Audi recently unveiled a new way to add urban charging options, based on modular “hubs” that include charging stations and airport-like concourses.
Such hubs could provide an option for drivers who are unable to charge at home and could meet the expected future charging needs in urban areas, Audi said in a statement. press report. The automaker said it plans to open a pilot charging center at the Nuremberg Exhibition Center, Germany on December 23.
According to Audi, the hub consists of cubes that can be assembled and disassembled in a matter of days. They contain DC fast-charging stations, powered by second-generation battery packs from dismantled Audi development vehicles.
Concept of Audi Charging Center in Nuremberg, Germany
The battery pack has a storage capacity of 2.45 MWh which means the stations don’t need a high-voltage connection to the grid, reducing cost and complexity, Audi notes. The automaker says a low-voltage connection of 200 kW is sufficient, while the solar panels provide up to 30 kW of additional power, the automaker says.
This setup powers six charging points with up to 320 kilowatts of power, according to Audi. That’s enough to allow the E-Tron GT to charge its maximum 270 kw, the automaker notes. Audi claims that it is also enough to charge 80 cars per day.
At the Nuremberg site, customers can contract to collect fees at a flat rate of 31 cents per kWh, regardless of the charge rate. That’s competitive with electricity for home charging, according to Audi. This hub also supports Plug and Charge protocol.
Concept of Audi Charging Center in Nuremberg, Germany
The center also includes a 2,153-square-foot lounge, complete with a 431-square-foot yard, so drivers have a place to roam while their cars charge. While it’s still a pilot program, the charging hub can solve real-world problems with urban electric driving.
As we’ve noted many times in the past, while the suburbs are great for electric cars, urban owners have plenty of options. more difficult hurdles for navigation — not only do they have a parking space, but they also have a charger there that they can plug in every night.
Meanwhile using DC fast charging stations is a challenge, and battery buffers play an important role in helping to reduce dependence on grid location. EVgo is one of the only DC fast charging networks focus on urban fast charging needs, rather than waypoints on the road.
Concept of Audi Charging Center in Nuremberg, Germany
General Motors is find its dealers for more Target Chargers in urban areas, but that would be Level 2 for rates you might only use occasionally.
Shell-owned Ubitricity invented charging hardware Can match the street light poles, which provides charged access to cars parked on the street, but so far they only have plans to roll out in the UK. The target is 50,000 stations by the end of 2025.
