Audi charging center concept
The Audi charging center put into service in Nuremberg only needs a green power connection of 200 kW from low-voltage mains electricity, thanks to an average of 2.45 MWh of intermediate storage capacity. 200 kW is enough to constantly fill the storage modules.
This modern and fast charging station with detachable high-power charging areas aims to serve electric vehicle owners who cannot charge at home. Audi aims to expand this charging center concept in urban areas in the future.
Audi has been involved in solutions in charging infrastructures with a different concept. Audi considers the concept project, which is a first in the world, as a test process for an infrastructure that will enable fast charging in urban areas in the future.
Self-sufficient
Cube-shaped flexible containers are the basis of the Audi charging center. Each unit in the station, which consists of cubes that can be assembled and disassembled in designated areas in as little as a few days, has two fast-charging areas.
Realizing a project that uses used and processed lithium-ion batteries, which are extracted from electric cars, in energy storage systems in their second life, Audi applies this work to the station as well. Thanks to its energy storage solution, Audi supports the fast charging infrastructure when the electricity grid is not sufficient, without the need for time-consuming procedures, high voltage power lines, and expensive transformers.
In addition, solar panels on the roof of the station provide up to an additional 30 kW of green energy. Customers can charge their electric vehicles with up to 320 kW of power at six charging points at the station. An average of 80 vehicles can be charged per day at the station.
An example of the working principle of the station is the Audi e-Tron GT: With a charging capacity of up to 270 kW, this four-door Coupé can charge enough energy for a range of 100 kilometers in about five minutes. A charge from 5 percent to 80 percent takes about 23 minutes.
Fast and extremely simple
Customers who want to receive service at the Audi charging station can take advantage of the reservation function available in the myAudi application and reserve one of the six charging areas. The system is also extremely easy and fast; In the station where the Plug and Charge (PnC) function is available, it is also possible to charge the Plug and Charge function models without RFID (radio frequency identification) card in two of the six areas. Authentication takes place automatically via encrypted communication as soon as the charging cable is connected to the vehicle.
Audi is focusing on technical issues such as new reservation functions, customers' expectations for a first-class charging experience, and modern battery storage systems requirements, with tests, started at the station in Nuremberg. The pilot application also aims to determine at which times of the day the facility is used intensively.
In the station, which consists of a hall of approximately 200 square meters and a terrace area of 40 square meters, everything has been thought of so that customers can spend time, do their work, or rest while they are waiting.