Volkswagen shows latest robotic charger prototype

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)

Media Release:

Volkswagen Group Components previews mobile charging robot

• First glimpse of the prototype mobile charging robot
• CEO Schmall: “Available charging infrastructure is key in the success of electric mobility”
• Charging and charging systems combined as core issues at Group Components

Volkswagen Group Components gives the first glimpse of the prototypes of its mobile charging robot. This is one of the visionary charging concepts that Volkswagen hopes will expand the charging infrastructure over the next few years. Its task: fully autonomous charging of vehicles in restricted parking areas, like underground garages. “A ubiquitous charging infrastructure is, and remains, a key factor in the success of electric mobility. Our charging robot is just one of several approaches, but is undoubtedly one of the most visionary,” explains Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components.

The charging robot—started via an app or Car-to-X communication—operates totally autonomously. It 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.

“Setting up an efficient charging infrastructure for the future is a central task that challenges the entire sector,” says Schmall. “We are developing solutions to help avoid costly stand-alone measures. The mobile charging robot and our flexible quick-charging station are just two of these solutions.”

The business unit is currently working on a complete DC charging family. The flexible quick-charging station will be launched onto the market in early 2021. The mobile charging robot has successfully reached prototype status and will now be comprehensively further developed. One of the prerequisites for market maturity is Car-to-X communication to facilitate the autonomous charging process.

In the future, Volkswagen Group Components will be responsible for all Volkswagen Group charging activities and charging systems. The intention is to integrate the charging robot into an overall concept that will focus on the long-term success of electric mobility, and thus the electrification of transport. “Our developments do not just focus on customers’ needs and the technical prerequisites of electric vehicles, says Schmall. “They also consider the economic possibilities they offer potential partners.” They enable the operators of parking structures to quickly and simply “electrify” every parking space by utilizing the mobile charging robot. This reduces any construction work needed, at the same time reducing the potential cost.

About Volkswagen
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America and a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, with headquarters in Herndon, Virginia. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Arteon, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Golf, Golf GTI, Jetta, Jetta GLI, Passat, and Tiguan vehicles through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

 

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