Intelligent assistant for electric driving: the Audi e-tron route planner

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 percent 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.