Audi has just installed six new electric car chargers at key locations across South Africa’s busiest roads.
The new chargers are among the first of their kind to be installed anywhere in the world, and are part of a R50-million investment by Audi towards the country’s sustainable future.
A world first
Audi and its partner, Rubicon, have committed millions of rands towards developing South Africa’s road infrastructure to facilitate the transition towards new-energy transport such as plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).
In 2022, the carmaker installed over 70 new charging ports at 33 different sites around the country in preparation for the launch of its fully-electric e-tron range.
This was followed by a second round of charging developments in 2023 which brought the total number of DC and AC chargers to 120, including the country’s first 200kW DC ultra-fast public plug with a solar-powered backup.
Fast forward to 2024, and the German company is undertaking the third wave of its public charging infrastructure programme with the completion of six new outlets along key travelling routes.
“This third wave of investment into the public charging network in South Africa highlights once again our commitment to electric mobility,” says Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa.
“We believe EVs represent the future of our brand, both globally as well as locally, and we’re therefore playing our part in making electric mobility a convenient, straightforward reality for more and more South Africans.”
The sites chosen as the recipients for these boxes include frequented stops along the N1, N2, and N3 corridors, making them a useful tool to people living in the areas nearby, or to motorists travelling further afield on work or holiday trips.
The locations comprise:
- N1 – Fleurdal Mall, Bloemfontein
- N1 – Century City, Cape Town
- N1 – Tygervalley Shopping Centre, Cape Town
- N2 – Galleria Mall, Amanzimtoti
- N2 – Somerset Mall, Somerset West
- N3 – The Avenues Centre, Hilton
The six plugs are Wallbox Supernova 150kW DC rapid public chargers, which are brand new and have yet to be introduced in most other countries.
“These chargers feature pioneering European technology and notably, stand among the first of their kind to be installed worldwide,” said Rubicon’s Energy and E-mobility Director, Greg Blandford.
“This marks a major achievement for both Rubicon and Audi South Africa.”
The 150kW sockets are capable of recharging an Audi e-tron’s 95kWh battery from 5% to 80% in 30 minutes or less, minimizing the time spent in the car park before individuals can set off again.
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