Volkswagen Group has engineered a self-operating, mobile electric vehicle charger capable of independently locating vehicles within parking facilities, providing them with power, and returning to its designated base station without any human assistance.

This prototype, a creation of VW Group Components, demonstrates the automaker’s strategy for expanding charging capabilities in the coming years to accommodate the anticipated increase in demand as electric vehicle production and sales rise. Volkswagen Group has pledged to introduce a wide range of electric models over the next ten years, with the Volkswagen brand aiming to produce and deliver 1.5 million electric vehicles by 2025.

“Establishing a robust and effective charging infrastructure is a critical undertaking for the entire automotive industry,” stated Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components. “We are innovating solutions to minimize the need for expensive, isolated installations. This mobile charging robot, alongside our adaptable fast-charging station, exemplifies this approach.”

VW Group is currently developing a range of DC charging solutions, including a DC wallbox offering charging speeds of up to 22 kilowatts. The company initiated trials of this DC wallbox earlier this month at select German manufacturing locations. Furthermore, VW Group intends to introduce a more permanent, yet flexible, quick-charging station in early 2021.

While a specific launch date for the mobile charging robot remains undetermined, the company confirms that it will undergo substantial further development now that a functional prototype has been achieved. One essential requirement for the mobile charger’s commercial viability is car-to-X communication, enabling vehicles to interact with surrounding infrastructure.

The charging robot prototype can be activated through a smartphone application initiated by the vehicle owner or via car-to-X technology. Upon activation, the mobile charger “awakens” with illuminated displays resembling eyes and autonomously navigates to the vehicle. It is designed to open the charging port flap and connect or disconnect the charging cable. The robot can also transport a mobile energy storage unit to and from the vehicle, returning it to a central charging point once charging is finished.

Schmall emphasized that the DC charging products are being designed not only with customer requirements and the technical specifications of electric vehicles in mind, but also with the economic opportunities for potential collaborators, such as parking facility and garage operators.

A video showcasing the mobile charging robot in operation can be viewed below.