Audi has announced the opening of its first proprietary fast-charging location outside Europe, located in Tokyo, Japan. The new facility features four fast-charging points, each capable of delivering up to 150 kilowatts, and is open to electric cars of all brands.
One of the key features of the Tokyo charging location is its buffer storage system, which reduces the strain on the local power grid. This system utilizes used batteries from development vehicles, a practice already in place at Audi’s existing charging hubs in Europe. Unlike Europe, where Audi uses the combined charging system, the Tokyo facility employs the CHAdeMO charging standard, which is common in Japan.
In Japan, the buffer storage not only relieves pressure on the power grid but also enables high-speed charging with 4×150 kW. While 150 kW may seem modest compared to Audi’s 320 kW charging hubs in Europe, it represents a significant achievement in Japan due to the country’s unique electrical infrastructure. According to Audi, Japan’s power grid operates at a voltage of only 100 volts, requiring high currents for high charging power. This necessitates large cable cross-sections, which are not commonly found in Japan’s historically evolved power grids.
The Tokyo charging location, situated in the Kioicho business district, marks Audi’s seventh Audi Charging Hub. Unlike its European counterparts, this compact version of the Audi Charging Hub does not include a lounge. However, this is not a drawback in Kioicho, where shopping facilities and cafés are readily available. Moreover, the charging park is conveniently located next to ‘Audi City Kioicho,’ a showroom for electric vehicles from the German brand.
Similar to their European counterparts, Audi Charging Hubs in Japan are open to electric vehicles of all brands. This inclusivity is part of Audi’s strategy to cater to urban customers who lack access to home charging stations. However, customers of the Premium Charging Alliance (PCA), a collaboration between Audi and Porsche, enjoy additional benefits. PCA members can reserve a charging point via an app, reducing wait times. The PCA network currently boasts around 6,000 members and over 400 fast-charging points across Japan.
A second Audi charging hub is already in the works in Tokyo’s Shibakoen district, home to the iconic Tokyo Tower. Matthias Schepers, Audi Japan Brand Director, emphasized the company’s commitment to addressing urban concerns about electric vehicles. He noted, “Customers can use the charging time effectively by taking a break or looking at the new Audi models in the showroom.”
