Audi tests EV charging with global power grids simulator
With 100 to 540 volts at its disposal, Audi uses the grid simulator to replicate power grids from around the world at its Ingolstadt site, enabling developers to test the charging performance of electric cars. Image courtesy Audi
German automaker Audi has launched a charging park with a grid simulator that replicates the different power grids of other countries.
Audi in Ingolstadt, Germany, will be able to charge cars regardless of their Hertz frequency or kilovolt requirements, whether in China, the US or other countries around the globe.
The flexible 500kW simulator was developed by Bosch Rexroth in collaboration with its partner company Schmidbaur and Audi – specifically for Audi.
The new system can deliver voltages between 100 and 540 volts and frequencies between 40 and 65 hertz. It supports single-phase, two-phase, and three-phase networks, as well as split-phase operation.
Operation of the simulator started at the beginning of the year.
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At the new electric-charging test centre at the Ingolstadt site, Technical Development is testing electric Audi models under the conditions that prevail in the various sales regions. The results are incorporated directly into the research and development of the vehicles.
The simulator is the centrepiece of the Technical Development division’s electric-charging test centre, which features charging stations from various manufacturers from several countries.
The grid simulator makes it possible to operate charging stations from non-EU countries with the necessary voltage and grid configuration. This enables Audi to conduct field testing that replicates the conditions found in numerous sales regions worldwide.
On their own factory premises, Audi engineers are currently using the electric-charging test centre with its grid simulator to gain important insights into how electric cars and charging stations interact.
They then apply their newly acquired knowledge to adapt vehicle software even better to the charging stations commonly used worldwide and to further improve the charging performance of the Audi models.
Audi adds that the endeavour saves time and money, as it reduces the need for extensive testing abroad.
At the same time, customers benefit from a charging experience that is individually designed for local conditions – so that charging is faster and easier globally.
