Audi to launch e-tron premium charging service in Europe

One key factor, alongside giving the Audi e-tron a sufficient range for everyday driving, is a broad-based choice of charging options, whether at home or out and about. The range of more than 400 kilometers (248.5 mi) in the realistic WLTP cycle enables electric driving without compromise. For longer distances, Audi offers a smart solution in the shape of the e-tronCharging Service, which handles the charging process swiftly and simply.

"The e-tron Charging Service builds confidence in our electric initiative. Following on from the Audi e-tron, in 2019 the Audi e-tron Sportback will be the second electric car to go on sale, followed in 2020 by the Audi e-tron GT from Audi Sport. We already have the right answers to many of the questions and concerns regarding charging," remarked Peter Mertens, Member of the Board of Management of Audi AG for Technical Development.

Through its new charging service, Audi provides all e-tron customers and therefore also owners of plug-in models with access to around 80% of all public charging stations in Europe. At market launch there are already over 72,000 charging points available in 16 EU countries, with a further eight markets in Eastern Europe due to follow in a few months' time. Billing is handled centrally under a single contract, with standard, clear pricing models.

The service could not be easier to use: Whether AC or DC, 11 kW or 150 kW "“ just one card, the e-tron Charging Service Card, is all customers need to start the charging process. Many charging stations can also be activated by scanning a QR code with a smartphone. Customers complete a one-time registration for the service in the myAudi portal and take out an individual charging contract. All charging processes are automatically billed together at the end of the month. Customers can use the myAudi portal to view their current charging history at any time, review their current bills and manage their contract.

"With the e-tron Charging Service, we are actually offering a premium charging service ahead of the Audi e-tron's market introduction. The product is tailored to the needs of our customers. We will be steadily expanding the service hand in hand with our strong partner Digital Charging Solutions," commented Fermin Soneira, Head of Product Marketing at Audi.

Longer journeys with stops for charging are just as straightforward as charging itself. They can be planned either ahead of time in the myAudi app or directly in the car. In both cases the customer is shown the appropriate route with the required charging points. The navigation system considers not only the battery's charge but also the traffic situation, and includes the required charging time in its arrival time calculation.

The system includes the locations throughout Europe of DC charging stations, at which the Audi e-tron can be charged with direct current, as well as most AC stations for charging with alternating current. Charging planning is continuously updated to the prevailing conditions.

From 2019 onward, charging will be even more convenient for Audi customers. This is when the plug & charge function will be introduced. It enables the Audi e-tron to authenticate itself at charging stations via state-of-the-art cryptographic procedures, after which it is authorised, a card will no longer be necessary. All Audi e-tron models rolling off the assembly line from mid-2019 will support this function as standard.

The Audi e-tron is the first series-production model capable of charging with up to 150 kW at Ionity's high-output DC charging stations. This means it is all set for the next long-distance stretch of a journey in approximately half an hour. The e-tron Charging Service covers Ionity's quick-charging network, which is undergoing gradual expansion and will already comprise 400 stations by 2020. It will supply cars mainly with eco-electricity.

Audi offers various solutions for charging in the garage at home: The standard compact mobile charging system can be used with either a 230 volt household outlet or a 400 volt three-phase outlet. The optional connect charging system doubles the charging power to as much as 22 kW. The second on-board charger required for this will be available as an option at some point in 2019.

In conjunction with a compatible home energy management system, it offers intelligent functions such as charging when electricity is less expensive or with on-site solar power if there is a photovoltaic system on the roof. In addition, in selected markets Audi will provide green electricity offerings for charging at home in collaboration with local energy suppliers.