Audi is strengthening its presence in the Chinese electric vehicle industry. The German automaker announced plans to operate its first exclusive charging stations and launch more electric vehicle models in the country, as per CnEVPost.
Audi charging stations
A recent press release from the automaker revealed that the first stations would begin to operate by the end of 2022. Remarkably, it is expected to have a charging capacity of up to 360 kW.
Furthermore, the company also stated that these charging stations would initially launch in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
Audi boasts that it will make charging more accessible with digital technologies. Through plug-and-charge technology and the Audi App, owners could experience a superior charging experience.
“With the rollout of the Audi premium charging stations, we are bringing customers in China more convenience and more ways to experience the brand’s premium e-mobility lifestyle,” stated Zhou Xuelian, Executive Vice President of Purchasing at Audi China and Project Sponsor for the charging stations.
Rivals
However, it is worth noting that Audi is taking far longer than other EV makers like Tesla and NIO to construct charging stations in China.
For reference, over 1,300 Tesla Supercharger stations have opened throughout China. The Musk-led company had more than 9,300 Superchargers deployed in the country.
Meanwhile, NIO currently operates 2,055 charging stations, comprising supercharging and destination charging stations. It also has 1,205 battery swap stations around China.
Efforts in China
Audi participated in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on November 5-10. It showcased the Audi RS e-tron GT and Q5 e-tron at the said event.
Audi’s Vorsprung 2030 China Strategy is expected to enable the company to provide more high-end EVs to Chinese customers.
Jürgen Unser, president of Audi China, stated:
“Audi believes that premium should go beyond the car. The Audi super-charging stations provide a premium customer journey to our Chinese users. In the e-mobility era we must offer our customers more than just a premium product, we have to offer an entire premium ecosystem, with charging as the core.”
It is also reported that Audi will debut six all-electric models in the Chinese market by the end of 2022.
In hindsight, Audi erected the first 100% electric model production facility in Changchun, Jilin, China, last June. The plant is expected to construct models using the PPE pure electric platform.
However, Audi’s record is currently mediocre in the Chinese EV market. In fact, the China Passenger Car Association’s monthly sales report does not include sales of its models.
Hopefully, the automaker can successfully advance in the largest automotive market in the world with these plans.
