Audi has become the first brand in South Africa to invest in 150kW ultra-fast electric vehicle charging technology to expand on this fast-growing segment. The German company has partnered with GridCars to install 70 new chargers across 33 new public charging sites.

The 150kW chargers will be capable of charging its 95kWh battery on the e-tron from 10% to 90% within 30 minutes. Public chargers are available for all to use, i.e. on any EV, as South Africa uses the type 2 connector as standard.

Sascha Sauer, Managing Director of Audi South Africa says, “The investment and partnership with GridCars demonstrates our brand philosophy that the ‘future is an attitude’. As we prepare for the arrival of our e-tron range, we understand that there is more to be done as an automotive brand than simply providing the product, we also have to enable and partner with those who can empower the transition to an electric future with ease and understanding. Our public chargers are new, and incremental to the current EV charging network in South Africa.”

The breakdown of the chargers is as follows:

  • 4x 150kW DC chargers will be installed on major highways (N1, N2, N3, N4)
  • 5x 80kW DC chargers on highways to close the gap between Jhb and CT
  • 24x 22kW AC chargers at lifestyle and recreational venues nationwide

Winstone Jordaan, Managing Director at GridCars says it operates and manages the most extensive network of public charging stations across the country. “This exciting partnership and additional investment with Audi not only expands the network, but allows it to be upgraded with additional ultra-fast charging opportunities which is a first for our country, for all EV drivers, regardless of brand or vehicle model.”

The possibilities for EV adoption in South Africa are already positive and through this partnership with Audi South Africa, we are hoping to further progress the EV journey and tackle the challenges around charging, range and accessibility. ~ Winstone Jordaan, MD at GridCars.

The rollout began in December 2021 and will continue through early 2022, in time for the launch of the e-tron in Q1 in SA. The investment is in addition to the 10x charging stations already rolled out at Audi dealerships, which offer 50kW-70kW speeds at 20 connectors.

The Audi EV lineup for SA includes the e-tron 55 SUV, e-tron 55 Sportback, e-tron S Sportback, and the pinnacle of the line-up, the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT.

Wired to the Web was given a sneaky few days with the e-tron ahead of the pending launch during early December 2021. You can read more about it here:

https://www.nafisa.co.za/driven-audi-e-tron/