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Every new Audi EV includes complimentary DC fast charging at Electrify America stations, but the amount varies significantly by model. The 2025 Q6 e-tron and A6 e-tron receive one year of unlimited free charging[1]. The e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT get three years unlimited[2]. The Q4 e-tron receives a smaller 250 kWh credit valid for two years[3]. All benefits require enrollment through the myAudi app to activate.
Free Charging Benefits by Audi Model
Your charging benefit depends entirely on which Audi EV you purchased and when. Here’s the complete breakdown:
| Model | Model Year | Free Charging Benefit | Time Limit | kWh Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q6 e-tron | 2025 | 1 year unlimited[1] | 12 months | None |
| A6 e-tron | 2025 | 1 year unlimited[1] | 12 months | None |
| e-tron GT | 2022-2025 | 3 years unlimited[2] | 36 months | None |
| RS e-tron GT | 2022-2025 | 3 years unlimited[2] | 36 months | None |
| Q4 e-tron | 2024 | 250 kWh[3] | 24 months | 250 kWh |
| Q4 Sportback e-tron | 2024 | 250 kWh[3] | 24 months | 250 kWh |
| Q8 e-tron | 2023-2024 | 2 years unlimited[4] | 24 months | None |
The “unlimited” plans have no restrictions on the number of sessions or kWh per session[1]. You can charge as often as you want within the time period. For Q4 e-tron owners, 250 kWh translates to roughly 750-1,000 miles of driving depending on your efficiency[3].
How Much Is Audi’s Free Charging Worth?
The dollar value of your free charging depends on how much you drive and Electrify America’s current rates. At current EA pricing of approximately $0.43 per kWh (Pass+ member rate), here’s what your benefit is worth[5]:
| Model | Charging Benefit | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| e-tron GT (3 years) | ~9,000 kWh typical | $3,870+ |
| Q6/A6 e-tron (1 year) | ~3,000 kWh typical | $1,290+ |
| Q8 e-tron (2 years) | ~6,000 kWh typical | $2,580+ |
| Q4 e-tron (250 kWh) | 250 kWh cap | $107.50 |
The e-tron GT’s three-year unlimited benefit stands out as the most valuable perk in the luxury EV market[2]. If you’re comparing the 2025 Audi e-tron GT against competitors like the Porsche Taycan, factor in nearly $4,000 in charging savings over three years.
How to Activate Audi Free Charging
Setting up your complimentary charging requires enrollment through the myAudi ecosystem. The process takes about 10 minutes[6].
Step-by-Step Activation
- Download the myAudi app from the App Store or Google Play
- Create a myAudi account using your vehicle’s VIN
- Navigate to the “Audi Charging” or “Start Charger” section
- Accept the Electrify America promotion terms and conditions[7]
- Verify your vehicle and charging plan details appear correctly
Once enrolled, you can view your remaining credit or expiration date directly in the myAudi app under the charging section[7]. For Q4 e-tron owners with a kWh cap, the app displays your remaining balance after each session.
Using Your Free Charging at EA Stations
There are two ways to charge using your Audi benefit at Electrify America stations: the myAudi app method and Plug & Charge[6].
MyAudi App Method
This works for all Audi EVs with free charging benefits:
- Drive to any Electrify America DC fast-charging station
- Plug the CCS connector into your Audi
- Open the myAudi app
- Enter the charging station ID number displayed on the charger screen
- The app initiates your session using your free credit
- Receive a notification when charging completes[6]
Plug & Charge Method
Select Audi models—including the Q6 e-tron, A6 e-tron, Q8 e-tron, and e-tron GT—support Plug & Charge technology[8]. Once activated through your vehicle’s MMI settings, you simply plug in and charging begins automatically. No app interaction required.
To enable Plug & Charge on compatible vehicles:
- Enroll in your free charging plan via myAudi first
- Navigate to your vehicle’s MMI system
- Find the Charging or e-tron settings menu
- Enable Plug & Charge[9]
- Within 12 hours, the feature activates at all EA stations[10]
Electrify America was the first open DC fast-charging network to enable Plug & Charge at all its stations nationwide[8]. This convenience feature alone makes the Audi-EA partnership more seamless than most competing EV charging experiences.
Limitations and Fine Print
Your Audi Electrify America free charging benefit comes with several restrictions worth understanding[7]:
- Vehicle-specific: The credit only works for the specific Audi VIN enrolled in the plan. You cannot charge other vehicles—even other Audis you own—using your free credit[7].
- Non-transferable: If you sell your Audi before the benefit expires, the remaining credit doesn’t transfer to the new owner[7]. Used Audi EV buyers don’t inherit free charging from previous owners.
- Commercial use prohibited: Vehicles used for ridesharing, taxi services, or other commercial purposes are explicitly excluded from the program[7].
- Use it or lose it: Once your time period expires, any unused kWh credit disappears. Audi won’t extend the deadline or let you reload more credit[7].
- Idle fees still apply: While charging is free, Electrify America’s idle fees kick in if you leave your vehicle plugged in after reaching full charge. This prevents station hogging but can catch you off guard[5].
