Audi plans to ramp up its efforts as a provider of electric vehicles (EVs) by 2025 with more than 20 fully electric models. The solution to increasing future demand could be Audi’s charging hub. The concept calls for high-power charging stations that can be reserved in advance with a lounge area nearby to provide an attractive place to pass the time.
A total of 2.45 MWh of electrical storage forms the foundation of Audi’s charging hub. Flexible container cubes fulfill various technical requirements and house charging pillars as well as used lithium-ion batteries for energy storage. The use of second-life modules from disassembled development vehicles doesn’t just give the battery cells a new sustainable purpose, it also provides a benefit in their suitability as ancillary storage for direct current. This makes complex infrastructure with high-voltage lines and expensive transformers unnecessary.
The interim storage enables six charging stations, which have a charging output of up to 300 kW—all that’s needed is a standard 400-V hook-up. That makes output starting at 11 kW per cube sufficient to be able to fill three storage modules with a total capacity of 2.45 MWh continually as well as charge them overnight.
Photovoltaic modules on the roof provide additional green energy. This makes it easier to select possible locations. It also reduces the planning time required in addition to cost, while saving resources, too. Audi points out that the hub can be transported, installed, and adapted to an individual location quickly and largely independent of local network capacities.
A More Palatable Wait Time
It only takes a little longer than a coffee break to charge an electric Audi. The Audi e-tron GT, for example, has a charging capacity of up to 270 kW. That allows it to charge enough energy for up to 100 km of range in about five minutes, with a charge from 5% to 80% taking roughly 23 minutes under ideal conditions.
To make the wait a premium experience, a lounge will provide Audi customers with a setting for an enjoyable charging stop. The upstairs lounge area offers a place to pass the time that’s modern and in line with the premium concept. A variety of amenities and a range of snacks, drinks, and non-food items help to make the charging stop a welcome break.
The flexible high-performing charging park doesn’t 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,” says Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board for Technical Development of Audi AG.
The search for a location in Germany for the Audi charging hub pilot project, as well as talks with possible partners, are currently underway. It’s planned to go into operation in the second half of the year and will provide a practical test for future expansion. The findings about day-to-day operations and customer acceptance that it generates will be decisive for further implementation of the concept. “We are testing what the optimal technical solution is in a very realistic way. The focus in doing so is firmly on the needs of our customers,” adds Hoffmann.
The plan for the pilot phase also calls for drivers of other brand cars to be able to use charging stations that are open and not reserved, in addition to access to parts of the lounge.