Audi Opens Barrier-Free Charging Hub in Frankfurt
Audi has opened its sixth charging hub in Frankfurt am Main, designed with accessibility in mind. The hub features a swivel arm for easy access to charging sockets and uses second-life batteries, eliminating the need for an additional transformer.
The new charging hub at Ober Straße offers four high-power-charging (HPC) stations, delivering up to 320 kilowatts of power. It boasts a temporary storage capacity of about 1.05 megawatt hours, enough to charge around 60 vehicles without interruption.
The hub's design is barrier-free, with ample room for maneuvering and automatic cable retraction to prevent trip hazards. A swivel arm ensures trouble-free access to charging sockets, reducing the weight of the charging cable by around 60 percent, making it easier for people with disabilities to use.
Audi expects about 5,000 charging operations per year at this hub. The company uses second-life batteries from disassembled test vehicles, allowing it to use the low voltage connection available on site.
At the opening, Audi brand ambassador and Paralympic alpine skier Gerd Schönfelder praised the concept, highlighting the benefits for people with disabilities. Frankfurt City Councillor Stephanie Wüst welcomed the hub as an additional charging opportunity and a place for users to spend their waiting time at the adjacent Klassikstadt building.
Audi's sixth charging hub in Frankfurt am Main sets a new standard for accessibility in electric vehicle charging. With its barrier-free design, use of second-life batteries, and high-power charging capabilities, it caters to the needs of all users, including those with disabilities. The hub is expected to serve around 5,000 charging operations per year, contributing to the city's electric vehicle infrastructure.
