Audi, ChargeZone Set Up India's First Ultra-Fast Charging Station in Mumbai

Audi recently opened India's first ultra-fast charging station in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). This ultra-fast charger, which was designed and developed in partnership with ChargeZone, has a 450kW overall capacity and can supply 360kW of power to an electric car. To ensure optimal performance and efficiency, a 500 amp liquid-cooled gun powers it. It just takes 26 minutes to fully charge the Audi Q8 55 e-tron, which has the biggest passenger car battery in India at 114kWh. In keeping with the firm's emphasis on sustainability, the charging station utilises renewable energy and has a solar panel on top that powers nearby electrical devices, according to Audi. Compatible EVs from other companies will also be able to use the charging station.

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With this, customers of Audi e-tron vehicles now have access to numerous electric car charging partners through a single app thanks to Audi India's rollout of "Charge my Audi" on the myAudiConnect app earlier this year. Customer convenience is increased with the industry-first "Charge my Audi" initiative. The application currently features five charging partners: Aargo EV Smart, Charge Zone, Relux Electric, LionCharge, and Zeon Charging. It is powered by Numocity Technologies' eMSP roaming solution. To improve the comfort of ownership, Audi India has installed more than 140 chargers in 73 Indian cities, including all Audi India dealerships, workshop facilities, and a few dealerships under the SAVWIPL Group brand that are strategically placed along the nation's major highways.

Moreover, customers who purchase an Audi e-tron are eligible for free network-wide charging (apart from Zeon charging) till March next year. They also have access to more than 1,000 charging stations on "Charge my Audi," and more locations will be added in the coming months. While their car is being charged, e-tron owners can unwind in the lounge of the ultra-fast charging "e-tron hub." Staff members with the requisite training will be on hand at the hub, ready to assist with any issues. With the help of the "myAudi Connect" app, people can easily find the ultra-fast charging "e-tron hub" and obtain details regarding it.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India stated, “The inauguration of India's first, ultra-fast charging station by Audi India is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem for our valued customers. The ultra-fast charging ‘e-tron hub’ is located in the heart of Mumbai – Bandra Kurla Complex; which is accessible to a large number of electric vehicle owners. The rapid charging infrastructure is pivotal in alleviating concerns about range limitations, ensuring a seamless experience and considerably less charging time. We are not only establishing new benchmarks within the industry but also reinforcing our dedication to the future of sustainable mobility.”

Speaking on the occasion, Alexander von Waldenburg-Dresel, Senior Director, Sales Region Overseas, Audi AG, said, “At Audi, we remain committed to expanding the charging network for electric vehicles and I am very happy that Audi in India has taken the lead on this subject. Setting up India’s fastest EV charger in Mumbai is a great feat and reflects the evolution of EVs in the country. This fast charger will ensure that customers in the city of Mumbai will benefit from convenient, on-the-go charging.”

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Audi India to Implement Price Hike from January 2024

Due to growing input and operating costs, Audi India will raise the pricing of all its models by up to 2% beginning in January. The luxury car manufacturer currently sells the Audi A4, A6, A8 L, Q3, Q3 Sportback, Q5, Q7, Q8, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback, RS Q8, and the Q8 50 e-tron, among other cars. The manufacturer has announced the price increase to ensure the brand's and its dealer partners' market expansion. It has, however, committed to minimise the impact of the hike on clients as much as feasible. In a recent development from the firm, the Platinum edition, a limited-edition S5 Sportback, was unveiled in India. It carries an ex-showroom price tag of Rs 81.57 lakh and is available in two colours: District Green and Mythos Black. The vehicle is driven by a 3.0-litre TFSI V6 petrol engine that churns out 349bhp of maximum power and 500Nm of peak torque.