After Your Free Charging Ends
When your complimentary period expires, you have several options to continue charging at Electrify America stations.
Electrify America Membership Plans
The most economical option is signing up for EA’s Pass+ membership at $4 per month, which reduces per-kWh rates significantly[5]. If you charge frequently, the membership pays for itself quickly. Alternatively, the free “Pass” tier charges higher per-kWh rates but has no monthly fee.
Alternative Charging Networks
Nothing locks you into Electrify America after your Audi benefit expires. Many best EV chargers work with Audi vehicles, and networks like ChargePoint, EVgo, and Tesla Superchargers (with an adapter) offer competitive pricing in many areas. Audi recently announced expanded access to Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) network via adapters[11].
Home Charging
For daily driving, home charging remains far cheaper than any public network—typically $0.12-0.15 per kWh versus $0.43+ at EA stations[5]. Consider a Level 2 home charger installation if you haven’t already. Audi partners with Qmerit for white-glove home charger installation services[2].
Audi vs. Competitor Free Charging Offers
How does Audi’s Electrify America partnership compare to what other luxury EV brands offer?
| Brand | Model | Free Charging Offer | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi | e-tron GT | 3 years unlimited[2] | Electrify America |
| Audi | Q6/A6 e-tron | 1 year unlimited[1] | Electrify America |
| BMW | iX/i4/i5/i7 | 2 years / 30 min sessions[12] | Electrify America |
| Porsche | Taycan | 3 years / 30 min sessions | Electrify America |
| Mercedes | EQS/EQE | 2 years / $1,000 credit | Electrify America |
Audi’s unlimited sessions without time caps give it an edge over BMW’s charging approach, which limits free sessions to 30 minutes each[12]. The e-tron GT’s three-year unlimited benefit matches Porsche’s Taycan offer but without the 30-minute session restriction.
That said, Audi’s Q4 e-tron benefit (250 kWh) is notably less generous than competitors’ unlimited time-based offers. For a vehicle with roughly 250 miles of range, 250 kWh covers only about 3-4 full charges from empty[3].
Key Takeaways
- e-tron GT owners get the best deal—three years of unlimited free charging at Electrify America stations worth potentially $3,800+ in value[2]
- Q6 e-tron and A6 e-tron receive one year unlimited free charging with no session or kWh restrictions[1]
- Q4 e-tron’s 250 kWh cap is relatively modest—covering only about 750-1,000 miles of driving over two years[3]
- Plug & Charge simplifies the experience on compatible models by eliminating the need to use your phone at the charger[8]
- Benefits don’t transfer to used car buyers—only original purchasers can enroll and use the free charging credit[7]
- Idle fees still apply even during free charging, so move your vehicle promptly after reaching full charge[5]
FAQs
How do I check my remaining Audi free charging balance?
Open the myAudi app and navigate to the “Start Charger” or “Audi Charging” section[7]. For time-based plans (Q6, e-tron GT), you’ll see your expiration date. For kWh-capped plans (Q4 e-tron), the app displays your remaining kilowatt-hours after each charging session. The balance updates within minutes of completing a charge.
Can I use Audi free charging on a used or CPO vehicle?
No. The free charging benefit only applies to the original purchaser and doesn’t transfer to subsequent owners[7]. If you’re buying a used Audi EV like the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron, assume no free charging remains—verify with the seller whether they’ve already enrolled and depleted the benefit before purchasing.
Does Audi free charging work at Tesla Superchargers?
What happens if an Electrify America charger doesn’t work?
If a specific charger malfunctions, try a different stall at the same station. If the entire station is down, you can contact Electrify America customer assistance at 1-833-632-2778, available 24/7[6]. Your free charging session won’t count against your benefit if it fails to initiate properly.
Is Audi free charging really unlimited?
For the e-tron GT, Q6 e-tron, and Q8 e-tron—yes, within the specified time period. There are no restrictions on session count or kWh per session[7]. You can theoretically charge multiple times daily for the entire benefit period. The Q4 e-tron is the exception, with a hard cap at 250 kWh regardless of how quickly you use it[3].
References
- Green Car Reports. (2025). Audi Q6 E-Tron and A6 E-Tron get one year free fast-charging at Electrify America. https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1146044_audi-q6-e-tron-and-a6-e-tron-get-one-year-free-fast-charging-at-electrify-america
- Audi Media USA. (2021). 2022 Audi e-tron GT to arrive with available premium charging. https://media.audiusa.com/releases/481
- Audi USA. (2025). Charging your e-tron – Electrify America Disclaimer. https://www.audiusa.com/en/ev-hub/charging/
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Electrek. (2025). Electrify America sweetens the deal for the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron.
Electrify America sweetens the deal for the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron
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byu/No_Bug_1900 inAudiQ6 - Audi USA. (2025). Audi announces availability of NACS DC charging adapter. https://www.audiusa.com/en/ev-hub/charging/
- Audi Club NA. (2025). Electrify America and Audi Expand Charging Agreement. https://audiclubna.org/electrify-america-and-audi-of-america-expand-their-charging-agreement-to-include-the-new-q6-e-tron/
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
