Recharging an EV can be a trial at the best of times. Finding a charger that isn’t broken or occupied can be an ordeal, but imagine a disabled driver getting out of the car, into a chair, only to find the station is out of service? Ford is trialling a prototype robot charging station used through a smartphone app without having to get out of the car. After a few swipes the robot does all the work.

Disabled drivers have said that ease of charging is their key purchase consideration for electric vehicles. This test unit could also be used for autonomous vehicles, and of course, able-bodied drivers.

Operation is simple: Once activated, the station cover slides open and a charging arm moves towards the vehicle’s inlet using a tiny camera to accurately find and connect to the inlet. Drivers could watch the charge status via the FordPass app, and once complete, the arm retracts back into place.

The robot charging station was custom-made by Dortmund University, in Germany, and could be installed in disabled parking spaces, car parks or at private homes. The units could also provide fast and efficient charging of company fleets, as well as supporting more powerful charging to charge vehicles in a much shorter time.

This Week Review: 2022 LEXUS UX300e Electric SUV Full Gaycarboys REVIEW

Help Support Gay Car Boys Subscribe to our Youtube Channel 

ABOVE: Ford trials robot charging station for EVs

ensconced, drivers could simply wait for the system to operate, connect, then begin the charge. The driver would be free to go about their day while the process completed.

On the road to electrification

A follow-up project with IONITY looks to further improve the robot charging station.

Further Ford research involves robot charging solutions combined with Automated Valet Parking, as demonstrated at IAA in Munich, Germany, last year.

Ford’s fast-growing Blue Oval Charging Network provides customers with access to a network of over 300,000 chargers across Europe. To help drivers find charging stations and pay for charging, Ford Charge Assist can be accessed using the touchscreen of Ford’s SYNC 4 connectivity and entertainment system. 4

Quotes

“Ford is committed to ensuring freedom of movement and right now refuelling or charging your vehicle can be a major problem for some drivers. The robot charging station could be an added convenience for some people but – absolutely essential for others.”

Birger Fricke, research engineer, Research and Innovation Center, Ford of Europe

“I stopped filling up my car myself years ago, because it became very strenuous. My husband does it for me. The introduction of a robot charging station would offer me a much greater level of independence.”

Angela Aben, Employee Communications, Ford of Europe, who uses a power-assisted wheelchair to gain more mobility and independence

Other GayCarBoys EV Stories:

Discover more from Gay Car Boys

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.