Audi, the first to progress ultra-fast 150kW EV charging in South Africa
Audi South Africa is glad to report an organization with GridCars to introduce super quick charging stations the nation over and will turn into the principal electric vehicle brand to put resources into this innovation through freely open locales. The 150kW public chargers started by Audi will be the first for the South African market. The energised focuses will give 150kW of direct flow (DC) charge to electric vehicles; implying that an Audi e-Tron 55 (with a 95kWh battery) will charge from 10% to 90% in around 30 minutes. As a component of this, Audi will put resources into setting up 70 new EV charge connectors across 33 destinations to develop the current public charging network in South Africa, for all-electric vehicle drivers.
These publically open charging stations will offer all EV customers paying little heed to vehicle possession, the most recent, cutting edge charging innovation accessible in South Africa, intending to help purchasers with the reception of electric versatility. As a feature of Audi's pre-send off plans and in anticipation of the appearance of the completely fledged e-Tron range in the principal quarter of this current year, the brand with the Four Rings perceives the job that it can play to guarantee that EV reception is one which South African purchasers can make effortlessly. Putting resources into the nation's charging framework to help this shift to future versatility is basic. Audi is focused on assuming a vital part in this change to premium maintainable portability.
Audi South Africa is completely accepting the association with GridCars and has as of now started with the establishment of the nearby charging speculation project since December 2021 and will proceed into this year. The venture incorporates:
- Four 150kW (DC) ultra-fast charging stations, enabling +/- 340km in 30 minutes. These are planned for placement along major highway routes such as the N1, N2, N3 and N4.
- Five 80kW (DC) fast-charging stations, enabling +/- 185km in 30 minutes, also planned for location on major highway routes such as the N1, N2, N3 and N4. One of these chargers will close a long-standing gap (Richmond) in the route between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Twenty-four 22kW (AC) fast-charging stations, enabling +/- 100km in about one hour, at public lifestyle and recreational venues across the country and as part of Audi’s destination charging strategy.
- A total of 70 connectors will be available from the above charging stations, further growing the public charging opportunities for all EV drivers.
“GridCars, established in 2009, operates and manages the most extensive network of public charging stations across the country. This exciting partnership and additional investment with Audi not only expand the network but allows it to be upgraded with additional ultra-fast charging opportunities which are a first for our country, for all EV drivers, regardless of brand or vehicle model. The possibilities for EV adoption in South Africa are already positive and through this partnership with Audi South Africa, we are hoping to further progress the EV journey and tackle the challenges around charging, range and accessibility,” Winstone Jordaan, Managing Director at GridCars explains.
GridCars has already begun the installation of Audi branded chargers at various points across the country, the project kickoff started in December 2021 and will carry on through early 2022 in time for the planned retail launch of the Audi e-Tron range in quarter one this year. This investment is over and above the charging stations installed at the ten Audi e-Tron Dealerships which will offer an additional ten 50kW to 75kW (DC) chargers with 20 connectors.
