Audi opens new charging hub in Frankfurt

Audi has opened its sixth charging hub, located in Frankfurt am Main.

As with the firm's other charging hubs (read about the hubs in Munich and Berlin here and here), this new one makes use of second-life batteries from the firm's disassembled test vehicles, which allow the hub to simply draw current from a low voltage connection without the need for an additional transformer. 

The new charging hub offers a total of four charging points, all of which are designed to be barrier-free

The new charging hub offers a storage capacity of close to 1.05MWh of energy, enough to hypothetically charge 60 vehicles without interruption. These vehicles, meanwhile, will be able to charge up at speeds of up to 320kW. As with the other Audi Charging hubs, users of the new site in Frankfurt will be able to choose from a wide selection of snacks, beverages, and hot meals, and enjoy them in an attractive, comfortable setting while waiting for their vehicle to charge up.

What is newly offered at this Frankfurt charging hub, however, is the option to view a host of vintage and modern classic cars, thanks to a new collaboration between Audi and a local enterprise located in a listed historical former factory. Also new at this Frankfurt location is the ability for users to get assistance from remote support advisors which will deliver advice based on what they can see from the location's camera feed.

All Audi charging hubs are additionally designed for barrier-free access. The charging cables at this Frankfurt charging hub come with a swivel arm that reduces the weight of the charging cable by close to 60%, allowing customers in wheelchairs to hold the charging connector in one hand and move their wheelchair with their other hand. This swivel arm also ensures trouble-free access to any charging sockets, whether they are located at the front, back, left, or right of the vehicle. The charging points are additionally said to offer ample room for wheelchair users to get around their vehicle, and to allow vehicle doors to fully open at all times.