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The Mobile Fueling Robot from Volkswagen Group Components Brings a Trailer in the Form of a Mobile Energy Storage Device for Electric Cars.
The Volkswagen Group has developed a fueling robot for electric cars that can autonomously navigate parking areas, start a car, and then return to its outpost without human intervention.
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“Establishing an efficient charging infrastructure for the future is a core task that challenges the entire industry,” said Volkswagen Group CEO Thomas Schmall in a statement. “We are developing solutions to help avoid costly autonomous measures. The mobile charging robot and our flexible fast-charging station are just two of those solutions.”
The Power of New Technology
The Volkswagen Group is developing a portfolio of different charging products with robots, including a DC wall box that charges up to 22 kilowatts. The automaker began testing its embedded DC box earlier this month at some of its production sites in Germany. The Volkswagen Group is also planning to launch a flexible fast-charging station — even more stationary — in early 2021.
The mobile fueling robot does not have a release date. The company has now stated that it has achieved prototype status that will be “widely developed.” There is a caveat for the mobile charger. VW mentioned that Vehicle-to-X communication, which allows a vehicle to “talk” to the infrastructure, will be a prerequisite for the mobile charger to reach market maturity.
With a Simple Tap on Your Cell Phone, You Fuel Your Car with the Fueling Robot
The charging robot prototype can be initiated through an app launched by the vehicle owner or via vehicle-to-X communication. As soon as communication begins, the cell charger turns on — two digital eyes open on the screen — and it heads toward an electric car.
The mobile fueling robot opens the charging socket cover and also connects or disconnects the plug. The robot is also capable of moving and connecting electric cars to an energy storage unit.
Once charging is complete, the robot collects the mobile energy storage unit and takes it back to a central charging station.
Schmall stated that DC charging products will not only focus on customer needs and the technical prerequisites of electric cars, but will also consider the economic possibilities of potential partners, such as parking lot operators and underground parking facilities.
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