Volkswagen Mobile Charging Robot
Hoping to expand into the charging infrastructure over the coming years, Volkswagen have given customers a glimpse of a new visionary charging concept: the mobile charging robot. Tasked with charging vehicles fully autonomously in restricted parking areas such as underground car parks.
“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,”
Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Components’ CEO
The robot is started via an app or Car-to-X communication which operates totally autonomously. Communicating and steering the vehicle to be charged, it opens the charging socket and controls the entire charging process without any human intervention. The robot is also able to charge multiple vehicles at once, by moving a trailer which stores mobile energy and connecting it to charge the battery of the electric vehicle. In the meantime, the robot charges other vehicles and independently removes the storage unit from other vehicles and stores it back in the central charging station.
“Setting up an efficient charging infrastructure for the future is a central task that challenges the entire sector. 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.”
Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Components’ CEO
Whilst the business unit is currently working on a complete DC charging family, the new quick-charge station is set to launch in early 2021. The DC wallbox has been trialled at different company’s German production sites and the mobile charging robot has successfully reached prototype status for further development. One of the prerequisites for market maturity is Car-to-X communication to facilitate the autonomous charging process. 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.
“Establishing a charging infrastructure is a fundamental prerequisite for this. But it needs to be demand-led and efficient. 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.”
Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Components’ CEO
They enable the operators of parking bays and underground car parks to quickly and simply “electrify” every parking space using the mobile charging robot. This reduces any construction work needed, at the same time reducing the potential cost.
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