Democratising the DC

Audi has strengthened its commitment to the adoption of Electric Vehicle technology in New Zealand by opening the first high-power EV charger in Auckland City. The 175kW DC charger located at Giltrap Audi is the latest addition to Audi’s charging infrastructure around the country and is the first publicly available charger above 50kW in New Zealand’s largest city.

The new charger adds to the existing charging infrastructure already established throughout the Audi network in New Zealand. There are now ten 50kW ABB Terra 54 fast chargers and three 175kW ABB Terra HP high-power charging units in Audi dealerships nationwide.

The 175kW charger at Giltrap Audi in Auckland enables an Audi e-tron 55 to be charged up to 80% (the equivalent of approximately 320km range) in just 30 minutes.

Audi New Zealand General Manager, Dean Sheed, says high-power charging naturally has significant benefits for EV use.

“Typically, EV drivers rarely need to charge their batteries from 0% – rather, they will ‘snack’, which means they will top up their vehicle several times throughout their week, wherever and whenever convenient,” he explains.

“While it is great to talk about replenishing a huge amount of energy in a certain period of time, the reality is that this charger is more likely to be used by EV drivers that want a quick and immediate boost to their battery charge – rather than needing to charge it entirely from zero.

“We see this as an investment in the future of the country – which is why owners of any electric vehicle will be welcome to plug in to the new high-power charger at Giltrap Audi.”

Located at Giltrap Audi, 150 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, the 175kW ABB Terra HP high-power charger is available to the electric vehicle-driving public through its connection to ChargeNet. To use the charger, drivers will require a ChargeNet account.