Volkswagen Group Components this week rolled out—literally—a prototype of its mobile EV charging robot.
One of VW's "visionary charging concepts," the machine promises fully autonomous charging of vehicles in restricted parking areas like underground parking lots.
"A ubiquitous charging infrastructure is and remains a key factor in the success of electric mobility," Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schmall said in a statement. "Our charging robot is just one of several approaches, but undoubtedly one of the most visionary."
Start it up via an accompanying app or radio-based Car-to-X communication and the self-sufficient bot takes care of everything—from opening the charging socket flap to connecting the plug and decoupling it. And unlike stationary charging stations, this robot makes it easy to "electrify" parking spaces, reducing construction work and costs.
"The entire charging process takes place without any human involvement whatsoever," according to VW. It can even replenish several vehicles at once, thanks to its mobile energy storage unit. Once complete, the roving robot collects the unit and returns it to the central charging station.
The droid, having successfully reached prototype status, will head back to the lab for further development—specifically, better Car-to-X communication. VW's flexible quick-charging station, meanwhile, is expected to hit the market early next year.
"Establishing a charging infrastructure is a fundamental prerequisite for [the electrification of transport]. But it needs to be demand-led and efficient," Schmall said. "Our developments do not just focus on customers' needs and the technical prerequisites of electric vehicles. They also consider the economical possibilities they offer potential partners."