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Audi launches new charging hub in Frankfurt
Read time: 3 minutes
Audi opens its sixth charging hub in Frankfurt am Main. At Orber Straße, the drivers of electric cars of all makes can charge their vehicles with up to 320 kW of power using four high-power-charging (HPC) stations.
Audi charging hubs go beyond just powering your car. Partnering with Klassikstadt Frankfurt, a historic former factory showcasing classic cars, you can browse their collection while you wait. This venue offers a variety of food and drinks in a comfortable setting, making your charging stop enjoyable. Accessibility is a priority at Audi charging hubs. Their patented swivel arm, adjustable displays, and spacious design ensure a smooth and easy charging experience for everyone, including those with disabilities.
Designed for maximum convenience, Audi charging hubs feature a swivel arm that makes charging effortless for everyone. This innovative arm cuts the weight of the charging cable by 60%, allowing wheelchair users to comfortably hold the connector in one hand while maneuvering their chair with the other. A dedicated CCS connector holder provides additional ease of use. No more worrying about cable tangles or awkward positioning – the swivel arm reaches charging ports on any side of the vehicle, eliminating the need to move your car. Finally, the automatic cable retraction keeps the cable out of the way, preventing trips and ensuring it stays dry.
“In the Frankfurt metropolitan area, we’ve got a high density of electrically powered vehicles. At the same time, the supply of charging points is constantly increasing. The charging hub is not only a welcome additional charging opportunity, but it also gives users the option to spend the waiting time at the adjacent Klassikstadt building,” says Frankfurt City Councillor Stephanie Wüst, Head of Department for Economic Affairs, Law, and City Marketing. Rapid charging in and around city centers is particularly important for drivers who cannot charge their cars at home or at work, Wüst notes.
Audi is investing in downtown charging. “In Frankfurt, we’re expecting about 5,000 charging operations per year,” says Nikolai Senst, who is responsible for managing the rollout of Audi charging hubs. “We anticipate there will be a similarly high rate of return customers as at the other locations.” In Nuremberg, where Audi has been operating an Audi charging hub with six charging points and a 200-square-meter lounge upstairs since December 2021, the return rate is approximately 70 percent. The hub is available to drivers of all brands of car. Audi customers can book a charging slot online via the myAudi app.
For the charging hub, Audi uses second-life batteries from disassembled test vehicles. As a result, Audi can use the low voltage connection available on site and does not need to install an additional transformer. With temporary storage capacity, a total of about 1.05 megawatt hours of energy is available for the four charging points – enough to hypothetically charge 60 vehicles without interruption.
Easy access for all users
To the left and right of the four charging points, there is ample room for wheelchair users to get around. Vehicle doors can be opened fully there at all times. The swivel arm attached to the upper end of the side wall makes it possible to guide the charging cable to every charging socket on the vehicle with minimal effort. The charging plug is stored in a holder at hip height to which it retracts automatically. “These are very helpful features for us wheelchair users,” says Audi customer Uwe Herrmann, who occasionally has to seek help when filling up his gasoline car. “At the charging hub, I can charge without asking strangers for help.” Moreover, height-adjustable displays make it easier for users to read information on the status and duration during and after the charging process. Audi also inspects the facilities around the Audi charging hub for possible obstacles.
“This not only makes the Audi charging hub the ideal location for people with physical impairments to quickly and conveniently charge their car, but everybody benefits from the barrier-free concept with swivel arm, ample space between charging stations, and height-adjustable displays,” says Audi brand ambassador Gerd Schönfelder, 16-time skiing gold medalist at the Winter Paralympic Games and 14-time world champion. “The swivel arm is a big help for me.” Schönfelder is an arm amputee and drives a model from the Audi Q4 e-tron series with driving aids fitted at the factory. In 2007, Audi became the first automaker to put driving aids in their configurator. “The whole package of fast-charging, comfort and convenience, and price is highly appealing,” adds Schönfelder. At HPC charging points, Audi customers pay from €0.35/kWh depending on their contract.
Virtual tips and support
Following tests in Berlin and Munich, a customer service concept is also being used for the first time in Frankfurt: Specially trained staff provide tips and assistance via camera. The support advisors can check the charging process remotely. If difficulties arise during authentication, they can point out the option of paying by credit card, for example. Audi also offers assistance with setting up Plug & Charge. The service can be accessed via a hotline. “An offer that was very well received during the test phase,” says Nikolai Senst.