As EVs become more and more popular and more affordable, charging infrastructure becomes increasingly important. In fact, many buyers of Tesla vehicles specify Tesla's expanding charging network as an important factor in the purchase of the automaker's vehicles. Those that live in large complexes often skip even looking at EVs since they have few charging options (that will be less problematic as charging stations become as numerous as gas stations). Volkswagen is developing a robotic charger that will autonomously charge a vehicle in restricted parking areas and underground structures utilizing a phone app or other communication. The unit independently steers to the vehicle to be charged and communicates with it: from opening the charging socket flap to connecting the plug and decoupling it. The entire charging process takes place without any human involvement whatsoever. To charge several vehicles at the same time, the mobile robot moves a mobile energy storage unit to the vehicle, connects it, and then uses this energy storage unit to charge the vehicle and repeats the process to charge other vehicles. Once the vehicle is fully charged, the robot independently collects the mobile energy storage unit and takes it back to the central charging station. Welcome to the 21st Century. The units shown here are prototypes and show just how committed VW is to our electrified future. More to come...
Source: Volkswagen - Media release, pics, and video (after the "read more" jump)
