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Audi has implemented a cutting-edge grid simulator at its Ingolstadt charging test center, enabling the company to replicate global power grids for electric vehicle (EV) testing. This flexible simulation system, developed in collaboration with Bosch Rexroth and Schmidbaur, allows Audi to test EV charging under real-world conditions from different sales regions. The insights gained will be directly applied to vehicle research and development, ensuring optimal charging performance worldwide.
Key Highlights:
- First-of-its-kind grid simulator replicates global power grids, allowing Audi to test its EVs under different voltage and frequency conditions.
- Developed by Bosch Rexroth and Schmidbaur, the system supports voltages from 100 to 540 volts and frequencies between 40 and 65 hertz.
- Field testing improves vehicle software, enabling better compatibility with global charging infrastructure.
- Reduces the need for international testing, saving time and costs while enhancing customer charging experiences worldwide.
Enhancing EV Charging Worldwide
Audi’s flexible power grid simulation addresses the variations in electrical infrastructure across different regions. For instance, North America typically operates on 120 volts and 60 hertz, while Europe relies on 230 volts and 50 hertz. This disparity can affect EV charging efficiency and compatibility.
“With the grid simulator, we can test whether our models can successfully charge with charging stations in the US or China, for example,” explains Daniel Ettinger, Audi’s project manager.
The 500 kW grid simulator supports single-phase, two-phase, three-phase, and split-phase networks, ensuring comprehensive real-world testing. By simulating different charging conditions on its own premises, Audi refines vehicle software to optimize charging speeds, reliability, and efficiency—resulting in a seamless global charging experience for customers.
This innovative approach helps Audi stay ahead in the evolving EV landscape, making charging faster, more efficient, and tailored to local grid conditions—regardless of where drivers plug in worldwide.
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