Audi unveils its groundbreaking electric charging hub at Munich’s Obersendling district, furthering a trajectory of innovation and sustainable mobility. The Munich hub, situated strategically at Zielstattstrasse, establishes itself as the brand’s fifth electric gem, following successful ventures across Nuremberg, Zurich, Berlin, and Salzburg. With the prowess to deliver up to 320 kW of charging power, this facility presents four rapid-charging stations primed for reservations.
Bastian Geretshauser, steering the Munich project, sheds light on the unique facets of these hubs. “We ensure constant charging power by means of the power cubes. They consist of used lithium-ion batteries from decommissioned research vehicles that get a second life as buffer storage units in the charging hubs. Thanks to this solution, we achieve an impressive energy capacity of 1.05 megawatt hours. Theoretically, this would be enough to charge 60 vehicles without interruption before the charging power begins to slowly decrease.”
Strategically nestled within a bustling residential district enriched with sophisticated amenities like upscale shopping zones and gourmet eateries, this hub welcomes electric vehicles of diverse brands. For Audi aficionados, there’s a touch of exclusivity: preferential rates beginning at 0.35 euros per kWh, accessible via the myAudi app. For the eclectic mix, an ad hoc charging rate stands at 0.50 euros per kWh, offering payment versatility with options like credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
The nexus with &Charge exemplifies Audi’s commitment to user-centric evolution. This collaboration encourages EV drivers to share insights on their hub experiences, rewarding them with ‘free kilometers.’ This feedback-centric approach aims to enhance the overall customer experience, with a particular focus on user-friendliness and cleanliness. With the &Charge app seamlessly available across diverse digital platforms, users get a podium to critique and appreciate charging stations across Germany, transcending service provider boundaries.
Navigating the digital realm, Audi embarks on an experimental journey at Nuremberg. Collaborating with Vodafone, the brand introduces an augmented reality dimension for its hub explorers. Maximilian Oberacher, orchestrating the Innovative Services for the hub, shares the vision. “With your smartphone, you can explore the Audi charging hub in Nuremberg and find more information at five different points of interest. By integrating digital elements into the real world, users can expect a few wow moments. For example, the app shows virtual Audi e-tron models, illustrating how interconnected second-life batteries are used to charge it.”
With sustainability intertwining with digital sophistication, Audi sketches a luminous blueprint for EV charging’s future. As urban mobility metamorphoses, endeavors like these underscore the boundless potential of urban landscapes, fusing trailblazing innovation with a sustainable ethos.
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