Audi has inaugurated a state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) charging test laboratory at its Ingolstadt facility, enabling the company to simulate diverse global charging conditions. This development allows Audi to test its electric vehicles as if they were charging in various international markets, such as China and the United States, accommodating different frequencies (50 or 60 hertz) and voltages (110 or 230 volts). The insights gained from these simulations directly inform vehicle development, ensuring a seamless charging experience for Audi customers worldwide.
Earlier this year, Audi became one of the first automakers to implement an adjustable grid simulator. Developed in collaboration with Bosch Rexroth and Schmidbaur, this advanced equipment permits the Technical Development division to test charging stations from multiple countries under varying voltage and grid configurations. The simulator facilitates field testing that replicates real-world conditions from different sales regions.
The custom-designed 500 kW system offers frequencies between 40 and 65 hertz and voltages ranging from 100 to 540 volts. It is compatible with various international standards and supports single-, two-, three-, and split-phase networks.
By conducting these tests on-site, Audi engineers can refine vehicle software to enhance performance and compatibility with charging stations. This approach reduces costs and increases charging efficiency by minimizing the need for extensive international testing. Consequently, Audi drivers can expect faster, more reliable charging tailored to their local grid conditions.
