Volkswagen Group Components has released images and animated video of a prototypes mobile charging robot that it 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. 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,” explains Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components. “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.