After successful initial tests, Audi plans to increase the number of charging stations.

Audi is piloting charging stations that electric vehicle owners can reserve in advance. This eliminates the fear that there may not be any available bays upon arrival and allows for better travel planning.

The first of these stations, known as Audi Charging Hubs, opened last December in Nuremberg, Germany, and the station pilot proved to be very successful.

The second Audi charging hub will open later this year in Zurich, Switzerland, with stations opening soon in Salzburg and Berlin, Germany. In addition, stations will open in Germany in 2023 and 2024.

According to Audi, the Nuremberg station registered about 3,100 customers in the first four months of 2022, with about 60% repeat customers. The station targets urban EV owners who have difficulty charging at home.

The Audi Charging Hub is designed with a flexible layout that can be easily expanded or reduced by modular blocks. Each block contains a charging outlet and a lithium-ion battery for energy storage. Batteries can be salvaged from old EVs. For the first station, Audi used batteries from an old prototype.

The first station has six bays with fast-charging outlets available that provide up to 320 kilowatts of charging power. Audi's E-Tron GT super sedan can be charged with up to 270 kW and can be charged from 5 to 80% in about 22 minutes. The lounge area is located on the second floor, so customers do not have to wait in their cars while they charge.