Audi has inaugurated its sixth proprietary fast-charging location, situated on Orber Straße in Frankfurt am Main, where electric cars of all brands can be charged at four High Power Charging (HPC) points with up to 320 kW capacity.
The site boasts four fast-charging points that can be reserved in advance, offering electric vehicle (EV) owners a convenient and efficient charging experience. Audi has also implemented second-life batteries from dismantled test vehicles for the charging hub, enabling the utilization of the low voltage connection available on site without the need for an additional transformer. This setup provides a total of about 1.05 megawatt hours of energy for the four charging points, hypothetically allowing for the uninterrupted charging of 60 vehicles.
See also: Audi Launches First Charging Hub in Austria, Collaborates with Moon Power
In contrast to the facilities in Nuremberg and Zurich, Audi opted for a simpler design without an additional lounge on the upper floor, similar to the charging hubs in Munich, Berlin, and Salzburg. This decision was made considering the listed factory premises of cooperation partner Klassikstadt Frankfurt, which offer an internationally renowned collection of classic and modern classics along with numerous services. Visitors can enjoy a varied selection of snacks, drinks, and hot meals in a cosy atmosphere.
Like all Audi Charging Hubs, this location is designed to be barrier-free, featuring a swivel arm, height-adjustable displays, and ample space for manoeuvring with wheelchairs, ensuring easy access for people with physical disabilities. The swivel arm is designed to reduce the weight of the charging cable by around 60 percent, while an automatic retraction system prevents the cable from becoming a tripping hazard or blocking the path for wheelchair users.
See also: Audi is Building Charging points in Neckarsulm Using Second-life Batteries
In addition to the physical amenities, Audi is implementing a customer service concept in Frankfurt, similar to those in Berlin and Munich, where specially trained staff provide tips and assistance via camera. This service includes remote monitoring of the charging process and assistance with authentication and payment options. Audi also offers help in setting up Plug&Charge, which was well received during the test phase.
Nikolai Senst, responsible for the rollout management of the Audi Charging Hubs at Audi, expects around 5,000 charging operations per year in Frankfurt, with a high rate of return customers similar to other locations. In Nuremberg, for example, where Audi has been operating a charging hub since December 2021, the return rate is approximately 70 percent.