Charging on the go &gt; Charging &gt; Audi UK

Connect to a powerful network

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.

Learn More

3 simple ways to find public charging stations

Audi’s intuitive navigation system

Your Audi’s intuitive navigation system will pinpoint convenient charging stops on your route.
The myAudi app

The myAudi app finds public charging stations and plans your route – all from the convenience of your phone.
myAudi App
Third party apps

Third party apps, such as the Zap-Map, locate your nearest charging station on the move.
Zap-Map

Need to knows

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:

• Slow (3kW - 7kW)
• Fast (7.1kW - 22kW)
• Rapid (23kW - 50kW)
• Ultra Rapid (100kW - 350kW)⁴

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.
Learn More

Different Audi plug types

Audi models charge with the following plug types:

Type 2 - For AC charging

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 time².

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.

Learn More

Learn More

The future of charging

What is Ionity?

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 UK³ 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. For the Audi Q8 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro, it means the battery can be recharged from 10 - 80% in under 30 minutes⁴.

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.
Find Ionity stations

Source: Charging Data from Zap-Map (https://www.zap-map.com/statistics/) shows that as of 14th January there were 10,621 charging locations across the UK, hosting a total of 17,092 charging devices. In contrast, according to Statista (https://www.statista.com/statistics/312331/number-of-petrol-stations-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/) there are currently only 8,394 petrol stations in the UK, a figure that is continuing to decline.

Contact an electrician before plugging into a domestic socket for the first time as suitability for charging using a domestic socket will depend on the condition of the wiring in your home. If the domestic socket is on the same circuit as other appliances, particularly those in frequent use, the additional amperage may be enough to trip a breaker switch. Establishing a separate circuit for charging will help make sure the car is fed a full night of uninterrupted current. We recommend using an electric vehicle home wall box with its own separate circuit. We recommend that you keep the Compact Charging System in the vehicle in case of an emergency or temporary need to plug in to a 3-pin socket whilst away from home. The compact charging system is currently unavailable with some of our TFSI e models, however these models will still come with an alternative charging system to allow charging via a 3-pin plug. The AC charging cable (mode 3 type 2) is not affected and will also be supplied. The industrial charging cable is not included for these vehicles. For more information, please speak to your local Audi centre.

Limited number of Ionity stations currently available in the UK, with numbers planned to increase.

⁴

Timings based on a 10 to 80% charge using an ultra-rapid DC public charge station at the vehicle’s maximum charging capability. Ultra rapid charging stations are still limited in the UK, with numbers planned to increase. Actual charging times will vary depending on various factors, including the selected vehicle (and battery option, if available), the type of charger used, the level of charge in the battery, the age type, condition and temperature of the charger and the battery, the power supply, ambient temperature at the point of use and other environmental factors. Charging times will also be affected by the charging curve (for example, once charging passes 80%, charging will slow to protect the battery's longevity) and will be longer if battery temperature activates safeguarding technology.