Audi announced that it is the first manufacturer in South Africa to install 150kW ultra-fast charging plugs that are accessible to the public.
The automaker partnered with GridCars to provide 70 charge connectors at 33 new public charging sites across the country.
This initiative comes mere months before Audi will launch its fully-electric e-tron range in the country.
Ultra-fast charging
The new charging stations installed by Audi “will offer all EV consumers regardless of vehicle ownership” access to the charging technology.
By doing this, Audi aims to accelerate the adoption of EVs in South Africa, it said.
The 70 new charge connectors around the country include the following:
- Four 150kW DC ultra-fast charging stations
- Five 80kW DC fast-charging stations
- Twenty four (24) 22kW AC fast-charging stations
The 150kW ultra-fast charging plugs provide roughly 340km of range in 30 minutes of charge and are placed along major highway routes comprising the N1, N2, N3, and N4.
The 80kW chargers offer around 185km for every 30 minutes of charge and are also planned for these major highways.
The 22kW stations add about 100km for every hour of charge, and will be installed “at public lifestyle and recreational venues across the country,” said Audi.
GridCars commenced the rollout of Audi-branded chargers in December 2021 and will continue the project through early 2022. All the new chargers are projected to be installed before the first customer e-tron touches the road.
“This investment is over and above the charging stations installed at the ten Audi e-tron dealerships which will offer additional ten 50kW to 75kW (DC) chargers with 20 connectors,” said Audi.
e-tron range
Audi’s all-electric e-tron range is slotted for a South African launch in the next two months, said the company.
The full model range and official performance figures are as follows:
The e-tron models will only be available through 10 national Audi dealerships, with three in Johannesburg, three in Pretoria, two in Cape Town, and two in Durban.
Pricing for the range starts from R1,990,000 for the e-tron 55 Quattro Advanced.
Keyword: Audi installs first public ultra-fast charging stations in South Africa