Audi makes EV charging simple with e-tron service
Owners of EV and plug-in Audi models will be able to access more than 72,000 charging points across 16 countries with one card
Charging on the go should soon be a breeze for owners of plug-in Audi models, thanks to the newly unveiled e-tron Charging Service.
It will give users access to more than 72,000 charging points across 220 providers in 16 EU countries when it launches in 2019.
Rather than hold several cards for different charging providers or have to stump up cash on the spot for others, Audi owners will simply be able to use a card or QR code on a smartphone to use these charging points.
After signing up for the service using the ‘myAudi’ mobile app, customers will also be able to manage their bills and see their full charging history.
Making things even easier, a ‘plug & charge’ function will be fitted as standard to all new plug-in Audi models from mid-2019 onwards, removing the need for any card at all for payments – with the car being automatically recognised by charging points for billing, similar to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
The announcement of the e-tron Charging Service comes as Audi prepares to unveil its first all-electric model. The e-tron SUV will be revealed on September 17 in San Francisco, following months of information and teaser images being trickled by the German firm.
Peter Mertens, Audi AG board member for technical development, said: “The e-tron Charging Service builds confidence in our electric initiative. Following on from the Audi e-tron, in 2019 the Audi e-tron Sportback will be the second electric car to go on sale, followed in 2020 by the Audi e-tron GT from Audi Sport. We already have the right answers to many of the questions and concerns regarding charging.”
