Auckland Audi dealership offering high-powered charging for all EVs

A new 175kW DC charger located at Auckland’s Giltrap Audi dealership is the first such facility above 50kW in the city centre and it will be available to all electric vehicles drivers who operate a ChargeNet account. 

The 175kW DC charger located at Giltrap Audi is the latest addition to Audi’s charging infrastructure around the country. 

There are now 10 50kW ABB Terra 54 fast chargers and three 175kW ABB Terra HP high-power charging units in Audi dealerships nationwide – including another recently opened high-power unit at Farmer Audi in Tauranga.

The 175kW charger at Giltrap Audi enables an Audi e-tron 55 to be charged up to 80% (the equivalent of about 320km*) 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 zero per cent – rather, they will ‘snack’, which means they will top up their vehicle several times throughout their week, wherever and whenever convenient,” Sheed says.

“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,” he says.

Audi’s range of e-tron electric vehicles will grow again in 2021, with the arrival of the halo e-tron GT and e-tron S models later in the year. By 2025, the manufacturer plans to offer more than 20 all-electric drive vehicles across the e-tron range – and the installation of high-speed charging infrastructure across the Audi network in New Zealand will ensure its customers can take full advantage now and into the future.

“Audi is absolutely committed to EVs and the introduction of the relevant infrastructure in New Zealand,” Sheed says. “The environment is very close to Kiwi hearts, and the electrification of the vehicle fleet is a process that we can help facilitate to drive greater sustainability here.

“Our national dealership charging infrastructure complements Audi’s home charging installation program, which ensures Audi e-tron customers have access to the most appropriate charging solutions for their personal requirements in their own home.

“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,” he says.

The 175kW ABB Terra HP high-power charger is available to the public through its connection to ChargeNet, New Zealand’s largest network of charging stations, and is at Giltrap Audi, 150 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, in Auckland.