Audi can emulate charging conditions in various market situations at Ingolstadt.
Audi has unveiled a groundbreaking electric-charging test center at its Ingolstadt facility, featuring a sophisticated grid simulator that allows the company to test electric vehicle charging under diverse global power conditions. This innovative development marks a significant advancement in ensuring consistent charging performance for Audi electric vehicles worldwide.
State-of-the-Art Testing Technology
The heart of the new facility is a flexible 500 kW grid simulator, developed through a collaboration between Bosch Rexroth and Schmidbaur specifically for Audi. This advanced system can replicate various international power standards, with voltage capabilities ranging from 100 to 540 volts and frequency adjustments between 40 and 65 hertz. The simulator supports multiple network configurations, including single-phase, two-phase, three-phase, and split-phase operations.
Global Power Grid Challenges
Electric vehicle charging faces unique challenges across different regions due to varying power grid specifications. While European standards typically operate at 230 volts and 50 hertz, North American systems use 120 volts and 60 hertz. The new test center enables Audi to simulate these diverse conditions, ensuring their vehicles can charge efficiently regardless of location.
Benefits for Customers and Development
This innovative testing facility brings several key advantages:
Daniel Ettinger, project manager at Audi, explains that the system allows engineers to verify charging compatibility with stations in markets like the US and China without leaving Ingolstadt. This on-site testing capability significantly reduces the need for international testing programs, resulting in both time and cost savings.
The facility’s findings directly influence vehicle software development, leading to optimized charging performance across different regions. This ensures Audi customers experience reliable and efficient charging, regardless of their location.
Future-Forward Approach
By investing in this advanced testing infrastructure, Audi demonstrates its commitment to electric mobility and customer satisfaction. The ability to test and optimize charging performance for various global markets represents a significant step forward in making electric vehicle ownership more convenient and reliable worldwide.
The new electric-charging test center, operational since early 2024, positions Audi among the first automotive manufacturers to employ such comprehensive charging simulation technology, reinforcing their leadership in electric vehicle development and testing capabilities.
