There are now thousands of public charging stations across the UK. Backed by Government initiatives and spurred on by public demand, more and more charging points are being added to the public network every day. Safe to say, our electric future is happening right now.
Public charging at a glance
> Get easy access to thousands of public charging stations. > Use your Audi navigation system to find convenient charging stops along your route. > You can also use the myAudi app to find charging stations and send the route to your car.
Thousands of charging points across the UK and Europe
There are thousands of charging stations already available, with new ones being added every day. Additionally, with our Audi charging service, you can enjoy access to one of the largest public charging networks in Europe through one card or the myAudi app.
Charging on the go for the first time? Here’s what you should know about public charging stations.
Different charging capabilities and speeds
Public chargers offer different charging speeds. The slower chargers will use AC power whereas the more powerful rapid chargers will use DC. AC chargers tend to be found in residential areas, car parks and shopping centres, whilst DC chargers are usually found on motorways and some large retailers. Public chargers tend to be classified as:<br>
• Slow (3kW - 7kW)<br>
• Fast (7.1kW - 22kW)<br>
• Rapid (23kW - 50kW)<br>
• Ultra Rapid (100kW - 350kW)<br>
The charging capabilities will be displayed on the unit.
Different plug types and cables
Public chargers come with different plug types and cables
AC public chargers will come with different plug types. They will have either a 3-pin, Commando, Type 1 or Type 2 plug connector. Type 2 is the most common in Europe and used by Audi and other European Brands. AC chargers come either tethered or untethered. Tethered units include a cable that you plug directly into your car, whilst untethered units mean you have to use a mode 3 AC charging cable. All plug-in hybrid and Audi fully electric models will come with this cable (so if you do need to use an untethered charging station, you can use this cable to plug one end into the car and the other into the charger).
DC chargers will have either a Chademo, Tesla Type 2 or CCS plug connector. CCS (Combined Charging System) is the EU standard and most common, this is what Audi and other European brands use for DC charging. All DC chargers will have specialist tethered cables attached to their units.
Different operators
The UK has a large number of public electric vehicle charging networks, some offering national coverage and others concentrating on specific regions. The major UK-wide networks today include BP Pulse, IONITY, Ecotricity, GeniePoint, Instavolt, Engenie, ESB Energy, Shell Recharge and Charge Your Car.
Different payment methods
Payment methods vary too, some networks offer their own charging cards, such as contactless RFID cards whilst others use payment apps or contactless bank cards. The cost depends on the power level of the station and the tariff model of the network provider.
We’ve designed the Audi charging service to make it simple and easy to pay for charging with just one card/app.
Type 2 is the EU standard and the most common plug in Europe.
It is compatible with all Audi plug-in hybrids (TFSI e) and fully electric models (e-tron).
CCS (Combined Charging Systems) - For DC charging
This is what you will find on the rapid and ultra rapid charge points. It provides the fastest charging times. CCS is the EU standard and most common DC plug in Europe.
Compatible with all Audi fully electric models (e-tron).
3-pin socket
Occasionally you may want to charge your car through the Audi Compact System using a 3-pin socket.
If using a domestic socket please consult an electrician before plugging in for the first time*.
Plan your journey with Zap-Map
Zap-Map helps you find your nearest charging station. It includes information on the different public networks, their charging methods and payment options.
For added convenience we recommend you download the latest Zap-Map app and identify the network operators and charging stations in your local area/daily route.
Audi have partnered with other manufacturers to form Ionity, a joint venture to create a European high–power charging network.
Ionity are installing more than 400 high-performance stations across the UK* and Europe. The result? Faster charging in more places across the continent.
Ionity in the UK
Initially located along major motorways, Ionity stations have the capability to charge at an ultra-fast record setting output of up to 350kW.
Stop, charge, drink a coffee, go. Payment is quick and easy, you can pay with the Audi e-tron Charging Service card or you can pay on the spot via smartphone or credit card.