It opens its sixth charging hub in Frankfurt. On Orber Straße, electric car drivers of all brands can charge their vehicles with power of up to 320 kW at four high power charging stations (HPC). While their car charges, users can experience a pleasant experience in the adjacent Klassikstadt Frankfurt. Audi collaborated with this business located in a listed historical former factory, featuring an internationally known collection of vintage and modern classic cars and offers a number of services. Guests can choose through a wide variety of snacks, drinks and hot meals and enjoy them in an attractive and comfortable environment. In addition, all Audi charging hubs are designed so as not to create obstacles: a rotating arm, for which a patent has been patented, adjustable height displays and ample space for manoeuvres – for example, a wheelchair – make charging easy for everyone, including disabled people. The rotating arm reduces the weight of the charging cable by about 60%. Thus wheelchair users can hold the CCS plug with one hand and move their wheelchair with the other. A CCS connector socket further optimizes operation for wheelchair users, while a roof prevents the link from getting wet. In addition, the rotating arm ensures the seamless access to all charging connectors, whether in front, rear, left or right of the vehicle. Thus, the driver does not need to manoeuvre to place his car in the right position. The automatic hauling of the cable prevents it from being an obstacle or preventing the movement of wheelchair users. In addition, it keeps the cable dry constantly. Audi invests in charging downtown. “In Frankfurt, we expect about 5,000 charges a year and expect that there will be an equally high percentage of customers to return, as in the other parts we have”, commented Nikolai Senst, who is responsible for managing the development of Audi’s charging hubs. In Nuremberg, where Audi operates a node with six charging points and a 200-square-metre living room upstairs from December 2021, the return rate is about 70%. The hub is available for drivers of all marks. Audi customers can close a charging position online through myAudi application. At the charging hub, Audi utilizes second-use batteries from test vehicles that have been dismantled. Thus the low voltage connection available at this point can be used and no additional transformer needs to be installed. Thanks to the temporary storage capacity of about 1.05 MWh energy are available for all four charging points – enough to theoretically charge 60 cars without interruption. Easy access for all users Left and right of the four charging points, there is plenty of space for wheelchair users, while car doors can be opened at any time wide. The rotating arm adjusted to the side and top makes it possible to guide the charging cable in the car charging socket, wherever it is located, with little effort. The charging plug is stored in a case at the hip height, from which it is automatically retracted. “These are very useful features for us wheelchair users. At the charging hub, I can charge without asking strangers for help,” Audi Uwe Herrmann’s client said, who occasionally has to ask for help when filling his conventional car with gasoline. In addition, height-regulated displays facilitate users to read information on state and charging time during and after the charging process. Audi also inspects the facilities around its charging hub for any obstacles.
Audi charging node in Frankfurt: Easy, fast and without obstacles
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in Car