Audi to pilot reservable EV fast-charging spaces in Germany
Audi's charging hub concept. Images: Audi AG
Audi plans more than 20 fully electric models by 2025, and the automaker understands that charging infrastructure is key to successful EV uptake (and strong sales). Audi is working on a concept for quick-charging that reflects the premium nature of its brand; A pilot project has begun construction in Germany, providing reservable charging spaces for customers. Audi says this not only provides peace of mind for customers planning their journeys, but allows for planning security at a grid level in terms of peak demand power consumption.
Dr Roland Fleck, CEO NürnbergMesse Group, Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs Dr Michael Fraas, Daniel F. Ulrich, Building Officer, City of Nuremberg, Ralph Holmig, General project manager Audi charging hub, State Minister Albert Füracker, and Nuremberg´s Lord Mayor Marcus König (L to R)
2.45 Mwh energy storage
Audi has designed a flexible container cube system, housing charging pillars as well as used lithium ion batteries for energy storage. The brand is utilising second life modules from disassembled development vehicles, and claims that “complex infrastructure with high-voltage lines and expensive transformers are unnecessary”.
The charging hub provides a maximum of 2.45 MWh interim storage, for the six charging stations, which have a charging output of up to 300 kW. Audi says this setup only needs a standard 400 volt high-voltage connection. 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.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are also integrated into the concept, providing green energy from the roof of the hub. Again, the modular design means that the PV systems are also scalable and flexible depending on the charging hub location and local network capabilities.
“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,” says Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board for Technical Development of Audi AG.
A comfortable lounge experience awaits Audi customers recharging their vehicles.
Premium Lounge facilities befitting the Audi brand
To make the wait while your Audi is charging a true premium experience, a lounge will provide customers with restrooms, hot and cold beverages, and — we expect — a range of Audi merchandise for sale. One downside of EV charging is that in locations with cold, wet winters, sometimes the only option to stay warm and dry is inside the car. The renderings of the lounge look like a pretty pleasant place to spend 20-30 minutes, and are very “on brand” for Audi.
Trials and practical test to begin as charging hub construction gets under way
Construction has begun on the pilot site at the NürnbergMesse GmbH or Nuremburg Exhibition Centre, which is close to major road thoroughfares through the city of Nürnberg (Nuremberg). Commissioning of the facility is expected by the end of November 2021.
EV Brief’s Take
While we feel this is a great project for many reasons — the use of second life batteries, the green energy harvesting from the rooftop and the modular construction for example — it’s obviously impractical in the future for every manufacturer to build out proprietary charging infrastructure. While in these early stages of EV adoption it is great to see any and all infrastructure being built, clearly hardware interoperability that is brand agnostic will be key to mass EV adoption. We’ve already seen Tesla confirm its Superchargers will begin opening to other brands for a fee from late 2021 (first in Norway and Germany). There will certainly be a place for flagship chargers like Audi’s NürnbergMesse site, but these facilities are just as much about marketing as charging.