi e-tron route planner gives preference to the high-performance HPC charging stations. In the Audi e-tron GT quattro*, battery preconditioning is activated automatically. Thanks to this feature, the battery is always at its ideal temperature at the start of the charging session in order to fully utilize the available charging power.HPC charging stations can charge the high-voltage battery in the car with up to 270 kW of direct current (DC). Under ideal conditions, charging from five to 80 percent takes only a little longer than a coffee break; in the case of an Audi e-tron GT quattro*, for example, it takes around 23 minutes. After charging is complete, a push notification via the myAudi app reminds the driver when the ideal target charge level has been reached so that they can continue their journey.

Please visit the following link for more information:
https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/press-releases/intelligent-assistant-for-electric-driving-the-audi-e-tron-route-planner-13302

Plug & Charge

“Plug & Charge” (PnC) refers to the ability to easily and securely charge an EV without an RFID (radio frequency identification) card, a contactless chip card, or even an app. The authentication process takes place automatically at compatible charging stations via encrypted communication as soon as the charging cable is connected to the vehicle. Charging begins a few seconds later and billing is handled automatically on the basis of the Audi charging contract – or, until the end of 2023, the Audi e-tron Charging service contract – on file. Audi will be offering this particularly premium form of charging exclusively on the IONITY network starting in December 2021. To use this system, drivers must have an Audi e-tron* model capable of Plug & Charge (a new model with production date after calendar week 48/2021) and an active Audi charging contract. Simply activate the Plug & Charge feature in the myAudi app as well as in the MMI of the e-tron model and you are good to go – charging begins automatically after a brief authentication process as soon as the charging cable is plugged in and ends again when unplugged.

IONITY

IONITY, Europe’s largest open HPC network spanning 26 countries, is investing 700 million euros in its fast-charging network. The joint venture in which Volkswagen, with its Porsche and Audi brands, has a stake will increase the number of high-performance 350 kW charging points from more than 1,500 at present to around 7,000 by 2025. In addition, they are no longer being built only along freeways, but also near major cities and along busy main roads. As a result, the number of charging locations is also increasing from just under 400 at present to more than 1,000. In addition, IONITY plans to expand many of the existing locations – depending on their utilization levels. New sites will be designed with six to twelve charging points right from the beginning. This significantly reduces charging and waiting times for Audi customers. In addition, the company plans to acquire more of its own land in order to build and operate service stations. Through covered charging stations or complete charging facilities including dining options and stores, IONITY wants to significantly enhance the customer experience. For the first time, IONITY shareholders include a company from outside the automotive sector, the financial investor BlackRock.

BlackRock, headquartered in New York, operates globally and, through its Global Renewable Power platform, invests specifically in sustainable industries and companies with the highest possible growth potential.

Please visit the following link for more information:
https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/press-releases/more-than-5000-new-fast-charging-points-by-2025-massive-expansion-by-ionity-strengthens-audis-charging-offering-14388

Audi charging hub

A welcome break instead of a burdensome chore – with reservable HPC charging points and a directly adjacent lounge area with snacks, drinks, and non-food items, the Audi charging hub transforms the time spent charging into a premium experience. Thanks to the use of what are known as second-life modules – battery cells taken from dismantled development vehicles – the Audi charging hub is not only extremely sustainable. Another major advantage lies, above all, in their capacity as buffer storage for direct current. This eliminates the need for a complex infrastructure with high-voltage power lines and expensive transformers. A supply of 220 kW of power from the grid is sufficient for the 2.45 MWh battery storage system and its six charging points in Nuremberg, each with a capacity of up to 300 kW. Solar panels on the roof provide additional green energy. The technology and modular design of the buildings not only make it easier to select possible locations, but also reduce the time required for planning, thereby cutting costs and conserving resources. The pilot site for the first Audi charging hub opened at the end of 2021 in Nuremberg at the NürnbergMesse exhibition center.

A second Audi charging hub has been in operation at the entrance to the Messe Zürich parking garage since November 2022. The compact version has four covered charging points at two power cubes. The smaller footprint is designed specifically for urban locations.An essential component of the adaptable, compact concept is the reworked swivel arm that ensures barrier-free charging of all the cars across the entire width of the individual charging points with up to 320 kW of power. The operating displays at the charging points are height adjustable and clearance between cubes and cars has been designed to accommodate wheelchair users. In addition, two 55-inch screens draw attention to, among other things, the extensive service landscape around the hub – including numerous food and fitness offerings as well as an e-bike sharing service in the immediate vicinity. The Audi charging hub in Zürich also features a modular design that makes it possible to install different sizes of charging hubs with and without lounges. After Zürich, Audi plans to open further locations. Three compact versions like the site in Zürich will be installed in Berlin, Munich, and Salzburg. Additional sites in large German cities will help meet the increased charging demands in urban spaces starting in 2023. Audi also plans to open eight more locations in German cities by mid-2024.

Supercharging stations in China

In China, the first series of 20 stations with a total of 60 charging points will be installed in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen by the end of 2022. The stations support fast charging with a capacity of up to 480 kW, a maximum voltage of 1,000 volts, and a maximum amperage of 500 amps. More cities and locations will follow. The stations are branded in the Audi brand design and integrated into the Audi MMI navigation system. The introduction of Audi supercharging stations coincides with the launch of the Audi RS e-tron GT* in China. Using their advanced technologies, Audi is aiming to have the supercharging stations meet the charging needs of all models in the Audi e-tron family by 2025.

Please visit the following links for more information:
https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/press-releases/audi-pilots-concept-for-quick-charging-13977