Audi partners with GridCars to enable ultra-fast EV charging in South Africa

Audi South Africa has announced its partnership with GridCars to install ultra-fast charging stations in the country, to become the first EV brand to invest in 150 kW public chargers in the South African market.

The charging points will provide up to 150 kW of DC charge to electric vehicles. As part of this, Audi will invest in setting up 70 new EV chargers across 33 sites to expand on the existing public charging network in South Africa. These new charging stations will offer services to all EV consumers regardless of vehicle ownership.

"The investment and partnership with GridCars demonstrate our brand philosophy that the 'future is an attitude'", Sascha Sauer, Managing Director of Audi South Africa explains.

"As we prepare for the arrival of our e-Tron range, we understand that there is more to be done as an automotive brand than simply providing the product, we also have to enable and partner with those who can empower the transition to an electric future with ease and understanding. Our public chargers are new and incremental to the current EV charging network in South Africa," Sauer says.

"GridCars operates and manages the most extensive network of public charging stations across the country. This exciting partnership and additional investment with Audi not only expand the network but allows it to be upgraded with additional ultra-fast charging opportunities which is a first for our country, for all EV drivers", says Winstone Jordaan, Managing Director at GridCars.

"The possibilities for EV adoption in South Africa are already positive and through this partnership with Audi South Africa, we are hoping to further progress the EV journey and tackle the challenges around charging, range and accessibility", Jordaan adds.

GridCars has already begun the installation of Audi branded chargers since last month and will carry on through early 2022 in time for the planned retail launch of the Audi e-tron range in the first quarter. This investment is over and above the charging stations installed at the ten Audi e-tron Dealerships, which will offer an additional ten 50kW to 75kW (DC) chargers with 20 connectors.