Conversion of the charging port from the Chinese GB/T to the European CCS Type 2/Combo 2 on the Audi Q4 e-tron

The problem with the car was the incompatibility of the Chinese GB/T standard charging system with European charging stations. This created difficulties for the owner of the Audi Q4 e-tron, since the car, produced for the Chinese market, could not charge at European stations with the required speed and reliability. The solution was to replace the charging port and all associated components with a system that complies with the European CCS Type 2/Combo 2 standard. The charging port, cables, charging module were replaced and the software was calibrated. After modernization, the car is successfully charged at European stations, ensuring stable charging speed and reliability.

Electric cars made in China are gaining more and more popularity in Europe. Especially if they are models of well-known global brands, but made in China. In fact, these cars are no different from those manufactured in Europe or America, except for... the price. Thanks to a system of incentives and cheaper production, it is much lower than for similar models assembled in other regions. That's why many Europeans buy electric cars from China... and face some other problems.

What to do to operate an electric car from China in Europe

The main inconvenience that awaits car owners from China is the discrepancy between the local standards of chargers and the European ones. They use the GB/T system, while in Europe, they use the CCS Type 2/Combo 2. In theory, adapters can help, but in practice, they are quite difficult and inconvenient to use. The European and Chinese systems have different characteristics, so many charging stations do not recognise such devices, the charging speed is low, and sometimes problems arise up to the point of fire.

In our opinion, there is only one way out of this situation. If the owner plans to use their electric car only in Europe (and not drive it to China and back), they need to change the charging port to a European one. This is quite easy to do, especially if the car has a local analogue, such as the Audi Q4 e-tron that came to us at STS.Electro.

Progress of work on replacing the charging system

 

Technically, this car is almost a complete analogue of the Volkswagen ID.4, but has some differences in the interior. Another point is that this car, like most assembled in China, is mono-drive, it has one electric motor, it is installed at the back. The car is brand new, with a mileage of about 500 km, the only drawback is the mismatch of the charging system.

In order to change the type of charging, you need a complete set:

A complete set is required

• charging port;
• port cover;
• cables;charging module (Charger).

 

Replacing this device is also mandatory to ensure the correct charging mode and speed. Moreover, the manufacturer made it in a one-piece case. On the one hand, this solution improves the tightness of the module, which is not superfluous, given that it is located very close to the road. On the other hand, it makes the Charger practically a disposable part - in the event of a breakdown, it is unlikely that anything can be done with it, only replaced.

Actually, removing and replacing the charging module is the lion's share of the work. To get to it, you need to remove the plastic protection from the rear of the bottom of the car. And also unscrew the stabiliser to remove the Charger itself and the wires that go to it. By the way, the wires are located very low here, but thanks to the protection, no incidents with them occur.

Since the charging module is also included in the list of units cooled by the standard liquid system, we have to drain the antifreeze. We re-route and connect the pre-purchased cables to the battery, as well as all the other components required to convert our Audi Q4 e-tron to the CCS Type 2/Combo 2 charging system.

We change the Charger, charging port, cover, and assemble the car in the reverse order. We connect the hoses to the module, add antifreeze, and check the system. Adjust the software and put the car on charge. During the charging process, you need to monitor the coolant level - it will have to be topped up a little.

The display on the charging station shows that the car is capable of receiving 44 kW and that charging is going well, the battery has received about 0.3 kW in thirty seconds, and in general, it is currently 17% charged. We recharged the electric car and handed it over to the customer. Now he will not have any problems at any of the European charging stations.