Once on the road, drivers can rely on always traveling the fastest of all possible routes, supported by the system ideally planning the required charging stops – whenever the destination is located outside of the car’s range.
Using new algorithms, the extended e-tron route planner is geared to more effectively taking the unique characteristics of electric driving into account. Daily data updates and individual routes enhance everyday usability.
On the battery-electric models, the Audi e-tron route planner extends the previously known navigation functions of the Audi MMI (Multi Media Interface) by the specific needs of e-car drivers.
In addition, it assists them in optimally handling the requirements of electric mobility especially when traveling medium and longer distances.
The e-tron route planner calculates the fastest route, considers traffic and road data, includes the driver’s driving style, calculates the duration of the charging stops and incorporates them in planning the total travel time.
Users receive important information such as the charging capacity or charging connections and plug types for the relevant charging stations.
Moreover, the system indicates dynamic availability, for instance, whether or not charging stations are vacant or occupied, always with a bias for moving forward quickly.
For example, two short charging processes with high charging capacity may yield time-related advantages over one long stop with low charging capacity.
Alternative routes with better charging infrastructure are considered in the calculation of the optimal total travel time as well.
The Audi e-tron route planner gives preference to the powerful HPC charging stations (HPC = High Power Charging).
They are able to charge the high-voltage battery, for instance in the Audi e-tron Sportback 55 quattro, with up to 150 kW direct current (DC).
Under ideal conditions, charging from 5 to 80% of the battery’s capacity takes only around half an hour. A push notification on the myAudi app indicates to the driver when the desired state of charge (SoC) has been achieved and the trip can be continued.
Since 2020, the third generation of the Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB 3) with ten times higher computing power has been offering e-tron route planner functions that have been enhanced once again.
A new algorithm improves everyday usability of the extended route planner: daily data updates of potential charging stations and a portfolio of alternative routes that have been optimized for the requirements of e-cars assist drivers even more effectively.
Among other things, the daily data updates include detailed information such as payment and authentication opportunities, accurate station operator data and potential access restrictions.
The Audi e-tron route planner is available in all of Audi’s sales regions. In Europe, the e-tron route planner benefits from a well-established network of Audi’s proprietary e-tron Charging Service currently comprising about 180,000 public charging stations.
A particularly convenient aspect of the service makes it possible for customers to travel in 26 European countries using just one charging card and paying the same country-wide prices.
